Director, Music Strategy & Operations

KCRW, Inc; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation leave accrual

Paid holidays

403(b) with company match

Job summary

KCRW, Inc in Santa Monica, CA is seeking a Director of Music Strategy & Operations to oversee all music programming and operations. The role involves managing departmental workflows and ensuring the delivery of high-quality music content across platforms.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in music programming and strong project management skills. The position offers hybrid work options, health insurance, and a collaborative office environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing music programming, editorial production, and/or live events.
• Strong operational and project management skills with the ability to execute complex initiatives.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with artists, industry partners, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Managing music programming

Project management

Communication skills

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director, Music Strategy & Operations

Full Time Professional Santa Monica, CA, US

20 days ago Requisition ID: 1098

Salary Range: $125,000.00 To $130,000.00 Annually

Who Are We

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.

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

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

KCRW aims to be representative of Southern California, and candidates with traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. KCRW is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in our workforce. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non‑merit based factors.