University of Southern California
Executive Director, Content
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
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.
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 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 Partnerships/Acquisition
Foster an environment that encourages creativity, innovation and risk‑taking in content development and production while meeting performance delivery requirements.
Identify distribution partnership opportunities and content production to strengthen our brand and increase revenue.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or combined experience/education as a substitute)
Minimum of 10 years work experience with at least seven (7) years in a senior leadership role within classical‑music broadcasting or related media formats
Proven on‑air announcing expertise with knowledge of classical music and music programming
Demonstrated success coaching and directing on‑air staff in a professional broadcast environment
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple departments on content and service strategies
Experience growing audiences across broadcast and digital platforms
Solid production background and digital media/streaming proficiency
and experience with analyzing audience‑performance data and research methodologies
Experience in developing and managing organization‑specific research projects
Documented experience developing and managing departmental budgets
Preferred Qualifications
12 years of experience within a related setting
Proven success launching new broadcast and digital content initiatives
Built complex budgets and business cases to drive strategic expansion
Expert in multi‑platform content strategy and audience insights
Inspiring leader with a track record of motivating high‑performing creative teams
Required Documents and Additional Information Please submit both a resume and cover letter (may be uploaded as one file).
The budgeted salary range for this position is $202,822 – $245,571. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To support faculty and staff well‑being, USC provides benefits‑eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of USC’s total rewards package.
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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.
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 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 Partnerships/Acquisition
Foster an environment that encourages creativity, innovation and risk‑taking in content development and production while meeting performance delivery requirements.
Identify distribution partnership opportunities and content production to strengthen our brand and increase revenue.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or combined experience/education as a substitute)
Minimum of 10 years work experience with at least seven (7) years in a senior leadership role within classical‑music broadcasting or related media formats
Proven on‑air announcing expertise with knowledge of classical music and music programming
Demonstrated success coaching and directing on‑air staff in a professional broadcast environment
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple departments on content and service strategies
Experience growing audiences across broadcast and digital platforms
Solid production background and digital media/streaming proficiency
and experience with analyzing audience‑performance data and research methodologies
Experience in developing and managing organization‑specific research projects
Documented experience developing and managing departmental budgets
Preferred Qualifications
12 years of experience within a related setting
Proven success launching new broadcast and digital content initiatives
Built complex budgets and business cases to drive strategic expansion
Expert in multi‑platform content strategy and audience insights
Inspiring leader with a track record of motivating high‑performing creative teams
Required Documents and Additional Information Please submit both a resume and cover letter (may be uploaded as one file).
The budgeted salary range for this position is $202,822 – $245,571. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To support faculty and staff well‑being, USC provides benefits‑eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of USC’s total rewards package.
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