Executive Director

KKFI 90.1 FM is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director (ED) to lead our community-powered radio station. As KKFI’s chief executive, the ED will be responsible for overseeing the station’s strategic vision, operations, financial sustainability, community engagement, and regulatory compliance. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers to strengthen KKFI’s role as a vital independent media voice in Kansas City. The ED has decision-making authority in key operational areas while collaborating with the board on high-level strategy, governance, and financial oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary executive leader, guiding KKFI’s mission, vision, and long-term growth.
• Lead strategic planning efforts in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Represent KKFI in local, regional, and national media and nonprofit networks to enhance the station’s influence.
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including listeners, community organizations, business partners, and donors.
• Maintain affiliations with appropriate community radio organizations and networks.

• Supervise the achievement of budgeted financial goals to grow the organization’s revenue and control expenses pursuant to financial policies.
• Oversee the station’s financial health, budgeting, and cash flow management in coordination with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with IRS, FCC, and CPB guidelines.

• Develop and implement a strategy for the combined use of staff & volunteers to perform the needed work of the organization; make recommendations where necessary to revise personnel policies or job descriptions.
• Assess the organization's training needs with involvement from the Volunteer Coordinator and other relevant stakeholders; devise a structure and process that meets those needs. Manage and support KKFI’s paid and volunteer staff in all roles, ensuring a healthy, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and provide guidance and mentorship to staff, and, if need be, terminate employees.
• Conduct annual employee performance and compensation reviews; implement approaches to meet professional development needs.

• Work with the Programming Committee to ensure KKFI’s programming reflects diverse voices and perspectives that align with our mission.
• Represent KKFI at community events, forums, and partner meetings to increase station visibility and local impact.
• Engage with the Community Advisory Council by facilitating regular meetings, gathering feedback on community needs and station programming, and ensuring recommendations are communicated to the Board of Directors for consideration.

• Ensure legal, financial, and contractual compliance, including public file maintenance, station licensing, and broadcast regulations; monitor the maintenance and management of the station facility to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Direct risk management including insurance, contracts, crisis response planning, and safety & security protocols.
• Report regularly to the Board of Directors and Active Members on station operations, finances, and strategic initiatives; keep KKFI stakeholders informed of developments in broadcasting and other areas that affect KKFI, including good and welfare for programmers, volunteers, and staff.

The Executive Director has autonomy over the station’s day-to-day operations, financial planning, and staffing. Major strategic decisions (e.g., capital campaigns, major financial investments, significant policy changes) require Board or Active Membership approval.

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles for nonprofit organizations; media experience a plus but not required
• Proven track record of non-profit executive-level management and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to build relationships with stakeholders; established relationships with local community groups a plus.
• A commitment to the organization's mission
• An understanding of non-profit financial health and budgeting.
• Passion for independent media, social justice, and grassroots organizing.

• Salary Range: $60,000–$90,000 (negotiable based on experience)
• Benefits: Health insurance subsidy, paid time off, professional development support
• Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid work options available

• A cover letter detailing your qualifications and vision for KKFI.
• A resume or CV highlighting relevant leadership, fundraising, and media experience.
• Three professional references.

The position will remain open until filled. KKFI 90.1 FM is committed to an inclusive workforce.  We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Established in 1988, KKFI has been the Kansas City area’s only independent, noncommercial community radio station, providing a 100,000-watt channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media, and committed to diversity in programming and discourse.