Executive Director

Somerville Media Center (SMC) seeks a creative and inspirational leader as its next Executive Director. Celebrating its 41st year of operation, SMC is a leading public access media center that empowers a vibrant and diverse community to collaborate, communicate ideas, share its cultures, foster freedom of speech, and engage with civic life. SMC supports and creates community-driven media by providing access to tools and training, production resources, and distribution on cable television and multiple media platforms. 

The Opportunity:

Located on the Somernova campus in Somerville, SMC is at an exciting moment in its history and requires a dynamic, enthusiastic leader to drive a new strategic plan, expand its organizational capabilities, oversee the buildout and programming of a new 5,000-square-foot facility, and navigate the changing landscape of community media. 

SMC comprises three functional areas: Somerville Community Access Television (SCATV), a community access production studio; Boston Free Radio (BFR), an internet radio and podcasting station; and Youth Education Outreach (YEO), the youth media educational and training program.

SMC is a membership-based organization supported by 6 full-time and part-time employees. 

Key Responsibilities:

Program and Mission

• Management of Day-to-Day Operations: Oversee the daily operations of SMC, ensuring that all aspects of the organization run smoothly and efficiently. This includes overseeing and managing staff, ensuring that facilities and equipment are safe, operational, and maintained and that SMC is a welcoming space for all. 
• Community-Centered Programming and Services: Ensure that SMC's programming and services reflect and respond to the needs of its members and community. This includes centering community needs in its operations and incorporating the latest best practices and trends in community media to anticipate and meet the evolving interests and requirements of its diverse constituency.
• Leadership and Strategic Direction: Responsible for guiding SMC through the implementation of its strategic plan, adapting to technological advancements, and optimizing a newly built facility for success. 

   People, Culture, and Capacity

• Team Development and Supervision: Responsible for recruiting, mentoring, and leading SMC’s staff, interns, and volunteers. Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and transparency, encouraging a passionate commitment to the organization’s goals and community service.
• Board Engagement and Communication: Actively interface with the Board of Directors and committees, preparing and presenting relevant documents and data to facilitate informed decision-making and implementation of strategic priorities. The Executive Director will ensure a consistent, transparent line of communication with the Board, align organizational activities with its vision and directives, and recognize the difference between the Board’s and management's responsibilities. The Executive Director is expected to regularly report on financial status, operational progress, and strategic implementation and foster a collaborative and supportive relationship between staff and the Board.

    Relationships and Community

• Community Engagement and Development: Lead fundraising efforts, community relations, and advocacy to enhance SMC’s visibility and impact. Responsible for building a vibrant SMC community that supports freedom of expression and media education. Oversee all external communications, including website and social media content, upcoming programming, class, and workshop information.
• Public Representation and Partnership Building: As the public face of SMC, interface with government, community, and sector leaders. This includes but is not limited to fostering partnerships, securing funding, and advocating for policies that benefit SMC and its mission, thereby strengthening relationships with partners, funders, press, and supporters outside the organization.

    Technology, Operations, and Facilities

• Technology and Systems Advancement: Ensure that systems and processes stay current with contemporary technologies, optimizing operations to enhance productivity and adapt to the rapidly changing media production and distribution landscape. The Executive Director plays a crucial role in identifying and integrating technological innovations that support the organization's mission and operational efficiency.
• Financial and Operational Management: Oversee the organization's budgeting, financial management, and operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This includes managing the transition to and the maintenance of new facilities, ensuring that they align with SMC’s operational needs and strategic goals.
• Policy and Compliance: Ensure adherence to legal and contractual obligations, implement policies, and oversee the organization's compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

    Financial Management

• Budget & Accounting:  Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets, oversee accounting procedures (including payroll, bill payments, tax filings, and bookkeeping), and schedule audits. 
• Fund Development and Income Generation: Develop and coordinate fund development plans and initiatives to support strategic initiatives and identify opportunities for media production and other earned income contracts to ensure the financial sustainability and growth of the organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven leader
• Entrepreneurial mindset 
• Adept at leading an organization through a period of transition and growth
• Nonprofit management expertise
• Financial acumen
• Fundraising
• Technology and media practitioner
• Knowledge of media education and literacy for diverse constituencies
• Experience and background in community access television, production, post-production, finishing and broadcasting. 
• Enthusiasm for the future of media, including AI, youth education, and content accessibility.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. 
• Familiarity with the issues and people of Somerville, Massachusetts is a plus.

Reports to the Board of Directors and is directly supervised by the Board Chair.

Somerville Media Center (SMC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to building a diverse and passionate team. People of color, people with disabilities, and trans and/or gender non-conforming applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. SMC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, medical condition, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

We recognize that people from marginalized groups may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.