Content Director, Urban Alternative Project

Who We Are:

The mission of American Public Media Group (APMG) is to enrich the mind and nourish the spirit, thereby enhancing the lives and expanding the perspectives of our audiences and assisting them in strengthening their communities. We aspire to be the leaderin creating trusted and meaningful listening experiences with and for curious people, and we seekto create a diverse, inclusive culture focused on growth and outcomes to serve our audiences.

APMG's primary operating divisions Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and American Public Media offer multi-regional FM broadcast channels, website, mobile and social media channels, live events, national content creation and distribution. Together, these divisions operate 49public radio stations and 42 translators serving regional audiences in eight states from Minnesota, Michigan and the Upper Midwest to Idaho and California; distribute a portfolio of more than twenty national programs reaching nearly 20MM listeners weekly through 1,000 radio stations; serve rapidly growing audiences on digital, social and mobile platforms; and produce anincreasing and diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, mental health, water, early brain development, business and investigative journalism.

Your Role:

As the Content Director, you are responsible for the overall sound and vision of the Urban Alternative Project, a new initiative from Minnesota Public Radio's The Current in collaboration with KMOJ. Your role oversees and manages the content channels under this CPB funded project which includes programming and content production across broadcast and online streams, social media accounts, and digital platforms. Working with the staff and leadership teams at The Current and KMOJ, your role is responsible for developing community partnerships, events, collaborative content, and the creative direction for this new public service.

This is a grant funded position that ends on 09/01/2023.

Compensation Range: $59,018 - $88,527. Exact salary determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure and internal equity.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Responsibility:

• Develop and execute the Urban Alternative project across broadcast and digital channels


• Recruit, hire and supervise new talent and content producers; identify and contract with freelance contributors


• Using audience insights and research, develop a music library, clocks, and program schedule for the Urban Alternative stream


• Collaborate with KMOJ to determine how the Urban Alternative station can provide cross promotional support and assist with content production


• Work with KMOJ's General Manager to provide operational support, including:


• Soliciting music from artists and industry contacts


• Allocating shared resources and supporting content production


• Manage shared audio assets, program data, and audience feedback


• Aggregate and share data from multiple sources to inform programming and content strategy for multiple content streams


• Deliver programming to The ICE as agreed upon between KMOJ and The Current


• Produce special programs and digital content as determined between KMOJ and The Current


• Lead development of local events and outreach activities in collaboration with internal and external community impact and engagement stakeholders


• Foster a creative and productive work environment


• Be a point of contact for cross-divisional teams to strengthen development, membership, marketing, events, and underwriting for the new initiative


• Initiate and lead external relationships with artists, music educators, labels, and external stakeholders


• Host on-air programs and other content production duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience


• 1-3 years of experience in cultural programming, media, marketing, music industry or related fields


• Supervisory/management experience is required - must demonstrate an ability to foster high standards and an ability to inspire and lead

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to speak about how music shapes the identities of our communities


• Capable of fostering a culture of equity and inclusion in support of organizational goals


• A background in public service and community involvement


• Knowledge and awareness of trends in music marketing and promotions


• Experience working within a local music and arts community


• Supervisory skills and ability to recruit, coach, and develop talent


• Ability to consistently work well with others and to inspire and lead staff


• Able to manage multiple priorities and bring new concepts to fruition


• Strong verbal presentation and writing skills

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• A basic understanding of algorithmic programming and DSPs


• Prior marketing and music promotions experience


• Experience with developing community partnerships and fundraising preferred


• Knowledge of a second language such as Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or Indigenous language


• Experience collaborating or working in BIPOC media organizations

Reporting To This Position: Part-time Host

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation


• Ability to travel regularly around the region


• Physical Demands:


• Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time


• Required to move about in the community


• Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.


• Working Conditions:


• Moderate noise level


• Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.