Executive Director: WRFI Community Radio

Overview

WRFI Community Radio is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization as it enters a new phase of growth.

We're seeking a leader who understands the unique opportunities and challenges of community media today and is passionate about the value of local, hands-on, home grown radio that informs, elevates and uplifts the community. WRFI’s next leader will be excited about the opportunity to extend the station’s positive impact in the communities we serve and will share our deep commitment to content and engagement. 

The ideal candidate is: 

A highly skilled connector and community builder — They are excited about deepening the station’s connections in the community by developing innovative and unique partnerships.  

An outstanding storyteller, ambassador, and diplomatic champion –– They can passionately articulate our mission and our value to the community, build a strong case for support, grow listenership and membership, and inspire significant giving.

A leader and a doer — They are adept in spearheading strategic work and engaging volunteers, the Board of Directors (BOD), and our small staff. They are also enthusiastic about rolling up their sleeves and diving into the details to ensure the successful operation of the station.  

About the station

WRFI makes hands-on, homegrown radio. We empower, inform, and connect people and communities in Ithaca, the Finger Lakes, and beyond by amplifying local and under-represented perspectives, music, and cultures. We broadcast to about 300,000 potential listeners in Ithaca and the surrounding area in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes region. We have more than 60 local volunteer programmers. 

All members of WRFI’s leadership work to foster a positive organizational culture in accordance with our mission. We work to ensure that every aspect of the station’s operation is in keeping with the principles of anti-racism, inclusion, and equity; amplifying the voices of the oppressed; and recruiting and retaining people of color and members of other groups that have been socially or economically marginalized.

Ithaca Community Radio (WRFI) Executive Director Job Description

Purpose

The Executive Director (ED) furthers Ithaca Community Radio / WRFI’s mission by conducting or directing all station and organizational operations. They lead the organization’s development activities, cultivate community connections and participation in WRFI station activities, lead a large group of volunteers, and manage all paid staff. The ED reports to and is evaluated by the Board of Directors (BOD).

DUTIES

Fundraising and Development 30%

Lead WRFI’s fundraising and income generating initiatives and, with the BOD, ensure sufficient funds are available to support operations. Innovate and pursue diverse strategies to generate income including but not limited to on-air fund drives, mailings, grants, sponsorship sales, and fee-for-service activities. Cultivate and steward donors and track giving and relationships.

Engagement and Outreach 25%

Lead WRFI’s public-facing strategic engagement with communities of listeners, volunteers, and other stakeholders. Develop innovative and generative partnerships with aligned organizations. Ensure program content, station communication, and in-person events are used to maximize public engagement and volunteer participation. With the Program Director (PD), direct the use of broadcast, web, email, sms, social media and other platforms to create engagement with WRFI’s content, people, and activities, and to identify community needs and interests.

Leadership 10%

Ensure a regular, active, and engaging presence at the station and in the community. Support staff, volunteer, and community participation in furthering WRFI’s mission and strategic goals. Serve as an ambassador for WRFI, and, with the BOD, identify strategic goals and monitor indicators of organizational performance. Supervise all paid staff. Include diverse participants in station activities and support equitable access at all levels of the organization.

Operations 35%

Ensure WRFI’s day to day operations including but limited to: broadcast, web, and community programs, technological and physical infrastructure, compliance, financial management, policies, and staff and volunteer management. Work with WRFI’s BOD to execute related board initiatives and directives.

• Personnel and volunteer coordination 10%
  • Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment at the station and in the community. With other station staff, recruit, train, and retain an active group of on-air and other volunteers. With the Personnel Committee, recruit, and hire paid staff. Develop curricula and provide training and guidance for staff and volunteers. Conduct regular, staff performance evaluations. 
• Compliance, Recordkeeping, and Legal Affairs 10%
  • Ensure compliance with all contractual agreements, local, state and federal law and regulations. Engage attorneys and other consultants as needed. Manage risk and purchase required insurance policies, and maintain required certifications.
  • Protect WRFI’s nonprofit status with the IRS, as well as compliance with New York State, and other government agencies. Ensure that all WRFI’s operations comply with nonprofit law, keep appropriate records, and make required federal and state filings. 
  • With PD and other staff, protect all FCC licenses. Ensure that all applications and filings required to maintain WRFI’s compliance with the FCC and performance rights organizations are made correctly, completely, and on time. Thoroughly leverage FCC licenses to further WRFI’s mission and goals.
• Programming 5%
  • Supervise the PD who oversees content production and directs WRFI’s volunteer and paid content creators (if any). With the PD, ensure that content is consistent with WRFI’s mission and reflects community concerns and interests.
• Financial Management 5%
  • Maintain double-entry accounting of all of WRFI’s income and expenses. Make all purchases, run payroll, maintain financial records, and provide financial reports to the BOD and accountant. Keep records and track restricted grant spending, disbursements, and report to grantors.
• Infrastructure and Technology 5%
  • Ensure that station infrastructure is operational around the clock and is used to its maximum potential in alignment with the station’s mission. Supervise and collaborate with the engineering team which designs, installs, and maintains all organizational infrastructure and technology. 

WRFI Executive Director Search Details

Minimum Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience as a successful nonprofit manager and fundraiser;
• Understand and enthusiastically support WRFI's mission;
• Demonstrate the capacity to act as ambassador for WRFI with diverse local communities;
• Have outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, as well as an imaginative and creative orientation;
• Lead and collaborate with staff and community members from all walks of life; 
• Demonstrate organization, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work independently;
• Be committed to fostering diversity, inclusion and belonging at the station;
• Have strong roots in our local area, or a proven ability to forge relationships, build networks and partnerships, and develop community engagement; and
• Possess an ability to build a culture of giving and fundraising among all station stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Background in managing public or community radio or other media;
• Sponsorship or other sales experience; 
• Grant writing and reporting experience;
• Ability to manage double-entry accounting;
• Experience successfully operating within a modest budget;
• Experience leveraging volunteer labor and input, and other community resources;
• Exceptional technical and computer literacy: audio equipment, radio automation software (Rivendell or similar), audio editing, Quickbooks, Linux and Mac operating systems, graphic design software, Google Workspace.

How to Apply

Apply using Idealist.

References 

Following a preliminary interview, applicants may be asked to supply contact information for 3 professional references.

Pay and Benefits

$24-26 per hour for 35-40 hours per week. Two weeks paid vacation and up to 6 days of paid sick leave are provided per year. Federal holidays are paid days off. Note: we understand the need to support our staff and are currently building an improved benefit package.

Supervisory Status

This position is supervised by the BOD. The Executive Director will supervise a part time Program Director, a part time Operations and Volunteer Manager, and a Program Coordinator (3-4 hours/week), as well as any future paid staff.

About the WRFI Board of Directors

WRFI's Board is composed of 9-12 community volunteers who meet at least monthly with the ED. Board members include station hosts, nonprofit experts, and other dedicated supporters.

Equal Employment Opportunity

WRFI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. 

Location

The ED works primarily at the radio station headquarters in downtown Ithaca. Some remote work may be permissible provided it’s in keeping with performance of job duties.

Travel

Some regional travel is required for transmitter site maintenance, remote broadcasts, and outreach activities. Access to a reliable vehicle is preferred. Mileage for approved trips is reimbursed at the federal mileage reimbursement rate.