Program DirectorWAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.The Program Director is responsible for the strategic design, performance optimization, and operational integrity of WAMU's live broadcast schedule. Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, this role ensures that every hour of WAMU's broadcast reflects WAMU's Up Next content strategy, audience growth priorities, and brand standards.Serving as the architect of WAMU's live listening experience, the Program Director shapes format flow, break structure, promotional cadence, and schedule cohesion across dayparts. This position ensures that WAMU's editorial vision and strategic priorities are consistently and clearly reflected in on-air and audio delivery.Working closely with leadership across WAMU News, 1A, Broadcast Operations, Engineering, Membership, Marketing, and Digital, the Program Director translates content strategy into a cohesive, audience-centered broadcast product.
The role operates through collaboration and influence, aligning multiple departments to strengthen WAMU's performance, sound, and audience impact.Essential Functions:Live Broadcast Strategy and Format OptimizationTraffic Log Alignment and Operational CoordinationAudience Performance Strategy and Institutional InsightOn-Air Promotions, Brand Voice, and Listener ExperienceStrategic Program Acquisition and PartnershipsCross-Departmental Leadership and InfluenceRegulatory Compliance and Broadcast StandardsCompetencies:Prioritizing and OrganizingAcquiring and Analyzing InformationEvaluating and Implementing IdeasCollaborative LeadershipLeading and Inspiring PeopleMaking Accurate Judgments and DecisionsDeveloping PlansManaging TalentPosition Type/Expected Hours of Work:Full-time.35 hours per week.Evening or weekend work may be required during pledge drives, breaking news coverage, or special programming.Hybrid 1 work modality (3 - 4 days in office per week).Salary Range:$110,000.00 - $130,000.00 annually.Required Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree.8 - 10 years of relevant experience.Progressive experience in radio programming, broadcast operations, audience research, format strategy, or related fields.Strong knowledge of FCC rules and regulations required.Demonstrated experience interpreting audience data and applying insights to programming decisions.Experience working collaboratively across departments in a live news environment required.Preferred Education and Experience:10+ years of relevant experience.Public radio experience strongly preferred.Experience aligning broadcast strategy with multiplatform content initiatives.Experience presenting audience insights to executive leadership or boards.Experience supporting listener-supported fundraising strategies.Additional Eligibility Qualifications:Excellent writing and editing skills for broadcast and digital platforms.High attention to detail and operational rigor.Strong understanding of trends in public and commercial audio.Ability to lead in a fast-paced live news environment.Demonstrated commitment to WAMU's mission and American University's values.Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.BenefitsAU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.Other DetailsHiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.American University is an E-Verify employer.Current American University EmployeesAmerican University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.Contact UsFor more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.