KAZU STATION DIRECTOR

Salary: $110,000.00 – $130,000.00 annually. Anticipated start date: September 1, 2026.

About the role

KAZU is operated under the legal oversight of the University Corporation at Monterey Bay (University Corporation), an auxiliary of California State University Monterey Bay (University) and the California State University system. KAZU is the flagship National Public Radio (NPR)-member radio station for the Monterey Bay Area, licensed in Pacific Grove, California. The station provides 24-hour “over-the-air” broadcasts and digital platforms delivering local news, current events, and programming from NPR, BBC World News, PRI (Public Radio International), and APM (American Public Media). Key platforms include the website kazu.org and mobile applications KAZU and NPR One.

The Station Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of KAZU, responsible for advancing the station’s public service mission through audience growth, journalism excellence, community engagement, financial sustainability, and innovation across broadcast, digital, and emerging media platforms. The role ensures effective day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and program compliance with the station’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Provide day-to-day management of station facilities, including direct oversight of the news department, broadcasting, and production operations.
  • Exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, performance management, and staff development through mentorship, training, and recognition.
  • Assess and optimize departmental structure, roles, responsibilities, and workflows.
  • Maintain proficiency in content-making, technology, and distribution trends.
  • Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with community, business, political, and university leaders.
  • Lead cross-divisional teams for organization-wide projects.
  • Ensure the development of an academically sound internship program and part-time employment opportunities for students.
  • Champion diversity of voices in programming, staffing, and community engagement.
• Content & Audience Growth
  • Oversee the end-to-end process of original content creation, from ideation to distribution.
  • Collaborate with content creators, producers, journalists, and talent to deliver high-quality, relevant, and compelling content.
  • Ensure programming meets community needs, generates listener support, and complies with NPR, CPB, and University Corporation policies.
  • Monitor and evaluate program content and staff performance across platforms.
  • Design and execute strategies to expand content offerings on existing and emerging platforms to attract and engage audiences.
  • Lead audience growth across broadcast, streaming, podcasting, social media, newsletters, and emerging platforms.
  • Develop and implement digital content and engagement strategies using audience analytics and performance data.
  • Ensure an active social media presence and a functional website for the station.
  • May host on-air programming.
• Revenue & Development
  • Work with the membership team to implement and track member drives, underwriting programs, and major donor initiatives.
  • Ensure fund drives are organized, publicized, staffed, and premiums are distributed timely.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with local donors, funding organizations, and foundations.
  • Serve as the station’s lead ambassador and relationship builder with donors, community leaders, and strategic partners.
  • Act as the public face of KAZU, fostering relationships with listeners, donors, university leadership, and regional partners.
  • Attend and participate in community events and public forums to increase awareness and support for the station.
  • Partner with development staff to cultivate major gifts, institutional funding, sponsorships, and community investment opportunities.
  • Assist staff with fundraising strategies, including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of prospective donors and underwriters.
  • Oversee regional audience outreach through strategic marketing, events, and digital engagement.
• Operations & Compliance
  • Ensure transmitter function and compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • Maintain physical space, equipment, and public safety measures for staff, volunteers, and visitors.
  • Manage resources effectively to meet goals and implement efficient operational programs and procedures.
  • Ensure the station operates within its approved budget, including approval authority for expenditures.
  • Develop partnerships and ensure financial stability through fundraising and cost control.
  • Improve gross and net income through quality programming, fundraising, budget management, and compliance.
  • Provide oversight for compliance with FCC, CPB, and other broadcasting certification requirements.
  • Identify, incorporate, and evaluate key metrics and trends for internal and external reporting.
  • Maintain compliance with station rules and regulations as a department within the University Corporation.
  • Maintain and present station relationship data through dashboards, reports, and presentations.
  • Engage and communicate with the board regarding station strategy, operations, and governance.
• Other Functions
  • Promote a positive image of the University through community and professional engagement.
  • Stay current on industry trends via conferences, trade publications, social media, and professional networks.
  • Attend and report at University Corporation Board meetings upon request.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution and eight (8) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public media, journalism, broadcasting, nonprofit management, audience engagement, digital media, content production, fundraising, or related fields.
• Additional specialized experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the CSUMB Vision Statement and core values of mutual respect, collaboration, multiculturalism, diversity, and community service.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Voluntary 403(b) savings plan.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals.
• Paid holidays.
• Access to campus dining plans.
• Eligibility for affordable campus housing (if applicable).

Special Conditions

• This position is designated as sensitive with authority to commit financial resources, access to confidential information, and responsibility for campus business processes.
• Must comply with FERPA and California Educational Code regarding student confidentiality.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, pass a Defensive Training Class, and be insurable under the University’s liability coverage.
• May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.