Host/Producer - Public Affairs
Job Title: Host/Producer - Public Affairs
Date Posted: 05-12-23
****The application period for the first round of hiring for this position will close 5 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023.****
Introduction
KAXE, the first rural public radio station in the nation founded with enthusiasm and grit in 1976 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is seeking a versatile professional to join our growing team as a new Host/Producer.
As an affiliate of National Public Radio, KAXE has built a loyal audience of listeners that have come to rely on the station for local and national news, original music programs, arts and culture, and information about weather, nature and their communities. The organization tells the stories of the people, places and events that make Northern Minnesota special.
The Morning Show is an integral part of our sound. In addition, we are expanding our original news content, with a significant digital focus, because we believe rural Minnesotans deserve robust and reliable local journalism.
According to the Society of Professional Journalists, the loss of local journalism has magnified the spread of misinformation and created news deserts, especially in poverty-stricken and rural communities.
The retraction and closure of locally owned news outlets means some communities have lost reliable sources for news and information about the region. The lack of local news can lead to voter participation decline, local government and business corruption and even increases in taxes and government spending. Citizens become disconnected from their home communities.
Northern Community Radio is a nonprofit, community public broadcast organization, operating radio stations 91.7 FM KAXE Grand Rapids with a translator at 89.9 FM Brainerd, and 90.5 FM KBXE Bemidji as well as kaxe.org.
Summary
We seek curious, collaborative producer/host candidates to join a growing group of professionals to engage and inform local people in Northern Minnesota.
The ideal applicant is a professional with 3-5 years of experience, preferably in media (in print, radio or digital) with track records of excellence, proven team collaboration skills and commitments to the ethics of public media and professional journalism.
We eagerly welcome individuals with diverse lived experiences and perspectives to enrich our work and bring fresh ideas into our organization.
If you are a detail-oriented person who wants to contribute to the daily output of a thriving public media organization — please apply.
The producer will report to the Content Director and will be expected to meet daily deadlines, host news and public affairs programming and be fully involved with the organization.
Your day-to-day work life will be producing local event announcements for air and web, producing interviews (this could mean either setting up interviews for others or conducting them yourself), hosting news programming and assisting with audio production.
As we are growing, expect experimentation and evolving expectations as we find our rhythm as a team. We will train you in the specific skills you will need to fit into our work ecosystem. We listen to all members of a team, and your input will be valued.
The position is based at KAXE’s studio in Grand Rapids or KBXE’s studio in Bemidji with some remote work as arranged. The ideal candidates will have knowledge or curiosity about the complexity and diversity of rural life in northern Minnesota. These are at-will positions.
Qualifications
We’re looking for candidates with:
- College or background in media, communications or writing preferred.
- Communication skills to work as part of a team.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with and commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion in content, staff and community partners.
- Experience or interest in print/digital, multimedia, television and audio production preferred.
- An ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment where attention to detail and accuracy is key.
- Punctual, reliable, and willing to sometimes work weekend and evening hours.
- Interest or experience in rural communities preferred.
This job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employees. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
What we’ll provide
- Investment in your professional growth through coaching, training and professional development.
- A collaborative environment where risk, innovation and growth are fostered.
- A commitment to continue and build upon our diversity, equity and inclusion work in content, staffing, board representation, and community partnerships.
Compensation and benefits
Salary range is $40,000-$47,000 per year based on experience. In addition to salary, KAXE offers a compensation package that includes the following benefits:
- Group health insurance.
- Company paid life insurance.
- 5% company paid SEP.
- Company paid cellphone service.
- Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel.
- 11 paid company holidays.
- 4 weeks annual paid time off.
About Northern Community Radio
Northern Community Radio is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Our policy is to ensure equal employment opportunities in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines.
Like all team members, the Marketing/Social Media Specialist will be expected to contribute to a work culture based upon respect, teamwork and collaboration.
Our programs and employment are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or programs.
Northern Community Radio fosters a culture of inclusion with equity, honesty, diversity, visibility, creativity, and trust as core values.
Position opened until filled.
