Executive Director, Content

Organization Overview

Classical California is America's largest listener-supported public-media organization devoted to classical music and ranks among the nation's top radio-streaming operations. Our broadcasts and streams reach 1.6 million listeners each month worldwide. Classical California enriches lives and communities with on-air and in-person music experiences that are accessible and relevant to audiences of all ages. Programming originates from KUSC 91.5 FM (Los Angeles) and KDFC 90.3 FM (San Francisco) and is relayed on Santa Barbara 93.7 FM, San Luis Obispo 99.7 FM, Palm Springs 88.5 FM, Thousand Oaks 91.1 FM, Tri-Valley 89.9 FM, Silicon Valley 104.9 FM, Ukiah-Lakeport 92.5 FM, Livermore 89.9 FM, and Monterey 103.9 FM.

Position Overview

The Executive Director, Content (EDC) reports to the President, USC Radio Group and serves on Classical California's senior leadership team. The EDC shapes the network's programming direction and on-air identity, serves as an on-air host as needed, produces original broadcasts and special projects, and leads a team of announcers, producers, and music programmers. This role ensures that every element we broadcast or stream meets the highest musical and technical standards, maintains Classical California's leadership in classical-music radio, and cultivates listening growth. The EDC also manages the content department budget and works closely with membership, engineering, marketing, and development to align programming with fundraising objectives, operational requirements, and organizational goals.

This is a hybrid position under USC's current work arrangement plan. The Executive Director is ideally based in Los Angeles; however, a San Francisco-based arrangement may be considered for an exceptional candidate who is unable to relocate to LA.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Programming Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive programming plan that aligns with the brand and target audience of all Classical California broadcast and streaming channels.

• Direct a team of music programmers who curate daily playlists, specialty streams, and special features.

• Keep programming relevant, meaningful, and accessible to listeners of every age.

On-Air and Talent Management

• Serve on-air host as needed, modeling presentation standards.

• Produce programs, promotional spots, and other content.

• Participate in on-air pledge drives as pitch talent, supporting individual donor goals with clear and compelling delivery.

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate announcers and producers; conduct regular air-check and feedback sessions.

• Uphold clear, precise communication standards in both scripted and unscripted material.

Audience Growth and Evaluation

• Track ratings and other audience data to guide repertoire, clock structure, and promotion.

• Lead initiatives to expand listening and deepen time spent with Classical California.

• Lead digital content initiatives, including streaming and new digital audio opportunities.

• Create an environment of experimentation and risk-taking to rapidly iterate and improve digital content offerings and seek new audiences.

• Oversee audience-research projects in coordination with Classical California's research team.

Cross Department Collaboration and Representation

• Partner with development department to craft effective on-air fundraising messages and on-air campaign sound for membership drives and donor appeals throughout the year.

• Partner with the development department in scheduling pre-recorded donor appeal messages to ensure effectiveness.

• Coordinate with engineering, marketing, and development to align programming with organizational goals.

• Represent Classical California at donor events, public gatherings, and industry forums, articulating programming vision and achievements.

Operational and Budgetary Oversight

• Prepare and manage the content department's annual budget in collaboration with the President, USC Radio Group and Senior Business Officer.

• Oversee resource allocation, vendor relationships, and workflow efficiencies.

• Set clear goals, metrics, and performance standards for the content team.

Creative Vision and Partnerships/Acquisition

• Foster an environment that encourages creativity, innovation and risk-taking in content development and production while meeting the performance delivery requirements.

• Identify distribution partnership opportunities and content production to strengthen our brand and increase revenue.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or combined experience/education as a substitute)

• Minimum of 10 years work experience with at least seven (7) years in a senior leadership role within classical-music broadcasting or related media formats

• Proven on-air announcing expertise with knowledge of classical music and music programming

• Demonstrated success coaching and directing on-air staff in a professional broadcast environment

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple departments on content and service strategies

• Experience growing audiences across broadcast and digital platforms

• Solid production background and digital media/streaming proficiency

• Strong knowledge and experience with analyzing audience-performance data and research methodologies

• Experience in developing and managing organization-specific research projects

• Documented experience developing and managing departmental budgets

Preferred Qualifications

• 12 years of experience within a related setting

• Proven success launching new broadcast and digital content initiatives

• Built complex budgets and business cases to drive strategic expansion

• Expert in multi-platform content strategy and audience insights

• Inspiring leader with a track record of motivating high-performing creative teams

Required Documents and Additional Information

Please submit both a resume and cover letter (may be uploaded as one file).

The budgeted salary range for this position is $202,822 - $245,571. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of USC's total rewards package.