Public Media Executive Director — Strategic Leader

KET-Kentucky Educational Television; Chevy Chase (KY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentucky Authority for Educational Television (KET) seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the statewide public media network. The role guides public broadcasting and educational missions across eight states and ten media markets, strengthening programs, services, and community engagement.

The Executive Director will oversee finances, policy, and compliance, and promote editorial independence while building strong relationships with officials, donors, and

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and 10+ years of progressively responsible related experience, including substantial senior-management experience.
• Executive leadership experience in organizational administration, strategic planning, operations, policy development, finance, HR, compliance, or related functions.
• Ability to lead, develop, and retain a highly qualified workforce.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Judgment, adaptability, diplomacy, discretion, integrity, impartiality, and objectivity for leading a public media organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expand the relevance, reach, and impact of KET’s programs and services.
• Cultivate relationships with public officials, donors, community partners, viewers, educators, and other stakeholders to strengthen support and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure the efficient and strategic use of personnel and financial resources in support of KET’s mission, operations, technical infrastructure, programs, and services.
• Oversee compliance with applicable federal and state laws, FCC requirements, organizational policies, and governing documents.
• Maintain public credibility and trust and foster a professional, collaborative, and respectful workplace.
• Communicate with, report to, and consult with the KET Board in a timely and effective manner.
• Oversee management and operations of KET, the KET Foundation, and the Commonwealth Fund for KET, including HR, finance, policy, compliance, legal affairs, and related admin matters.
• Protect KET’s editorial and institutional independence and guard against undue influence.
• Navigate complex organizational, governmental, community, and stakeholder relationships.
• Increase relevance and use of programs and expand community engagement.
• Support and grow governmental appropriations, private contributions, partnerships, and other sources of sustainable support.
• Oversee strategic acquisition and development of programming, productions, and educational services.
• Guide innovation in digital media, content, technology, and distribution in response to changing audience expectations.
• Ensure adherence to applicable journalistic and editorial standards.
• Ensure facilities, technology, and operations are properly maintained and equipped.
• Lead effective marketing and communications and represent KET before the public and other stakeholders.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Governance experience

Stakeholder relations

Public media knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

Kentucky Authority for Educational Television (KET) seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the statewide public media network. The role guides public broadcasting and educational missions across eight states and ten media markets, strengthening programs, services, and community engagement.

The Executive Director will oversee finances, policy, and compliance, and promote editorial independence while building strong relationships with officials, donors, and