The Director of NPR Music is the leader of a team of journalists, critics, video and podcast makers charged with expanding the impact of NPR Music and positioning public radio even more powerfully as an essential force in music. The Director will work with NPR’s newsroom, programming division, visuals, sponsorship and events teams as well as with member stations around the country. The Director of Music reports to NPR’s VP for Programming and Audience Development.
The Director will help us build new, devoted audiences who connect with NPR Music’s essential mission: deep engagement with the work of musicians across genres and approachable, authoritative storytelling about the meaning and value of music in the 21st Century. The candidate we’re looking for is passionate about music, has a talent for collaboration and partnerships and knows how to lead a team with a proven record of innovation.
We expect this leader to wear many hats: to help the team conceive of and oversee editorial products, to collaborate with leaders across the newsroom, to leverage the knowledge and efforts of a nationwide system of music experts into new projects and collaborations, to find partners who can help NPR Music bring its work to new listeners, readers and viewers. Strong organizational and communication tools are crucial: The music team is engaged across every arm of NPR, with multiple concurrent projects that overlap and build upon new and longstanding partnerships.
- Execute a strategic vision that builds on the success of NPR Music
- Lead and inspire a high-functioning team of senior managers who oversee a matrixed team of editors and producers. Support their training and career development.
- Develop and manage NPR Music expenses and budget, aligning with NPR’s strategic plan and revenue goals
- Drive revenue strategy and financial best practices for the NPR Music operation, in collaboration with NPR’s business development, sponsorship and philanthropic support divisions
- Lead and grow major partnerships that are a backbone of NPR Music
- Strengthen relationships with Member stations and integrate public radio network into NPR Music strategy, including creating partnerships, revenue opportunities, and national showcases for local talent, where appropriate.
- Provide editorial leadership on new content and oversee all of NPR Music’s editorial properties across radio, web, podcasting, video and events, including major brand-defining content packages.
- Partner with the NPR Newsroom and programming divisions to drive best in class music coverage and experiences across all of NPR properties
- Publically represent NPR and NPR Music as a leader in the field
- Participate in and, where appropriate, lead public radio-wide conversations about music issues in public radio, including music rights, digital strategy and more.
- Foster innovation and experimentation in all aspects of the business.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Passion for music, with extensive knowledge of multiple genres.
- 15 years of experience in journalism or media.
- A-List rolodex of executives in music, media, tech and high level brands
- Experience in nonprofit fundraising and/or negotiating business partnerships.
- Strong communication skills.
- Experience managing large cross-functional teams.
- Ability to both work independently and work well with others.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.
NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.