Director, Music Strategy & Operations

KCRW, Inc.

$125K — $135K *
Media
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in managing music programming, editorial production, and/or live events
  • Strong operational project management skills
  • Deep knowledge of contemporary music and artist ecosystems
  • Ability to juggle multiple stakeholders and projects in fast-paced environments
  • Experience managing budgets, staffing, and resource planning
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
  • Proven track record of translating strategy into execution.

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily operations of the Music Department
  • Translate strategic vision into actionable plans
  • Oversee performance of programming across various platforms
  • Ensure consistent quality in all music content
  • Coordinate production schedules with editorial teams
  • Plan and execute live sessions and music events
  • Maintain relationships with artists and industry partners
  • Supervise content execution across editorial and digital platforms
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for audience engagement
  • Manage DJ schedules and programming coverage
  • Serve as administrative lead for departmental operations
  • Oversee budgets and resource allocation for initiatives
  • Mentor and develop staff professionally.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule for select positions
  • Eligible for overtime and premium holiday pay
  • Sick leave award
  • Vacation leave accrual
  • Paid holidays
  • Health insurance coverage including dental and vision
  • 403(b) plan with company match
  • Supportive and passionate office environment
  • Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Full Job Description
Director, Music Strategy & Operations

How You'll Make An Impact

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.

Here's What You'll Do
  • 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

Here's What You'll Bring
  • 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


Preferred Skill
  • 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


What We Offer
  • Salary: $125,000 - $135,000
  • Hybrid work schedule for select positions
  • Eligible for overtime and premium working holiday pay rate
  • Sick leave award
  • Vacation leave accrual
  • Paid holidays
  • Health insurance (including medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and AD&D) eligibility
  • 403(b) with company match
  • Passionate office environment surrounded by an incredible community of curious and talented colleagues
  • KCRW is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program - read more here to determine your eligibility


Similar Jobs

More Jobs at KCRW, Inc.

More Media Jobs

Find similar Director, Music Strategy & Operations jobs: