Director, Music Strategy & Operations

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Full Time Professional Santa Monica, CA, US

20 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

We are a global community that is driven by the creative spirit of Los Angeles. Through an inspiring mix of music, news, and culture, we bring joy and connection online, in person, and on the radio. Always excellent, accessible, and often unexpected, we are a constant source of fuel for the imagination, education, and good vibes. At least, that is what our members tell us.

As NPR’s flagship member station in Southern California for more than 30 years and a community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW is the next generation of public media.

The Director, Music Strategy & Operations reports to the Music Director (VP of Music) and serves as the primary operational leader for KCRW’s Music Department. This role is responsible for translating strategic vision into actionable execution across radio, digital, and live platforms, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence across all music programming.

This position oversees day-to-day operations, production workflows, and cross-functional coordination, enabling the successful delivery of music content and experiences that build audience and community. Responsibilities include managing departmental operations, supervising staff and scheduling, overseeing digital and editorial execution, supporting artist relationships, and collaborating across departments to deliver high-quality programming aligned with KCRW’s mission.

Lead day-to-day operations and workflows of the Music Department

Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and ensure execution across all platforms

Oversee operational performance of music programming across audio, video, digital, and live experiences

Ensure consistent standards and quality across all content outputs

Coordinate production schedules, release timelines, and publishing workflows with editorial and creative teams

Oversee planning and execution of live sessions and music events, including artist outreach and booking coordination

Maintain and develop relationships with artists, labels, managers, promoters, and venues

Supervise operational execution of editorial and digital music content

Collaborate with Events, Marketing, Membership, and Digital teams to support audience engagement and growth

Manage DJ scheduling, guest hosts, and programming coverage

Serve as administrative lead for departmental operations, including scheduling, contracts, and cross-department communication

Oversee budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for music initiatives

Supervise and mentor staff, including performance management and professional development

Experience managing music programming, editorial production, and/or live events

Strong operational and project management skills with the ability to execute complex initiatives

Deep knowledge of the contemporary music landscape and artist ecosystem

Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and projects in a fast-paced, creative environment

Experience overseeing budgets, staffing, and resource planning

Strong communication and relationship-building skills with artists, industry partners, and internal teams

Proven ability to translate strategy into execution and measurable outcomes

Existing relationships within the music industry, including artists, labels, promoters, and venues

Experience working in media, marketing, or cultural organizations

Familiarity with public media or mission-driven organizations