The Alliance for Community Media (ACM) seeks an Executive Director to lead this dynamic organization and take it to the next level. The ideal candidate should be committed to the mission of the organization and its success, and provide consistent support for its members through organizational management and operations, advocacy efforts, fundraising, leadership and coalition building.
The ACM is a national, non-profit membership organization that represents over 1,000 Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) access television, community media organizations, members and supporters throughout the country. Founded in 1976, the ACM is a leading advocate for localism and diversity in media and for media democracy. Critical to the mission of the ACM is the preservation of the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech, with corresponding legislation and policies to protect community channels and sustain funding for their operation. The ACM advances its mission through member development, public education, a progressive legislative and regulatory agenda, coalition building and grassroots organizing.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The executive director serves as the chief executive officer and principal spokesperson of the ACM. Key responsibilities include:
Manage operations and administration of the organization utilizing staff, contractors and volunteer efforts to maximize resources.
Increase the organization’s membership and ensure members are provided services on a timely and consistent basis.
Develop and secure funding to build and maintain a strong, thriving and sustainable national non-profit organization.
Maintain appropriate fiscal and budgetary control of the organization. Prepare budgets and monitor expenses and revenues.
Lead advocacy efforts by representing ACM membership before Congress and the FCC, and supporting policy initiatives at the state level to protect and grow community access television.
Represent ACM membership in dealings with other public interest organizations and maintain an active role in the community.
Support educational activities that benefit ACM members, including national and regional conferences, publications and other activities.
Provide information and support to national and regional leadership of the organization, including the Board of Directors, and ACM national affiliates.
§ Work with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and implement all policies, procedures, and long-range strategic plans. Prepare periodic reports regarding progress toward and barriers to the achievement of such policies and plans.
The individual will oversee the planning and delivery of ACM events, programs and products, including the ACM Annual Conference, the Community Media Review, books, videos, list servs and the ACM web site. The executive director will develop written materials for the advancement of the ACM’s policy agenda and member communications. The executive director will enhance the business operations of the organization by developing and maintaining policies and procedures.
Desired Minimum Employment Standards and Requirements:
Education /Experience:
§ BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university. [NOTE: Selected applicants will be asked to submit transcripts or other verification of their degree(s).]
§ A minimum of five (5) years of upper management or supervisory experience in the community media field, or in related areas such as public administration, arts, etc.
§ Must have achieved a senior level position in an organization or department.
§ Documented experience that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the field of non-commercial Public, Educational, and Government Access, or a related field.
The successful candidate should demonstrate experience in the following areas:
§ Legislative advocacy
§ Leadership and management responsibility with a complex non-profit organization.
§ Organizing and working with diverse groups of people.
§ Fund development
§ Strong communications skills, including effective public speaking and negotiation.
§ Providing member services with excellence.
§ Strategic planning, implementation and preparation for an evolving future.
§ Work with community media.
Desired qualifications:
§ Knowledge of the principles, practices and legal regulations of cable communications.
§ Experience with a national or state organization structured on a geographical basis.
§ Verbal and writing skills that reveal ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and messages
§ Proven successful track record in fundraising
This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards for the position. Employees will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required to fulfill all job responsibilities and the mission of the organization.
The executive director should be available to begin work in July 2008 and is expected to reside in or near the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
The ACM national office is located in downtown Washington, DC. The ACM offers a salary range of $100-120,000 per year plus a competitive benefits package. Relocation assistance is not provided. The ACM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For more information about the ACM, visit www.alliancecm.org
Applicants must submit a detailed letter of introduction (describing how their experience, knowledge and skills match the identified duties, responsibilities, and minimum employment standards and requirements of this position), a current resume, salary history/requirements, and at least three professional references with telephone numbers. Submit materials via e-mail (MS Word or PDF format documents as attachments) to: Jacci Duncan, Meridian Services, jduncan [at] meridianservicesonline [dot] com
Deadline for submission: Applicant materials must be received by 5:00 PM EST on April 8, 2008.
