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 as an 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…