Visionary Leader for Public Media & Education

KET - Kentucky Educational Television; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Authority for Educational Television (KET) seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the statewide public media network, serving eight states and ten media markets. The Executive Director advances KET’s educational mission and guides governance, fundraising, and program development to ensure financial and editorial integrity.

The successful candidate will build relationships with public officials, donors, and educators while leading a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and ten or more years of progressively responsible related experience, including substantial senior-management experience.
• Demonstrated executive leadership experience in organizational administration, strategic planning, operations, policy development, finance, human resources, compliance, or related functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain a highly qualified workforce.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

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 Kentucky Authority for Educational Television Board in a timely and effective manner.
• Oversee the management and operations of KET, the KET Foundation, and the Commonwealth Fund for KET, including human resources, finance, policy, compliance, legal affairs, and related administrative matters.
• Protect KET’s editorial and institutional independence and guard against undue influence.
• Navigate complex organizational, governmental, community, and stakeholder relationships.
• Increase the relevance and use of KET’s programs, services, and resources and expand community engagement.
• Support and grow governmental appropriations, private contributions, partnerships, and other sources of sustainable support.
• Oversee the 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, government officials, constituent groups, partners, media, and other stakeholders.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Relationship building

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 10+ years experience

Job description

The Kentucky Authority for Educational Television (KET) seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the statewide public media network, serving eight states and ten media markets. The Executive Director advances KET’s educational mission and guides governance, fundraising, and program development to ensure financial and editorial integrity.

The successful candidate will build relationships with public officials, donors, and educators while leading a