Employment Opportunities

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: General Manager/Executive Director 

Employer: WSLR, INC; Sarasota, Florida [currently branded as WSLR+Fogartyville]
Job Status:  Full-Time Exempt (FTE)
Compensation: $50,000 annual salary, plus incentives. 24 days paid time off.

Start date:  August 1, 2023

WSLR+Fogartyville Mission and History

MISSION: WSLR+Fogartyville is a center for creative expression and community engagement that amplifies the voices of our diverse community, and promotes peace, sustainability, democracy, and economic and social justice. 

WSLR+Fogartyville (WSLR) is a non-profit, non-commercial community radio station committed to providing a platform for alternative voices, creative expression and the unique perspectives and interests of the Sarasota area. The radio station’s goal is to fill a unique niche in music and local-interest programming that is refreshing, engaging, insightful, and helps expand our listeners’ horizons. We accomplish this through our broadcast radio programming, our website, live streaming of our broadcasts, social media, program archiving and podcasting. Fogartyville is an indoor/outdoor community space (102 seats inside) – the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – where we host live concerts, films, art exhibits, educational events and community gatherings. WSLR also publishes “The Critical Times” – a quarterly newspaper that is distributed throughout the Sarasota area. Founded as a non-profit in 2004 and broadcasting over the airwaves since 2005, WSLR+Fogartyville is powered by hundreds of committed volunteers, programmers, and supporters. 

General Manager/Executive Director  [Job Summary]

The General Manager / Executive Director (GM) is responsible and accountable for the management, growth and sustainability of WSLR+Fogartyville and all departments and activities of the organization, directly or with staff support. The GM is responsible for overall administration, financial oversight, government and legal compliance, fundraising, personnel, volunteer management, programming, community engagement, technical operations, and all other aspects of our non-profit organization. The GM reports to and has an active working relationship with the WSLR+Fogartyville Board of Directors through regular meetings as well as informal interactions to communicate financial status, strategic opportunities, challenges, and on-going organizational accomplishments and activities. The GM is the chief fundraiser for the organization, serves as our spokesperson, and represents WSLR+Fogartyville in local, regional and national matters as appropriate. 

The GM works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers in a collegial and constructive relationship to ensure the success of WSLR in its role as a valuable community resource.

The GM will be a professional who knows and understands the nature and purpose of both community broadcasting and a community-based arts and performance space in a volunteer-driven organization. Leading candidates will have excellent organizational, interpersonal and writing skills, as well as the ability to work both independently, and in teams, and bring creativity and positive energy to the position.

Desired Qualifications:  

• A degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience in arts, media, non-profit fundraising, or non-profit management.
• 5 years of relevant professional experience in a management position, including significant supervisory roles, budgetary responsibility, financial oversight and positive public relations experience.
• Work experience that demonstrates community interest, operational transparency, a collaborative nature, and a history of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Successful non-profit fundraising experience that includes managing donor and/or membership programs, cultivating business support and event coordination. Grant writing and project management experience is also preferred.
• Public broadcasting (preferred) or commercial broadcasting experience, including knowledge of FCC regulations, knowledge of radio broadcasting, audio production, radio engineering, and/or journalism.
• Commitment to non-profit community radio. 
• General technical skills applicable to working in a radio station and public performance venue. 
• Facility management (oversight of building maintenance, utilities, work contracts, etc.).
• An understanding of arts and performance presentation;
• Supervisory experience that demonstrates an ability to effectively hire, train, mentor, lead and evaluate employees and volunteers. 

Application Instructions

Email cover letter, current resume, and three references to: info@wslr.org or mail hard copy to: WSLR+Fogartyville Board of Directors, P.O. Box 2540, Sarasota, FL. 34230.  Your cover letter should be personalized, two pages or less, address your interest in and qualifications for this position, and how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set.  A more detailed job description is available on the WSLR website at https://wslr.org/employment-opportunities/. Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their materials.

Interested parties with questions may contact WSLR at info@wslr.org.

WSLR+Fogartyville COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all WSLR+Fogartyville staff, as permitted by Florida State law.  

EEO

WSLR+Fogartyville is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

WSLR General Manager/Executive Director

Examples of Job Qualifications, Responsibilities and Expectations

The General Manager / Executive Director will assure this is done personally or through subordinate staff oversight.

General

• The General Manager / Executive Director (GM) will oversee WSLR radio and the Fogartyville community arts and performance center, and is responsible for the overall management of all WSLR, Inc. (WSLR) activities. This includes providing strong staff leadership; leading the strategic direction of the organization, focusing on audience expansion, depth and financial growth; collaborating with staff and community members to think creatively about the station’s future to ensure that WSLR continues to provide excellent content across all platforms; overall management of fundraising, marketing, information technology, engineering, business administration, legal and compliance matters, and human resources; implementing DEI best practices within the organization and supporting an inclusive work environment; and fostering strong relationships within the community and our industry.  
• The GM will effectively manage a small paid staff of full-time and part- time employees and a large corps of volunteers, ensuring that all departments work individually and together in a collaborative fashion to fulfill the mission of WSLR, Inc. and allow the organization to thrive. The GM will also build diverse partnerships with area civic, non-profit, education, corporate and arts and cultural organizations to enhance the breadth and strength of our impact on the Sarasota community.
• The GM will ensure the financial and legal health of the organization; ensure sufficient funds are available for all operations, and the maintenance of the organization’s equipment and facilities. 
• The GM will keep up-to-date on media, technology and industry trends that impact WSLR’s operations, and assess their applicability for the organization and its programs. 
• The GM will maintain relationships with and seek opportunities for collaborations with public and private funders, local non-profits and regional public radio stations.
• The GM is the spokesperson and represents the organization to the local community. This person will have superior written and oral communication skills, including public presentations, and the ability to listen, provide motivation, build consensus, and work effectively with WSLR staff, board of directors, volunteers, and stakeholders in the community.
• The GM will have a commitment to professional ethics, meeting deadlines, good problem-solving skills, sound and practical business discipline, strategic thinking, and creative risk-taking abilities.
• The GM will have strong organizational skills and computer competence with office, fundraising and audio software, and social media.

Legal and Regulatory

• Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including FCC, community gathering center requirements, alcohol laws, health, non-profit governance, and human resources matters.
• Responsible for compliance with all funding source requirements.
• Completes and submits all required FCC reports and forms on time and ensures that all FCC requirements for a radio station are met (including licensing, on-air restrictions, online records, reports, daily logs,  etc.).

• Ensures that eligibility for 501(c)(3) non-profit status is maintained, that registration is current, and the annual IRS 990 is filed in a timely manner.

• Negotiates and prepares all organization contracts and agreements.

Managing Human Resources, Staff and Personnel Matters

• Recruits, hires, on boards, trains, mentors, supervises, evaluates staff, volunteers and contractors who believe in and actively support the organization’s mission and purpose. 
• Oversees the disciplinary and termination processes if necessary.
• Recommends staff compensation and benefits to the Board of Directors.
• Develops and maintains current and accurate procedures, handbooks, job descriptions and personnel policies, and ensures adherence with established policies and procedures.
• Develops staff-specific annual work plans and provides the support required to meet goals.
• Establishes a performance review and evaluation system that is clear, fair and allows for all employees to feel heard and valued; completes fair, accurate, and timely performance evaluations of staff members.
• Oversees conflict and grievance resolution as directed by personnel and volunteer policies.
• Promotes a culture of inclusivity and excellence among WSLR’s staff and volunteers.
• Ensures that volunteers are kept up to date and comply with station policies, requirements and relevant activities.
• Develops and implements ways to provide consistent and timely appreciation to the many volunteers who contribute to WSLR’s success, including periodic volunteer meetings and gatherings.

Board of Directors

• Reports directly to the Board of Directors.
• Supports and assists the Board of Directors in its work to oversee, govern, and promote the work of the organization.
• Prepares information and advises the board on policies necessary for their informed decisions, and implements the board’s approved policies and strategic plan. 
• Attends and actively participates in regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and board committees, including Executive, Governance, Fund Development, and Finance committees.
• Prepares regular station activity reports for Board and Committee meetings and retreats and participates in planning discussions.
• Works with the Bookkeeper and Treasurer to prepare current financial reports for Board and Committee meetings.
• Directs the presentation and discussion of the organization’s annual budgeting process.

Community Relations:

• Functions as the chief spokesperson for WSLR and is the public face of the organization.
• Develops and maintains connections and partnerships with local businesses, organizations, schools, government agencies, the public broadcasting community and local non-profits to represent and enhance the organization’s mission.
• Proactively interacts with institutions to articulate WSLR’s mission, policies, and strategic direction, and build collaborative relationships.
• Assures that the organization is responsive to local needs and concerns.
• Guides station outreach to members, listeners, and the community at large. 

Strategic Initiatives

• Works with the Board and staff to develop and monitor annual strategy and work plans.
• Works with staff and relevant stakeholders to maintain and expand WSLR listenership and Fogartyville audiences.
• Initiates and pursues short and long-term goals and strategies with particular emphasis on outreach, fundraising, programming, and community involvement in the pursuit of these goals.

Financial Management

• Ensures the financial health of WSLR.
• Provides complete, up-to-date financial information and reports to the Board of Directors for committee and full board meetings and when otherwise requested.
• Ensures that all financial record keeping and reporting is correct, complete and up to date. 
• Prepares an annual program plan and budget. 
• Transparently manages budgets that are adequate, realistic, and pertinent to the mission of WSLR, and supplies each department with the people and resources necessary to attain annual objectives.
• Oversees the bookkeeper to maintain accurate financial records and projections, including grant tracking and reporting; provides oversight of income and expenses and reports on progress toward budgetary goals.
• Ensures that accounts payable and payroll are paid on time and that accounts receivable are billed and up to date.
• Ensures that an annual financial review and IRS 990 are done and submitted on time.

Fundraising

• Directs all efforts, with support from the Board, staff and volunteers, to raise funds sufficient to meet annual budget requirements, including a mix of listener and attendee donations, business support and public and private grants.
• Plans and coordinates on and off-air membership drives.
• Oversees management of memberships, monthly donations, and premium distribution.
• Effectively manages donor relationships and retention, including data collection and donor list maintenance.
• Ensures the confidentiality of donor information.
• Develops, cultivates and stewards major gift donors, prospects and outreach efforts.
• Develops a program for planned and legacy giving.
• Identifies and oversees all grant opportunities and projects; researches and writes successful proposals that are appropriate to the mission of WSLR; ensures that grant requirements are met, including programming requirements, fiscal requirements, and timely reporting to funders.
• Works with other staff to support current and obtain future underwriting and advertising opportunities. Ensures that all underwriting announcements are aired as agreed and are in compliance with FCC requirements.
• Identifies and pursues new funding opportunities.

Programming

• Coordinates with the WSLR Radio Station Manager and Fogartyville Manager and staff to ensure radio and performance programming adheres to and is consistent with the mission of the organization.
• Coordinates with staff, the Programming Committee, the Community Advisory Board and the Board of Directors to ensure that programming, performances and exhibitions meet community needs and generate financial support.
• Maintains and publishes up-to-date broadcast and event schedules.
• Represents WSLR within regional news and media collaborations.

Communication, Media and Public Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson to the media and the public. Also advocates for and represents WSLR at public meetings and functions, conferences, networking, fundraising and other activities and events.
• Works with staff, board and volunteers to initiate and promote public relations and outreach efforts.
• Maintains effective communication with volunteers and donors.
• Assures an effective and appropriate social media representation of the organization.
• Develops relationships that articulate, enhance and promote WSLR’s mission to local, regional and national stakeholders. 
• Manages WSLR communications, website, online stream, social media, newsletter, etc.
• Manages the design and procurement of promotional materials including pledge drive premiums, print ads, station logos, letterhead, etc.

Operations

• Ensures that adequate organizational resources are available for operations and provides oversight of day-to-day technical matters.
• Keeps up-to-date with changes and trends in technology, media, and public broadcasting, with a willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and media systems.
• Ensures that the WSLR studios, Fogartyville space, equipment, building, and transmitter sites are safe, functioning and maintained appropriately.
• Coordinates with the radio station manager and the engineering team to ensure the reliability and consistency of on-air broadcast and online signal stability.
• Develops, implements, and oversees various service contracts and agreements.
• Assures that IT infrastructure is maintained, including the website and streaming services.
• Serves as an emergency contact for technical issues along with other designated staff and volunteers.

Critical Times News Coordinator Job Description

Employer: WSLR, INC; Sarasota Florida 

Job Status: Part-time (15-20 hours/week)
Compensation: $16/hour

The Critical Times consists of the following components:

• ½ hour local Broadcast that airs on Friday at 6pm and bi-weekly 1/2 hour Wednesday show
• CriticalTimes.org website and social media
• Critical Times quarterly print publication

The job of the Critical Times News Coordinator is to:

1. Produce the ½ hour Critical Times broadcast every week 
2. Oversee and promote the website, activist calendar and social media.  
3. Train volunteers to audio edit and contribute content. 
4. Run the weekly news meeting; provide oversight of interns; make story assignments
5. Produce stories as needed for the broadcast
6. Contribute to the Critical Times Print publication

Produce the ½ hour Critical Times broadcast every week 

• Consult with Management Team as needed on story ideas to fill the full half hour show 
• Assign stories or regular CT segments to citizen reporters and incorporate these stories into the local broadcast.  Provide feedback. 
• Attempt to attend one community event a week to get an interview for the show/picture for social media/blog post for the website.  We want to be more visible in the community as a news provider.
• Podcast at least one interview from the Critical Times radio show to promote the show
• Maintain list of contact information for all Critical Times contributors in Google Drive
• Keep archive of interviews in an organized fashion on the desktop and backup to hard drive

Oversee and promote the website, activist calendar and social media.

• Regularly use social media to promote local news using Facebook and Twitter and podcasts
• Update Critical Times website 
• Post content to Facebook page at least 4x a week 
• Respond to comments on Facebook page
• Utilize social media to keep Critical Times content in front of the public
• Build likes/followers on the social media

Train volunteers to audio edit and contribute content.

• Train new volunteers in audio editing 
• Create documents/training materials to help make it easier to integrate new people into the news department

Contribute to the Critical Times Print publication

• Write one article per quarter for the Critical Times Print publication
• Help promote and distribute the Critical Times print and digital editions
• Maintain and update the Critical Times contacts in the Google Drive Folder
• Make suggestions to improve WSLR’s local news coverage

Additional expectations:

• Respond to all communications in a timely manner
• Represent WSLR in a courteous and professional manner
• Participate live in the studio during our Membership Drives during the Critical Times show time slots

A person applying for this position should:

• Be up-to-date on local news
• Be familiar with audio editing software 
• Be comfortable placing cold calls to contacts
• Possess good research and writing skills

 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting.  This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Instructions

Email cover letter, resume, and references to: info@wslr.org  or mail hard copy to:
WSLR+Fogartyville, P.O. Box 2540, Sarasota, FL  34230. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set.  

Qualified applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their materials.

WSLR+Fogartyville is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal laws.