The CEO/General Manager will oversee all operations and lead an organization of professionals in radio and digital content operations, news, engineering, fundraising, corporate underwriting, membership, marketing and communications, board relations, finance, and human resource management. This is a high visibility position in the community with regular interface with board members, key external business partners, and members of the Western North Carolina regional arts, education, and public affairs communities.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role in public media, radio, and/or a nonprofit organization with a deep understanding of news and music on digital and broadcast platforms.
• Strong leadership experience and skills that include the ability to attract, hire, develop, motivate, and retain talent. A demonstrated ability to lead others and achieve results in a team-oriented environment, while fostering belonging in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.
• Demonstrated learning agility: Bachelor’s degree, an advanced degree is preferred. A track record and commitment to staying knowledgeable of media trends.

Financial Acumen:

• Experience with all business aspects of managing a public media organization including developing and managing budgets, cash flow, and facilities management. Significant experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and managing multiple financial priorities in a nonprofit setting.

Fundraising:

• Has extensive experience in charitable giving with a demonstrated track record in driving successful fund development; a strong mission spokesperson, fluent in all forms of philanthropy and in the relationship management aspects of fundraising (both individual and institutional).
• Ability to coach and oversee a qualified department of gift officers tasked with implementing a cohesive and sophisticated fundraising and grants plan in the public media ecosystem.

Vision:

• In the context of the massive changes in media technology, a person who has the insight to project BPR’s needs out into the long-term future with a knowledge of public media and the public media systems.

Integrity:

• Our most important asset is the trust our listeners and the community have in our programming and BPR as an institution. A track record of being an honest, genuine, courageous, ethical person of substance, with a strong awareness and a record of being able to identify, confront, analyze, and resolve ethically complex issues and potential or real conflicts of interest, both for (her or him) self and others in the organization.

Community Relationships:

• The CEO/GM of BPR leads and coordinates a growing, dynamic, complex set of relationships throughout the community. The leader we seek must be able to significantly grow BPR’s presence in Asheville and the region and have the personal qualities which the community can connect and will become an active participant and recognized leader in our region.

Communication:

• Highly developed public and private interpersonal and communication skills, with an engaging style, including outstanding oral and written communication skills and the ability to make effective presentations to a diverse audience. Is an effective spokesperson for the organization.

Industry Knowledge:

• Knowledge of media and trends in technology and consumption of media, including an understanding of digital behavior and current/emerging digital platforms and distribution mechanisms; experience building audiences, leading the integration of content, including local, national, and international content, across platforms.
• Able to manage a complex physical plant (studios and our many transmitter sites), including managing the strategic and financial challenge of maintaining its performance.

Problem-solving and Decision-Making:

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and effectively analyze and use data in the decision-making process, and the leadership confidence to make timely decisions and know when a change of direction is needed.

People Manager/Internal Management: (Board and Staff):

• An experienced, socially intelligent, results oriented manager, with a full set of business skills, as well as strong internal relationship skills, experience supervising a staff and effective working collaboratively with a board to grow the effectiveness and engagementof the board and a record of effectiveness with managing and developing diversity in staff and board.

Compensation & Benefits

• Blue Ridge Public Radio provides competitive and equitable compensation and benefits to all employees.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical and Dental Insurance, Vision Care, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-term Disability, Phone/internet stipend, 403(B) Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave, and Paid holidays.
• There is an opportunity for a yearly performance bonus. A Relocation Benefit is also available.

We invite candidates who have the experience, energy, integrity, and talent to lead Blue Ridge Public Radio into the future successfully achieving our Mission, Vision, and Values.

Blue Ridge Public Media: Overview
Western North Carolina Public Radio, Inc., located in Asheville, North Carolina, also known as Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR) is excited to announce an opening for the position of CEO/General Manager. Blue Ridge Public Radio is an independent, nonprofit news and media organization producing award-winning journalism, as well as arts and cultural programming. We serve a culturally rich and diverse population of more than 650,000 listeners across 14 counties in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. BPR News provides extensive, trusted local, national and international news coverage and analysis. Its sister station, BPR Classic, provides enriching classical and jazz music. BPR features news and analysis across multiple media platforms, including two weekly digital newsletters. BPR owns and operates WCQS. The station is currently in its 45th year. With 23 full-time and 6 part-time staff, the station operates with an annual budget of $3.8 million. To learn more, visit www.bpr.org/

Blue Ridge Public Media: Pillars of Service

Mission
Blue Ridge Public Radio creates and curates content that informs, inspires, connects, and reflects the people and places of Western North Carolina. BPR cultivates a more engaged, curious, and empathetic public by listening deeply and embracing diversity.
 

Vision
BPR will be the essential, independent source of news and cultural content that gives Western North Carolinians a deeper understanding of one another and the world. We will innovate and grow with the region we serve, expand access to diverse communities, and strengthen trust to enhance long-term relationships with listeners and partners.
 

Values
BPR is committed to services and practices that contribute to a strong civil society, increase cultural access and knowledge, and strengthen our region. We hold steadfast to the values of:

• Non-partisan editorial practices: an unfailing commitment to truth, accuracy, and fairness
• Editorial integrity and independence.
• A standard of excellence
• An openness to ideas that challenge us
• Respectful relationships with all of our stakeholders
• Transparent and honest stewardship of our resources
• An inclusive environment committed to the needs of our diverse communities