Summary

Under indirect supervision, the Programming and Audience Engagement Director oversees programming, content distribution, and audience engagement activities for the University's radio station, KUNM. Develops, implements, and promotes program schedules, production initiatives, and multi-platform content strategies to support programming quality, audience engagement, and station objectives. Ensures compliance with University, FCC, and other applicable regulations; supervises programming and production staff, volunteers, and independent producers; and collaborates with News, Music, and station leadership on related programming and content activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Directs the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of KUNM program schedules and on-air programming activities, including review of local, regional, national and international programming.
2. Leads programming and audience engagement strategies designed to support audience growth, retention, accessibility, and alignment with station goals across broadcast, digital audio, digital text, social media, and emerging platforms.
3. Develops and implements program and production initiatives, including program acquisition, schedule development, proposal development, production projects, contract coordination, and related content activities; directs the production process to ensure consistency with station standards, mission, and audience needs.
4. Oversees and coordinates content packaging, promotion, and distribution strategies across multiple platforms, including radio, podcasts, website content, social media, and other digital channels, to support visibility, consistency, and access to KUNM programming.
5. Utilizes audience research, analytics, performance indicators, and industry trends to inform programming decisions, content distribution, audience engagement efforts, and recommendations for program improvement.
6. Implements community outreach, engagement, events, partnerships and related activities designed to strengthen community connection, support public media objectives, and expand service to diverse audiences.
7. Collaborates with KUNM leadership and internal and external stakeholders to support programming, content strategy, audience engagement, fundraising efforts, and community responsiveness.
8. Ensures compliance with University policies and procedures, FCC requirements, and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to programming activity, content distribution, and broadcast operations.
9. Participates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, objectives, short- and long-range planning, and annual operating budgets; prepares and monitors department budgets and provides fiscal direction for programming, production, audience engagement, and related unit activities.
10. Oversees the Supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
11. Cultivates and maintains relationships with independent producers, community partners, content providers, and other stakeholders to support programming quality, community relevance, audience engagement, and station objectives.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of audience development, digital analytics, and engagement strategies used to inform programming, content distribution, and community engagement.
• Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
• Understanding of integrated media ecosystems and emerging opportunities in cross-platform public media delivery.
• Ability to interpret audience data, analytics, and performance indicators to support programming, editorial, and strategic recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to work effectively within a diverse community.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of community outreach practices.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Ability to plan, assess, and evaluate programs.
• Knowledge of FCC and other federal, state and local broadcasting regulations.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Employee development and performance management skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Working hours may vary and occasional evening and weekend work is required.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 06/01/2026