Senior Director of Editorial and Business Operations
Description
We are seeking a seasoned leader to join WNYC as Senior Director of Editorial & Business Operations - NYPR (National Shows, Programming, News and WQXR).
As WNYC continues to break down content silos and improve efficiencies across the organization, we believe this role will work across New York Public Radio to bring strategic initiatives to life, and oversee critical processes including content launches, and organizational goal-setting and monitoring to drive increased revenue and audience goals.
This role focuses on NYPR’s shows, both live and on-demand and works across the organization to ensure communication, collaboration and alignment. Collaboration with the newsroom focuses on special projects and cross-company priorities, like video; with the marketing and audience-development teams, the role will help shape and communicate performance metrics and priorities; and with the product operations team they will provide input on cross-department initiatives such as the organizational calendar.
The ideal candidate will excel at translating complex strategy into actionable plans and serve as a critical connector among content, audience, and business functions. This role will report to the Head of Studios.
The successful candidate will thrive in our collaborative, fast-paced environment where creativity meets strategic discipline, and where business goals must be reconciled with our mission-driven needs to serve audiences. They will be equally comfortable diving into data analytics and facilitating executive-level discussions. We value leaders who can navigate ambiguity with confidence, build bridges across departments, and maintain a strong focus on both audience impact and organizational effectiveness. A passion for public media and its mission, combined with business acumen and operational excellence, will make the right candidate an ideal cultural fit for this role.
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
Strategic Leadership & Goal Setting
Work with leaders across content divisions to facilitate planning and execution for long-term strategic and operational needs across NYPR
Develop and implement a clear goals framework and KPIs for shows at NYPR (national shows, live shows on broadcast, WQXR podcasts, partner shows, etc.), in partnership with VPs, EPs, Audience, and Revenue
Help VPs and EP’s define our live event strategy and related success metrics
Collaborate with the newsroom to advance video strategy planning and execution across NYPR
Launch Management
Develop and implement a standardized playbook to be used across our content portfolio throughout the lifecycle of each property
Facilitate best practices for programming around distribution and packaging, incorporating relevant industry insights
Operations & Business Management
Work across national shows to audit and streamline internal systems, processes, tools, and workflows across multiple areas including:
Internal and external greenlight processes
Budget management
Legal workflows and contract management
Clarify cross-team roles and workflows (RACIs)
Work with the Head of Studios to develop a comprehensive live events strategy for NYPR
Facilitate quarterly editorial and business review meetings, bringing together shows and organizational leaders to assess progress
Maintain ongoing review of staffing roles and overtime issues for national shows, identifying solutions to operational challenges
Work with finance and legal teams to develop financial models for new ventures and initiatives, while identifying and engaging potential partners for acquisitions, IP development, and other business opportunities
Encourage and train teams to use NYPR content calendar
Audience & Performance Analysis
Serve as primary partner to Analytics, Insights and Research team to to collect, analyze, and synthesize audience and financial performance data for all content initiatives, and, as possible, conduct and distill findings from research projects
Optimize distribution platforms
Apple + (with Membership), Spotify channel strategy, metadata and asset audits
Episode image launches and Apple promotion pitching
Collaborate with Audience teams to maximize growth and reach of all digital content streams – from national shows and WQXR
Ensure stakeholders have relevant, accurate, and timely information about show performance and opportunities
Qualifications
10+ years of experience in content, product and/or audience strategy development and operational optimization
Strong project management and editorial operations experience
At least 5 years in leadership roles within media or content production environments
Proven track record driving organizational change and implementing strategic initiatives
Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience presenting to C-level executives
Deep understanding of editorial integrity, audience needs and platform best practices
Ability to synthesize input from diverse teams and translate it into a cohesive production plan
Advanced proficiency in data analysis, visualization tools, and strategic planning methodologies
Extensive experience in media, broadcasting, or related industries
Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams in a matrix organization
Strong understanding of audience engagement strategies and digital platforms
Experience in business development, financial modeling, and revenue generation in media
Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Passion for public media and a commitment to storytelling
Ability to build collegial and trusting relationships
Additional Information
This is a full-time role with an annual salary range of $180,000-$195,000. Salary offered within this range is determined by skills, experience and organizational pay equity. New York Public Radio offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with vacation time, personal days, sick time and parental leave.
This individual is expected to work onsite at WNYC’s New York City office at least 2 days a week.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
New York Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce. Our journalism and operations in the service of that journalism benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds, at all levels of the organization. Diversity is essential to honest, authentic, accurate storytelling and reportage; creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.
Equal Opportunity
New York Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to mental or physical disability, race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, employment status or any protected federal, state or local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.