Executive Director Role & Responsibility

Position: Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Classification: Full-time, salaried, exempt
Salary Range: $70,000 – 90,000
Expected Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Application Process:
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and professional references to [email protected]. Phone calls, station walk-ins or any other method of communication will not be accepted.

Position Overview:
Award-winning Northern Colorado community radio station, KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins, is in search of a dynamic Executive Director who will enthusiastically lead the station, sustain its successful operations and grow its ongoing contributions to the Colorado music community and greater Fort Collins region.

Established in 1995, the nonprofit station has evolved into a significant cultural institution that is located within the bustling epicenter of Northern Colorado’s music scene, known as the Fort Collins Music District in downtown Fort Collins. The Station’s next Executive Director will have the exciting opportunity to lead the charge and work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to further develop the mission, vision and future of KRFC 88.9 FM.

Executive Director Role & Responsibility:
The Executive Director maintains oversight of the day-to-day operational activities of the radio station and broadcast facilities in order to achieve intended strategic organizational outcomes.

These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the administration of station policies and procedures, fiscal management, compliance with the FCC and other governing entities, music licensing and the supervision of projects, programs, paid staff, contracted employees and volunteers.

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of fundraising, including the underwriting process, community partnerships, event sponsorships and philanthropic gifts. The management of station resources and finances is bolstered by monthly reports and close collaboration with the Board of Directors, including the ability to provide real-time feedback regarding the organization’s financial, operational and personnel conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record of executive-level management and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated high-profile communications experience, including broadcast sectors, public relations, reputation management, advertising, storytelling and media placement savvy.
• Demonstrated ability to fundraise, including proven development strategies that align with organizational goals as well as a willingness to further strengthen staff and the Board of Directors’ ability to support such efforts.
• Familiarity with non-profit management and a penchant for community building, including the inclination to engage in activities and communications that foster meaningful connections, relationships and a sense of belonging among the Northern Colorado region.
• An awareness of the importance of compassion, connectedness, diversity, equity and inclusion.
• An established presence and familiarity within the Northern Colorado region, the Colorado music community at-large and a passion for live music.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Administration of Station Policies, Procedures and Strategic Planning
  • Establish and implement organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operational procedures in the best interests of the station and in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Supervision of Station Personnel
  • Implement an effective and efficient managerial philosophy that supports and sustains the Station’s existing positive working culture.
  • Shape individual job descriptions, including assignment of duties to full-time staff and contracted employees.
  • Provide regular feedback, coaching, communication and professional development opportunities.
  • Conduct annual staff performance reviews.
  • Identify staffing needs and work with the Board of Directors to create or remove positions based on organization needs, including independent contractors.
• Financial Oversight
  • Develop and coordinate an annual operating budget with the Board of Directors.
  • Manage resource development to ensure adequate funding for fixed operational expenses and special projects and programs.
  • Maintain budget records and track the budget with the Board Treasurer and the station’s independent accounting firm.
  • Oversee finances, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, deposits, expense categorization and fiscal forecasting.
  • Help to ensure all fiscal reports are sent to the Board of Directors from the KRFC Independent Contractor Accountant on a monthly and annual basis.
• Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all FCC rules, regulations, guidelines, music licensing and any other standards applicable to non-commercial radio; collaborate with the KRFC Program and Volunteer Director and Station Engineer to ensure compliance.
  • Ensure compliance with IRS and State regulations for non-profits in partnership with the KRFC Independent Accountant and Auditors.
• Equipment and Technology Oversight
  • Ensure that the KRFC Engineer manages the facility and equipment, including studios, computers, software, transmitter, telecommunications, networks, and any other materials or items needed to effectively broadcast daily programming on a 24-hour basis. Any operational troubleshooting needs should be addressed and repaired promptly, using staff, contractors, and volunteers as appropriate.
  • Ensure the station Engineer and IT support are provided adequate office software, hardware, and integration of computer systems to support administration, fundraising, membership, website, and communications.
  • Develop plans in collaboration with the Station Engineer in order to update systems as necessary.
  • Ensure the website is regularly updated and reflects KRFC in a positive manner.
• Board of Directors Working Relationship
  • Provide regular updates on financial standing, personnel and programs, often in real-time.
  • Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings.
  • Keep the Board apprised of station business, operations and ongoing developments.
  • Respond to Board requests and willingly accept feedback that is in the best interest of the station.
  • Collaborate with the Board on policy development and strategic planning.
  • Serve as the communication catalyst between the Board and station staff.
• Programming
  • Work closely with the Programming Director to ensure programming achieves the station’s mission and goals.
  • Provide general oversight to the staff and volunteers to ensure quality programming; including appropriate use of syndicated programs, quality production of live or station-produced programs, and increasing listenership
• Community Building Duties
  • Foster a cooperative, constructive work environment and work effectively with KRFC stakeholders.
  • Maintain working relationships with local nonprofits and businesses that share aligned values and goals.
  • Serve as the primary communication link to other agencies and organizations involved in public broadcasting, represent KRFC’S interests to those agencies and organizations, and seek opportunities for collaboration or utilization of shared resources.
  • Serve as a spokesperson for KRFC at public events.

About KRFC 88.9 FM (“Public Radio for the Front Range”)
On air for 21 years in Fort Collins, CO, KRFC 88.9 FM operates an influential, listener-supported community radio station providing music and public affairs in-studio and online. The station’s 50kW signal broadcasts to a geographic population area of approximately 988,000 residents along the Front Range in Northern Colorado, including Larimer, Weld, and Boulder counties. Shows are programmed and hosted primarily by volunteers who donate more than 40,000 hours to the station each year. KRFC’s community-oriented programming is created and delivered by locals and is a trusted resource for information and entertainment for Northern Colorado residents.

Established in 1995 by a group of non-student DJs who had previously worked with KCSU-FM at Colorado State University, Public Radio for the Front Range (PRFR) started as a way to promote Colorado musicians. In 2003, PRFR changed to KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins and began broadcasting from a 3kW radio tower – much of it live from the studio. The station has grown immensely since then, including a 2016 move into new state-of-the-art studios within the Fort Collins Music District and the current 50kW radio tower signal.

Throughout its broadcasting legacy in Northern Colorado, the station has evolved into a significant cultural institution that impacts the music industry/economy and quality of life for Northern Colorado residents through community programming. The station has recently received multiple Awards of Excellence from the Colorado Broadcasters Association for KRFC shows such as “Community At Work,” “KRFC RadioVision LIVE@LUNCH” and “The Flip Side.” Longstanding station personalities such as Deni LaRue and David Vacek (also KRFC’s Music Director) have been honored with Programmer of the Year accolades.

Additionally, the station has received Certificates of Merit for shows including “Rocky Mountain Roots,” the KRFC Colorado Artist of the Day initiative and the station’s website.

The mission of KRFC 88.9 FM is to support Colorado’s musicians and music industry and to provide positive local community programming that connects, informs, and inspires listeners. This mission supports our vision that community radio has a relevant and vital place embedded in the community of Fort Collins and its surrounding region.

The station is funded by support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, membership donations, underwriting sponsorship, grants, event sponsorships, philanthropic giving and the invaluable support of KRFC’s 120+ volunteers.

KRFC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.