Engagement Director & On-Air Host, KNWS

University of Northwestern - St. Paul; Waterloo, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Engagement Director & On-Air Host at Life 101.9 serves as a key ambassador for the station, growing audience reach while fostering relationships with listeners through on-air content and community engagement.

This role plans outreach initiatives, promotions, digital and social media efforts, and live appearances, while supporting marketing, press, and audience database growth. All employees serve as ministers of the gospel and uphold Northwestern’s mission.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of promotions or event planning experience.
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character, and uphold Northwestern’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic direction for community and listener engagement initiatives.
• Leads outreach events, concerts, contests, remotes, promotions, and other public-facing activities.
• Develops partnerships with vendors, community organizations, and media partners to expand visibility.
• Guides digital engagement across the website, app, and social media platforms.
• Oversees volunteer engagement and ensures positive experiences for volunteers.
• Manages promotional resources and station merchandise for events and branding.
• Collaborates to grow listener databases through events and promotions.
• Hosts assigned on-air segments with preparation and alignment to guidelines.
• Contributes content for digital and social elements to support programming.

Skills

Promotion & events

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Budget management

Driver's license

Background check

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree (nice to have)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Engagement Director & On-Air Host, KNWS
VP Area: VP - Media
Department: KNWS - Waterloo
Position Compensation: $52,632 - $58,480 / year
Location: Waterloo, Iowa - KNWS

Who We Are: Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.
Please Note: To avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest, applications by candidates who have a relative employed within the same area of the organization may be subject to an eligibility review as part of the application process.

Position Summary: The Engagement Director & On-Air Host at Life 101.9 serves as a key ambassador for the station, growing audience reach while strengthening relationships with listeners through compelling on-air content and community engagement. This role plans and executes outreach initiatives, promotions, digital and social media efforts, and live appearances, while supporting marketing, press, and audience database growth.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement:

• Provides strategic direction, in collaboration with station leadership, for community and listener engagement initiatives to ensure alignment with Life 101.9’s mission, brand, and growth goals.
• Leads and oversees outreach events, concerts, contests, remotes, promotions, and other public-facing activities, equipping staff and volunteers to represent the station with excellence.
• Develops and nurtures partnerships with vendors, community organizations, local businesses, churches, ministries, and media partners to expand Life 101.9’s visibility and influence.
• Guides Life 101.9’s digital engagement, ensuring the website, app, and social media platforms present timely, relevant, and compelling content that supports programming and promotions.
• Provides leadership to volunteer engagement, ensuring volunteers receive clear communication, positive experiences, and meaningful opportunities to support key initiatives.
• Oversees promotional resources, managing the planning, ordering, and use of station merchandise to support events and brand consistency.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to grow the listener database through intentional engagement at events and promotional activities.

On-Air Host:

• Hosts assigned on-air segments with preparation, personality, and alignment to format guidelines to strengthen listener connection.
• Contributes additional content, including voice tracked shifts and digital/social elements, to support consistent programming across platforms.
• Represents Life 101.9 at community events, maintaining a friendly, warm, and professional presence during appearances, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Minimum of one (1) year of previous experience in promotions or event planning
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community

Nice to Have:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Previous broadcast experience
• Three (3) years of previous promotions/event planner experience

Key Skills

• Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for work-related purposes.
• Financial Oversight: Experience managing budgets and financial resources within assigned responsibilities.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver's license.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment

The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.