La Crosse Regional Manager

POSITION SUMMARY
The Regional Manager is the primary liaison for Wisconsin Public Radio’s (WPR) audience and partners in southwestern Wisconsin, including the listening areas of radio stations WHLA/ La Crosse, WLSU/ La Crosse, WHHI/ Highland and WSSW/Platteville. The position serves as the primary outreach officer in the region, not only reflecting WPR to the communities of southwestern Wisconsin, but also reflecting the needs and issues of those communities back to WPR leadership. In addition to managing the regional office and operations in La Crosse and regional events and activities, the position serves a key role representing locally-based content as a member of WPR’s content team, serving as executive producer of regional programming in southwestern Wisconsin, and as quality control manager for all regionally-based programming throughout the state. Reports to Senior Regional Manager.

DEGREE AND AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, business, marketing or related field.

MINIMUM YEARS AND TYPE OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

Five years successful experience in broadcasting, communications, business, marketing or related field which includes operational responsibility.
Ability to host and produce news or public affairs radio programming, write and produce promotional copy.
Persuasive and effective oral and written communication skills.
High level analytical and planning skills that support sound business decisions.
Proven leadership and management skills with a demonstrated record of success in setting and achieving high performance standards for self and others.
Success in encouraging and supporting an inclusive and diverse working climate.
Commitment to community outreach/engagement; prior success in energizing/motivating staff efforts around community engagement activities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to travel around state at least 12 times per year.
Computer competency and familiarity with Microsoft office programs.

NOT REQUIRED BUT DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Previous public broadcasting experience.
Proven track record as a professional journalist.
Understanding of the culture of southwestern Wisconsin.

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online at https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu by 10/1/19. The job number is 100244. All of the following must be received for your application to be complete: 1) Resume; 2) A cover letter describing how your experience relates to the job duties and minimum and desirable qualifications.

As applicants progress to interviews, they will need to provide at least three professional references including e-mail and phone contact information; at least one must be a supervisory reference.

Questions? Contact: Erin Cook, Wisconsin Public Radio, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706;

608-263-0477, [email protected].

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as WPR General Manager in the region, managing the local office and facilities.
Serve as WPR’s Chief Outreach Officer in the region. Develop, initiate and pursue community relations activities that effectively position and promote WPR programs and services to the community. Collaborate with other regional managers on audience and community engagement strategies.
Serve as Executive Producer of local radio and digital content in collaboration with the Senior Regional Manager and the Director of Content. Manage regional on-air and digital content for southwest regional stations, including regional promos/positioning announcements.
Serve as Quality Control Manager for all regional programming in the state, including that produced in studios in Superior, Eau Claire, Wausau, Green Bay and Milwaukee. Represent regional managers on WPR’s Content Team.
Ascertain the needs, issues and opportunities in our communities for the purpose of developing programming/content to meet and communicate those needs locally and statewide.
Serve as WPR liaison to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (as hosts of the regional office) and other institutional and community entities.
Manage and supervise regional administrative/outreach coordinator, volunteers and interns. Serve as on-site liaison to WPR managers who supervise La Crosse-based news and development staff members. Reinforce WPR mission, vision and strategy to La Crosse-based staff.
Maintain the standards of journalistic ethics and excellence described in Ethical Guidelines for Editorial Staff: https://www.wpr.org/wpr-ethical-guidelines.
Provide management support for fundraising efforts, including membership, business sponsorship, major gifts and planned gifts.
Develop and manage regional budget(s). Ensure compliance with Corporation for Public Broadcasting certification requirements.
Effectively engage diverse perspectives and experiences in work product and in organizational interactions, including communication and decision-making. Demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships and interactions.
Other duties as assigned.