News and Community Engagement Director

KZMU seeks News and Community Engagement Director

KZMU Moab Community Radio is seeking a part-time News and Community Engagement Director (NCED) to join our energetic and dynamic team. 

KZMU is a supportive and collaborative environment. We prioritize mental and emotional health and safety at the station. Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at KZMU. KZMU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.

This position is a part time, non-exempt, hourly position at approximately 25 hours per week at a pay rate of $24 per hour. 

Job Description

News Direction

The NCED will establish and maintain authentic, collaborative relationships with residents, governmental agencies, local leaders, organizers, artists, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and other community groups. These relationships will inform weekly news coverage that identifies and prioritizes content that reflects community needs, regional culture, and civic engagement; as well as content that fosters transparency and accountability. The NCED will be deeply rooted in the communities that KZMU serves and produce content that amplifies underrepresented voices, highlights issues that affect marginalized communities, and tells stories that may be overlooked by other forms of media. The NCED will create avenues for residents and organizations to participate in KZMU programming. 

The NCED will build on the current news format, which includes:

• Mondays at 6PM, KZMU airs the “Regional Roundup”, created by our partner news organizations in the Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition, of which KZMU is a member.
• Fridays at noon and 6PM, KZMU airs the “Weekly Newsreel”, an interview between the KZMU NPAD and a representative from the Moab Sun News or the Times Independent to discuss stories included in those publications that week.

The NCED will expand the news department to include a mix of live and pre-recorded stories and interviews with local public figures. The ideal candidate for this position would create a realistic monthly schedule of recurring interviews and news segments in order to maintain a manageable capacity-workload balance.

In addition to creating 2-4 live and/or pre-recorded news segments per week (not including the “Regional Roundup” and the “Weekly Newsreel”), the NCED will work with the Music and Program Director to coordinate with and manage volunteer public affairs hosts to help produce at least 5 public affairs shows per month. The NCED will also work with “This Week in Moab” hosts to identify relevant and timely stories and interview subjects. 

The NCED will utilize their community connections to amplify the impact of KZMU’s events, fundraising efforts, and engagement initiatives. The NCED will represent KZMU at local concerts, festivals, and cultural events and will work with the Station Manager and the Music and Program Director to plan multiple events that raise money and express KZMU’s appreciation for the community that makes KZMU programming possible.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter explaining your interest and experience in community radio, news, and public affairs to Station Manager Jenna Whetzel at jenna@kzmu.org. The subject line should contain “News and Public Affairs Director application.” Please include at least two references in your application. If you have samples of your news writing or radio reporting work, please include these with your application.

Application period opens Monday, June 15, 2026 and will remain open until filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. This position has an estimated start date of August 1st, 2026 or as soon as the appropriate candidate is identified.

Responsibilities:

KZMU News

• Produces weekly local news coverage focused on issues residents care about most.
• Schedules recurring news segments monthly.
• Produces at least one monthly audio segment that digs deeper into a timely topic of community interest.
• Provides breaking and emergency news coverage as needed.
• Manages news content on KZMU’s website and social media.
• Produces quality news content under a deadline.

Public Affairs

• Recruits, trains, manages, and supports volunteer public affairs hosts and content contributors.
• Coordinates with volunteer public affairs hosts to schedule recurring public affairs programs and specials monthly.
• Functions as the point person for volunteer public affairs hosts; helping with brainstorming, technical support, and problem-solving. 
• Coordinates with “This Week in Moab” hosts on guest and show ideas.
• Manages public affairs content on KZMU’s website and social media.

Community Engagement

• Represents KZMU at local concerts, festivals, and cultural events.
• Works with KZMU staff to plan events and two bi-annual Radiothon pledge drives. 
• Develops fundraising initiatives in connection with KZMU’s current and prospective partners. 
• Attends community meetings, events, and gatherings to stay informed and connected to local concerns and opportunities for collaboration.
• Develops strategies to elevate KZMU’s news and public affairs department as a community platform for connection, local problem solving, and civic dialogue.
• Other duties as agreed upon.

Essential Core Competencies: Written Communication, Organizing and Planning, Active listening, Strong Communication Skills, Flexibility. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities: 

*Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don’t possess all of the knowledge, skills, and qualities listed below. KZMU is looking for candidates who are adaptable, patient, and willing to learn. 

• Is curious, observant, and engaged with community life.
• At least 1 year of experience in journalism or equivalent degree or industry. 
• Comfortable being a consistent on-air voice.
• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, ethics, and transparency.
• Is familiar with public radio, FCC guidelines, and NPR standards and ethics.
• Understanding and appreciation of rural communities and their stories.
• Ability to write for radio broadcasts, website copy, and social media.
• Possesses a working knowledge of broadcast equipment and related computer programs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Possesses strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage simultaneous tasks.
• Ability to manage volunteers in a way that fosters a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.