Columbia University
Undergraduate Student Life – Office of Student Engagement
Position Opening: Director of Broadcasting and Operations
The Director of Broadcasting and Operations will advise/supervise the general and operational
management of WKCR-FM, to work in tandem with the student Board of Directors as well as have direct
authority over its Engineer/Chief Operator and be responsible for all areas of daily operation and
fundraising development. The Director will regularly monitor Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
rules, regulations, and terminology as they relate to station operation and file regulatory paperwork. The
Director will recommend and implement with the student board necessary changes to stay within Federal
compliance guidelines. The incumbent will be responsible for protecting the financial and programming
interests of the station and prevent institutional liability and the potential for fines and/or forfeitures for the
station and the licensee resulting from violations of standard broadcasting policies by reviewing station
compliance with all required FCC guidelines; spearheads development and execution of fundraising
events for the station and has a proven familiarity with non-profit fundraising; monitors the student Board
of Directors in terms of performance and act in the role of an advisor to the students in areas of radio
station policy and procedure conformance. The Director will supervise the Engineer and Chief Operator,
in compliance with FCC Code Sec. 73.1870, and maintain supervisory oversight sufficient to know that all
FCC requirements are fulfilled in a timely and correct manner; coordinate efforts with other University
stakeholders, departments and entities to optimize results and budget; and participate in outreach
activities for the station as well as oversee all publicity programs, including the impaneling and ongoing
coordination of a community advisory board. The Director will plan and manage the budget and finances
and ensure appropriate processes are in place and adhered to by WKCR. He/She will create reports to
review membership trends and identify opportunities for donor cultivation, provide stewardship of funds as
needed, and maintain a membership database. In conjunction with the various on campus technology
offices will oversee WKCR's presence on the worldwide web. The Director will oversee daily programming
and operational logs, supervise all engineering activities, and maintain operation schedules as well as
radio station inventory, supervise and/or conduct on-going media skills training for student members and
conduct media tours of the facility, as necessary. As part of the Office of Student Engagement, the
Director may advise a cohort of recognized student organizations and support the programming efforts of
the Office.
The Director will work with student organizations to develop strong advisory relationships with their
leaders and, when possible, their members. Utilize a strong knowledge of student development theory
and leadership development theory to inform advising practices and the development of services. Inform
advisees about relevant University and Office policies and procedures. Monitor student organization
budgets; negotiate contracts with performers, speakers and service providers. Provide evening and
weekend event coverage and advisement. Facilitate and encourage inter-organization communication
and collaboration and facilitate communication with the faculty/department advisors of the various
organizations and other University departments.
Additionally, the Director will provide planning, implementation, and support to programming efforts as
assigned by the Associate Dean. Lead or serve on cross-functional work teams within Undergraduate
Student Life to assess and develop programmatic efforts. Participate on various advising working groups,
policy committees, and informational panels.
Bachelor's degree required and plus a minimum of six years of progressive managerial experience in the
media/higher education industry (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
The candidate will have full knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations,
understand the concepts of the broadcast system and be cognizant of daily radio station operation, with
the ability to work in a team-oriented environment. The candidate must be innovative, self-motivated,
exhibit creative problem solving skills and have outstanding computer and organizational skills with the
ability to multi-task. The Director will possess outstanding written and oral presentation skills, with
preference for prior experience writing grant proposals. The Director will be a self-starter with proven
ability to work independently. The Director will have a demonstrated understanding of and strong
commitment to customer service, as well as a demonstrated commitment to working with diverse
populations in an urban setting.
Master's degree preferred. Experience working with students in a university setting is highly desirable,
especially in a college radio station setting.
Read full posting and submit resume and cover letter at: jobs.columbia.edu