An independent and community supported non-profit, Nashville Public Radio serves the rapidly growing Middle Tennessee area by providing in-depth news, engaging music and unique cultural programs across its broadcast (90.3 WPLN News, 91.1 WNXP Music), streaming, podcast, live event and digital platforms.
Nashville Public Radio has evolved and grown in recent years, significantly expanding the staff and offerings of the WPLN newsroom and transitioning WNXP to a “Triple A” music format showcasing an eclectic mix of indie rock, hip hop, urban alternative, electro-pop, and music from local Nashville artists. These steps have allowed Nashville Public Radio to deepen audience engagement, particularly in the 18 to 34-year-old demographic group. Nashville Public Radio has introduced a number of locally-focused new products and services, including a one-hour daily news show called “This is Nashville,” a weekday email newsletter and podcast “The NashVillager,” and a number of critically-acclaimed podcast series. “The Promise” podcast series on inequality in Nashville won a coveted Peabody award, and “Supermajority,” a podcast produced in partnership with NPR on Tennessee’s political landscape, has likewise garnered positive reviews.
The Nashville Metropolitan Area
The Nashville metropolitan area, home to over 2 million residents and spanning 10 counties, is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. With a population growth of over 21% in the last decade and projections reaching 2.5 million people by 2040, it is a leader among U.S. metropolitan areas in expansion and economic vitality. Renowned for its dynamic culture, Nashville blends its iconic music scene with a booming business environment, including top-tier healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
Position Summary
Nashville Public Radio is seeking an outstanding executive with the strategic acumen, leadership, fundraising, and operating skill to continue to build the organization’s relevance and impact in a rapidly changing media environment. This individual needs to be a passionate public face of the organization, able to fully engage with other business and community leaders. The CEO will have full general management responsibility, and will lead all strategic, financial and operating aspects of the organization.
Key Relationships
Reports to: Board of Directors
Direct reports:
- Chief Operating Officer
- WPLN VP Audience Engagement
- WNXP Program Director
- Chief Administrative Officer
- Director of Finance
- Head of Engineering & IT
- VP of Development
- Director of Business Sponsorship
Other key relationships:
- NPR and other public media organizations
- Other Nashville area news, music and media organizations
- Leading civic, cultural, and educational institutions
Major Responsibilities
- In partnership with the Board of Directors, staff and other key stakeholders, develop a comprehensive strategic plan focused on driving audience growth across all platforms and building community impact.
- Lead the development and implementation of operational plans that support the long-range strategies and annual objectives of Nashville Public Radio.
- Provide clear management direction through inspiring, visible leadership.
- Recruit, develop, and retain top caliber and diverse team members.
- Actively champion and lead fundraising efforts for Nashville Public Radio from institutions and individuals.
- Amplify Nashville Public Radio’s voice, position, and reputation in the communities it serves.
- Work in a highly collaborative manner with the Board of Directors.
- Communicate Nashville Public Radio’s successes, challenges and opportunities to key organization stakeholders.
- Build on an existing culture of trust, collaboration and mutual respect.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with NPR and other key players in the public media ecosystem.
- Identify, evaluate and execute strategic partnerships on a targeted basis.
- Serve as an inspiring spokesperson for and public face of Nashville Public Radio.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION
While the next CEO may come from a variety of backgrounds, candidates will likely bring several of the following experiences:
- Track record of success as a media leader, in either a for-profit or non-profit/public media organization.
- Demonstrated affinity for Nashville Public Radio’s mission.
- Financial and operational management skills.
- Demonstrated track record of success in fundraising and/or sales.
- Experience in a digital media environment.
- Track record of building and managing high performing teams.
- Deep understanding of the value of an inclusive culture.
- Passionate, energetic, and inspiring approach and demeanor.
Key Selection Criteria
Effective Leader Aligned with Nashville Public Radio Mission: The ideal candidate will have demonstrated alignment with and understanding of the journalistic, cultural and public service mission of Nashville Public Radio.
Strategic Executive with Digital Acumen: The ideal candidate will have experience charting a course for a media organization in transformation.
Compelling Team Builder and Organizational Leader: The ideal candidate will have operated successfully on an executive team within a dynamic, high performing organization.
Sophisticated and Inspiring Communicator: The next CEO will have demonstrated skill in clearly communicating Nashville Public Radio’s essential role as a public media institution.
About Nashville Public Radio
Nashville Public Radio serves Middle Tennessee by providing trusted in-depth news, engaging music, and unique cultural programs. For more than 60 years, listeners have turned to this community supported service for programming that inspires conversation and curiosity, educates, and entertains.
Nashville Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our hiring. Nashville Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer.