Executive Director, Content Job at University of Southern California in Los Ange

Apply for the Executive Director, Content role at the University of Southern California.

Position Overview

The Executive Director, Content (EDC) reports to the President of 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. The role ensures that every element broadcast or streamed 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 as an on‑air host as needed. Produce programs, promotional spots, and other content. Participate in on‑air pledge drives as pitch talent. 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 the development department to craft effective on‑air fundraising messages and sound for membership drives and donor appeals. 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 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 performance delivery requirements. Identify distribution partnership opportunities and content production to strengthen the brand and increase revenue.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or combined experience/education as a substitute)
• Minimum of 10 years of 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.
• 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.
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree (additional education requirements or combined experience/education as substitute).
• Minimum Experience: 10 years (maximum 7 years in a senior leadership role in classical‑music broadcasting or a closely related media setting).
• Preferred Education: Master's degree.
• Preferred Experience: 12 years.
• Preferred Skills: Demonstrated experience launching new broadcast and digital content services, developing complex content budgets, building business cases for expansion, deep understanding of audience analytics, and inspiring leadership.

Job ID: REQ20168724 | Posted Date: 11/14/2025