General Manager

WERU Community Radio (89.9 FM) in East Orland, Maine, invites applications for the position of General Manager (GM). Qualified applicants will have a keen interest in mission-driven community radio and a desire to build on our history and reputation for diverse and high-quality programming, community engagement, strong listener financial support, and deep volunteer engagement, to achieve our goals of inspired community service and financial sustainability.

General Description:

The General Manager (GM) provides overall leadership for the organization and oversees all personnel (employees and volunteers) and infrastructure engaged in the operation of the radio station; ensures that all station operations are in compliance with the mission, policies and procedures of the organization, federal broadcast regulations and applicable employment laws; serves as primary spokesperson for the organization; collaborates with the Board of Directors (Board) on planning and overall direction of the organization; reports to the Chair of the Board; and serves on all Board committees.

Specific Duties:

1. Ensure that WERU remains in good standing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), IRS, State of Maine, and any other government and granting agencies.
2. Participate with the Board in the station’s strategic planning process and initiate and implement short and long-term goals and strategies as approved by the Board.
3. Assist the Board and staff in building operational systems that increase sustainability through audience engagement, and revenue stability.
4. Prepare and present monthly reports to the Board and Board committees.
5. Support long-term programming goals that align with the station mission by cultivating new volunteer programmers/producers, supporting current programmers, and monitoring listener feedback and community interests.
6. Collaborate with staff and volunteers to produce two monthly e-newsletters, one for internal/volunteers and the other for external/listeners
7. Conduct community and audience research.
8. Serve as the spokesperson for WERU and communicate the station’s mission and short-term and long-term goals.
9. Hire consultants, contractors, and staff in consultation with the Board of Directors.
10. Lead and supervise contractors, staff and volunteers as appropriate and implement station personnel policy and support compliance with all applicable employment laws.
11. Strengthen staff and volunteer capacity through training, clear systems and performance accountability, and recruit and support volunteers in collaboration with other staff.
12. Collaborate with the Board and other staff and volunteers on all fundraising planning, projects and programs, including but not limited to: Membership drives, top donor cultivation, foundation funding and capital campaigns.
13. Collaborate with the Finance Manager, Development Director and Finance Committee in preparing an annual budget plan, support appropriate financial controls and monitor revenue and expenses against projections as appropriate.
14. Manage maintenance and renovation planning for all facilities and equipment.

Work Environment:

Position requires regular on-site and local area in-person attendance and occasional evening and weekend availability particularly during fund drives, major station events, or governance meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Professional experience in broadcast media, nonprofit administration and fundraising, or similar community-based organization.
• Budgeting and financial experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines (strong organizational and administrative skills).
• Creative and practical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy including proficiency in standard office software and data tracking systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional ethics.
• Sincere interest in community radio.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct supervisory and managerial experience.
• Familiarity with volunteer-heavy environments.
• Experience in public or community radio.
• Solid understanding of all aspects of broadcasting.
• Knowledge of FCC compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns.
• Experience working within nonprofit governance structures.
• Understands future opportunities in multi-media (video, web, Social Media)
• Understands Music, News, Journalism, free press

Key Competencies:

• Commitment to WERU’s history, mission and values.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Decisive when needed.
• Personal accountability and follow-through.
• Delegates with authority and accountability.
• Diplomacy and conflict management (Ombudsperson) skills.
• Financial literacy.
• Ability to operate in politically diverse environments.
• Sense of humor.

3 weeks vacation per year, 12 days of personal/sick time per year, EAP service, flexible work schedule

English