Position Summary: The Music Director is responsible for curating the sound of KEXP and ensures that KEXP’s Programming Principles are upheld and applied at all times. The Music Director works closely with KEXP Programming staff to ensure that the KEXP music collection and rotation represents the broad variety of artists and genres reflected in KEXP’s Programming philosophy. In addition, the Music Director is the primary music reviewer for KEXP and is constantly searching for new music for our DJs and curators to bring to music lovers around the world.
Essential duties include, but are not limited to:
Acquires new music for airplay consideration.
Exhibits a deep understanding of KEXP’s programming principles and possesses the ability to listen to and review music objectively.
Maintains a passionate interest and curiosity in all genres of new music.
Writes and manages music reviews and ensures high-quality new releases are reviewed and made available for airplay in a timely manner.
Manages new music rotation both physically and in KEXP’s media asset management system, including daily rotation moves based on new additions and category changes.
Compiles and reports weekly playlist for internal distribution and various trade publications.
Maintains internal archive of current and past rotation and album reviews in an accessible location for staff access and use.
Continually refines KEXP’s music library, identifying and acquiring releases from the past as necessary.
Interprets and applies FCC rules and regulations for all music entering KEXP’s digital asset management system and physical library.
As primary new music reviewer for the station, proactively finds a wide variety of new music and applies objectivity when reviewing music for the collection and rotation; and provides clear information regarding artist name pronunciation.
Participates in KEXP’s podcasts and creates content across platforms for KEXP and content partnerships as assigned.
Publishes and maintains a clearly-defined music submission process for artists and record labels.
Collaborates with on-air leadership to assess overall sound and performance of music rotation related to DJ application and audience response.
Acts as liaison with representatives of the music industry as needed.
Provides advice and input as requested on in-studio performance booking, and critical leadership and expert guidance for on-air, online, and in-person programming as requested.
General Organizational Responsibilities:
Maintains thorough understanding of KEXP organizational policies, including employee handbook, procedures, expense reporting, and payroll submission; follows policies and leads by example.
Works closely with direct reports to plan, guide, and execute professional development plans and opportunities; sets clear, achievable, and measurable goals for individual performance, providing frequent and constructive feedback, and holds staff accountable to themselves, the team, and KEXP.
Actively participates in our culture of philanthropy, which honors the important role our donors, volunteers, business and community partners play in the life of KEXP. Collaborates across teams and departments to steward donors on behalf of KEXP and actively seeks opportunities to integrate philanthropy into their role within KEXP operations, programs, and projects.
Supervision Received: Position reports to the Programming Group Director.
Supervision Exercised: Directly supervises Associate Music Director, and volunteers and/or interns as needed.
Requirements
Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree and ten or more years of related professional experience, including programming for radio; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.
Position Qualifications:
Demonstrated broad and deep knowledge of relevant styles and genres of music.
Strong writing skills and a demonstrated ability to write album reviews and apply objectivity, outstanding judgment, and integrity when reviewing music.
Proven experience in recruiting, retaining, and leading dynamic and talented people to build superior, inclusive teams.
Proven experience in successfully managing teams, including the ability to set, motivate, and achieve individual as well as departmental goals, to mentor and manage performance for all team members, and to facilitate communication between teammates with different styles.
Ability to work cross-departmentally, facilitating cooperation between teams and leading by example to ensure alignment on organization-wide goals.
This position may require evening and/or weekend work.
Outstanding attention to detail.
Commitment to maintain confidentiality and a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to take initiative and use independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
Strong self-motivation and independence in carrying out responsibilities, organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, relationship-building, and communication skills – both written and verbal – which transcend diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams, as well as provide consistent, high-quality service to a wide variety of internal and external constituents.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a professional demeanor, especially while working in a fast-paced environment of constant demands and frequent interruptions.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
Deep knowledge, appreciation for, and understanding of KEXP programming and mission.
Ability to embody the community-oriented spirit of KEXP to both internal and external constituents.
Physical Requirements: Long periods of being in a stationary position; operating a computer and other office equipment; frequently moving to/from various work areas; frequently communicating by phone and email; frequently remaining in a stationary position during meetings, discerning meeting content, expressing oneself, and exchanging accurate information; frequently moving to/from off-site meeting and/or event locations; occasionally moves supplies and/or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions: Primary location in typical business office environment, with frequent meetings and event attendance at a variety of off-site locations. This position is eligible for up to 75% remote work.
Compensation & Benefits: This full-time, exempt position includes an annual salary of $90,000 – 95,000, as well as a generous benefits package which includes medical/dental/vision coverage (premiums 90-100% employer paid), retirement plan with matching, vacation starting at three weeks per year plus holidays and sick leave, and much more.
KEXP is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace. We believe that having staff, interns, and volunteers with diverse backgrounds enables KEXP to better meet our mission and serve music-loving communities around the world. We recognize that opportunities in radio and other creative industries have historically excluded and continue to disproportionately exclude Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage individuals with these identities to apply.