Executive Director / General Manager – WFSU Public Media

Description

Executive Director / General Manager – WFSU Public Media

WFSU Public Media (WFSU) is looking for an Executive Director/General Manager to serve as the organization’s chief executive, responsible for operations, sustainability, and strategic growth. As part of Florida State University, this leader sets the vision for a dynamic public media organization serving North Florida, South Georgia, and statewide audiences. This role provides enterprise-wide leadership across all public broadcast and non-broadcast media operations, leading WFSU through transformation—expanding digital content, strengthening revenue, and ensuring long-term operational, financial, and regulatory sustainability.

Job Duties

Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Set and execute a forward-looking strategic vision aligned with WFSU’s mission and long-term sustainability.
• Lead organizational transformation, including digital expansion, audience growth, and innovation.
• Identify and implement new opportunities for growth, impact, and revenue generation.
• Translate strategy into actionable initiatives that align operations, content, and financial performance.

Financial & Operational Management
• Oversee an ~$8M operating budget and ensure long-term financial health and sustainability.
• Lead strategic resource allocation across core operations and growth priorities.
• Direct long-range financial and operational planning across media infrastructure.
• Navigate funding challenges and evolving cost structures with strong financial acumen.

Fundraising & Revenue Development
• Partner with development leadership to build and scale a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Personally engage in major gift cultivation and donor relationships.
• Drive diversification of revenue streams across membership, underwriting, philanthropy, and digital.
• Build sustainable, growth-oriented funding models.

Content & Media Leadership
• Oversee high-quality, cross-platform content across broadcast, digital, and emerging media.
• Ensure journalistic integrity and uphold public media standards.
• Expand audience reach through compelling storytelling and engagement strategies.
• Provide leadership across all media platforms, including television, radio, and statewide services.

Skills Required

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, mission-driven executive with leadership and fundraising experience in media, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations. This individual brings a strong balance of strategic vision and operational execution, with the ability to lead large, multi-functional teams, drive sustainable growth, and navigate change in a dynamic environment.
They are an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader who understands the evolving media landscape and is passionate about the role public media plays in serving communities.

• Master’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s with 5+ years, or Bachelor’s with 7+ years of relevant experience in media, communications, or marketing.
• Minimum 8 years of senior management experience.
• Proven experience leading an organization, division, or complex function.
• Understanding of broadcasting, digital media, streaming, podcasts, and emerging platforms.
• Knowledge of public media’s mission, structure, and community role.
• Experience working with content, production, or creative teams preferred.

Skills:

– Executive leadership and organizational management
– Strategic planning and vision-setting
– Financial oversight and budget management
– Fundraising and revenue diversification
– Major donor and philanthropic relationship management
– Board engagement and governance collaboration
– Team leadership, coaching, and culture-building
– Public media, journalism, or broadcasting knowledge
– Community engagement and partnership development
– Political acumen and ability to maintain editorial neutrality
– Change management and organizational transformation
– Media industry and digital content strategy awareness
– Communication and public speaking skills
– University or higher education partnership experience
– Operational leadership across multi-platform media environments
– Stakeholder management across internal and external audiences
– Talent recruitment, retention, and succession planning
– Data-informed decision-making and performance management
– Grant development and stewardship
– Crisis management and reputation management

Additional Info

For a comprehensive overview of the role’s key responsibilities and qualifications, please click the link below and refer to the Position Details tab.

Compensation: Salary Range: $150,000 – $180,000 based on experience and qualifications. This position includes comprehensive benefits.

Location: Tallahassee, Florida.

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the WFSU Public Media. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/wfsu-public-media/.