Professor of Practice \u0026 Chief Operating Officer of KSDB

Manhattan, Kansas


Employer: Kansas State University
Industry: AQ Miller Schl of Media & Comm
Salary: $65000 - $75000 per year
Job type: Full-Time

About This Role:

The A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication seeks a talented and credentialed industry expert to serve as Professor of Practice and Chief Operating Officer of KSDB, Wildcat 91.9 FM. The COO serves as the executive officer of the nation's oldest continually running student-operated radio station. As the station's leader, you will play a key role in promoting co-curricular student media experiences in the School and at Kansas State University. As COO, you will balance inspiring innovation and supporting student excellence in media production with logistical, budgetary and administrative efforts. As Professor of Practice, you will share your industry and other related experience in the classroom and in the community, teaching courses and offering other instructional experiences related to your expertise. You will work closely with a board of student executives, a dedicated and innovative faculty, passionate alumni and friends and a committed group of student support staff all committed to making what's next in Media and Communication in line with Kansas State University's Next-Gen goals.

Wildcat 91.9 is part of Wildcat Electronic Media, a cooperative of radio, television and online student media outlets. Students at the A.Q. Miller School learn across platforms and this position works collaboratively with our other student media outlets.

What is Expected:

  • Manage the daily operations of the student-run radio station, KSDB Wildcat 91.9.


  • Contribute instruction and leadership to the department's undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on media and/or media production.


  • Advise and mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students


  • Provide appropriate service to the department, university, and discipline.


  • Show demonstrated commitment to collaboration, shared and inclusive culture, and innovation in the A.Q. Miller School.


  • Teaching/Instruction: Successful candidates should expect to teach courses within the curriculum of the School of Media and Communication which may include courses in media writing, media planning, media audiences, podcasting audio production, or other courses within the candidate's area of expertise and that meet the needs of the school.


Why Join Us:

Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS, in the Flint Hills region of the state. KSU is a land-grant institution and classified as a Carnegie R1 university.

The A.Q. Miller School is a powerful media and communication destination on campus and online for education, research and community engagement at Kansas State University. Students major in Advertising & Public Relations, Communication Studies, Digital Innovation in Media or News & Sports Media; earn minors and certificates; or pursue an advanced degree that will prepare them for a scholarly or professional career. Our 30+ faculty and staff represent decades of experience in industry and education, train tomorrow's communicators to be critical thinkers, astute information consumers, and creative, ethical and engaged leaders.

Wildcat 91.9 is the oldest, continually running student-led FM college radio station in the country and enjoys a large online, international audience of new alternative and hip-hop music fans. Wildcat 91.9, Kansas' most recognized college radio station, is also one of the most awarded in the nation. In 2023, it was named the Best College/University Station in the United States at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Awards. The station has also consistently excelled at the national Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters student competition, regularly bringing home 50 percent of all statewide awards.

Manhattan, KS is within two hours of the Kansas City metropolitan area and one hour from the capital, Topeka. It is an exceptional place in which to live and work. In 2018, Livability listed us as the 2nd Best Place to live in the US . In 2017, Travel + Leisure selected our campus as the most beautiful in the state. Our students rank amongst the happiest in the nation . Manhattan has an outstanding arts scene and is nestled within the beautiful Flint Hills, near Tuttle Creek Lake-ideal for exploring and outdoor activities.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

The A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication and Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community . The School also includes a commitment to substantial curricular offerings, resources, and programming that supports the knowledge, perspectives, cultures, and histories of marginalized communities. A truly diverse college culture and structure will benefit all members of the university community to better serve and excel in an increasingly global and multicultural world.

Kansas State University embraces diversity and promotes inclusion. The University actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community .

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State's guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience with multiple radio interface systems such as Nexgen, GSelector and Adobe products or similar.
  • Experience in student media.
  • A master's in media, communication, broadcasting or similar prior to hire date.
  • 3-5 years' experience in radio and/or media production.
  • Experience in budget and assets management, including fundraising and/or underwriting.
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5-10 years' experience in radio and/or media production.
  • FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License and/or SBE certification.
  • A doctorate or terminal degree in media, communication, broadcasting or similar prior to hire date.
  • Demonstrated experience with instruction in undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on media and/or media production.
  • Experience with video editing software and website CMS and coding.
  • Experience with various instructional modalities, including face-to-face, hybrid, and distance education instruction.

Other Requirements:
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

  1. Cover letter
  2. CV


  1. Link to portfolio or website with examples of recent, related work.


  1. Teaching philosophy


  1. Contact information for three references


For more information, contact the KSDB COO search committee chair: Dr. Tom Hallaq at thallaq@ksu.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

For best consideration, apply by November 1,2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$65,000-$75,000

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

Created: 2024-09-25
Reference: 518242
Country: United States
State: Kansas
City: Manhattan