WICN is Hiring!
Written by Emily Morrow on May 22, 2025
WICN PROGRAM/OPERATIONS MANANGER JOB OPENING
WICN Public Radio is seeking a dynamic Program/Operations Manager to join our team! As Worcester’s only NPR affiliate, WICN is a unique nonprofit media company with a dedicated audience of listeners and members as well as a growing online presence.
Station Overview:
WICN Public Radio is New England’s NPR affiliate Jazz+, broadcasting from Worcester, MA to the Greater Worcester region, Metro West, The Blackstone Valley, Route 495 and Route 9 Corridors, and the fringes of Boston, NH, RI, and CT. WICN streams live to the world via wicn.org.
Program/Operations Manager – WICN Public Radio
Summary
The Program/Operations Manager is responsible for the overall programming strategy, content, scheduling, and day-to-day running of WICN’s broadcast in support of the delivery of 24 hours of live and recorded programming. This includes scheduling shows, managing both staff and volunteer hosts, ensuring compliance and technical operations are running smoothly to create an engaging listener experience.
This position reports to the Executive Director of WICN.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- With management input, directs all aspects of the station’s programming, including live and purchased on-air content, and determines what music, public affairs shows, and other content are broadcast.
- Ensures that all on-air broadcast programming complies with FCC and CPB rules and regulations.
- Functions as the “go-to” person for troubleshooting technical issues, both on-air and streaming, managing schedules and ensuring the station runs smoothly.
- Collaborates with the Production Manager to ensure the technical and logistical aspects of production run smoothly and WICN delivers 24 broadcast hours.
- Manages on-air talent. Works in partnership with the Program Manager on managing schedules and attracting and training new hosts, including back-up hosts.
- Maintains the On-Air Host Manual and ensures annual compliance with the requirements and policies contained therein.
- Participates in fundraising activities including preparing scripts for and training on-air hosts for membership drives.
- Utilizes listener data, streaming analysis, and broadcast ratings (when available) to develop and implement programming strategies to attract and retain listeners.
- Works with the Executive Director and community organizations on concerts and events.
- May provide services as an on-air host, as required.
- Solid management, teamwork, and communication skills
- Programming creativity and vision
- Attention to detail
- Strong technical expertise
- Strong writing skills
- Able to collaborate effectively with all WICN team members
- Previous radio experience a plus