Chief Operating Officer

President's Office, New York City, New York

With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio (NYPR) produces innovative public radio programs, podcasts, and live events that touch a passionate community of people monthly on air, online, and in person. From its state-of-the-art studios in New York City, NYPR is reshaping radio for a new generation of listeners with groundbreaking, award-winning programs including "Radiolab," "The Brian Lehrer Show," "All of It with Alison Stewart," "On the Media," "Notes from America with Kai Wright," and "Carnegie Hall Live," among many others.

NYPR is home to WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio.

THE GREENE SPACE: The Jerome L. Greene Space, located in the heart of SoHo, hosts live events and performances from the best of public media and beyond.

NYPR’s Mission: To make the mind more curious, the heart more open and the spirit more joyful through excellent audio programming that is deeply rooted in New York.

NYPR’s Values:

1. Listen deeply and embrace all voices.
2. Push the boundaries of what is possible.
3. Explain the why.
4. Build trust through positive collaboration.
5. Be accountable, expect excellence, and celebrate.

NYPR’s annual operating budget is about $75,000,000, and the organization collectively employs about 300 talented professionals.

The Role

The Chief Operating Officer of New York Public Radio will play a critical role in leading and managing the administrative, financial and business-operations aspects of the organization. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the COO will be responsible for ensuring the efficient execution of the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

Objectives of this role

1. Manage administrative and financial operations of the organization, complementing the CEO’s focus on setting strategy and cultivating external relationships.
2. Collaborate with the CEO in setting organizational priorities and, in partnership with senior leaders from all divisions, drive coordination and execution of those priorities.
3. Translate strategy into actionable steps for implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, workforce planning, and annual operating budget.
4. Oversee Finance, Sponsorship, IT, Human Resources and DEI, Legal, and Office Services departments, comprising about 70 staff.
5. Play a leading role in convening NYPR’s Senior Leadership Team and ensuring ongoing alignment and monitoring of priorities, goals and performance.
6. Oversee employee productivity, building NYPR’s desired culture and values that ensure team members can thrive and grow while driving organizational priorities.
7. Ensure compliance with national and local business regulations and take appropriate action when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership:

1. Oversee and execute operational requirements for NYPR, complementing the CEO’s setting of a strategic vision and stewardship of external relationships.
2. Provide strategic guidance toward long-term goals and leadership of day-to-day operations of Finance, Sponsorship, Human Resources, IT, Office Services, and other administrative functions.
3. Implement practices for tracking audience, revenue and budgetary goals and lead processes to continually evaluate the health of the organization and adapt as needed.
4. Identify and implement operational efficiencies that can reduce costs and enhance productivity across the organization.
5. Develop and manage annual budgets with the goal of financial stability and sustainability.
6. Monitor financial performance and report to the CEO and Board of Trustees on strategic financial decisions.

Strategic Planning:

1. Collaborate with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees to implement and operationalize the organization’s strategic plan.
2. Drive operational efficiencies and champion initiatives for collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation within the organization.

Culture, Communications and Talent:

1. Strengthen organization-wide decision-making processes and ensure transparency in communicating these processes.
2. Collaborate with HR and DEI to develop an organizational culture that aligns with the mission, values, and strategic goals of the institution.
3. Drive initiatives that reinforce the organization’s values and promote a high-performance culture.
4. Promote open communication channels across all levels of the organization.

Risk Management and Compliance:

1. Implement policies, procedures, and controls to mitigate organizational risks.
2. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Team Management and Development:

1. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and innovation across the business operations teams.
2. Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to staff.

Candidate Profile

NYPR is seeking an exceptional leader and manager of unquestioned operational excellence, intellectual breadth, and practical experience. The ideal candidate will bring a unique mix of business and management expertise and the ability to apply the best practices of an efficient, market-savvy business within the context of a non-profit, mission-driven institution dedicated to public service. In addition, they will bring:

1. Proven experience (15+ years) in progressive management roles within complex, medium-to-large organizations. Experience as a general manager, COO, executive director, division manager within this timeframe is ideal.
2. Experience effectively leading teams and driving operational excellence across functions.
3. Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
4. Experience in the media industry is a plus but not required.
5. Advanced degree in business administration, non-profit management, or a related field is preferred.

In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:

Actioning Vision and Setting Strategy

1. A strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
2. A problem-solver with finesse, patience and drive to navigate complex challenges.
3. An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas.
4. The ability to effectively balance the desire for change with an understanding of organizational capacity.

Executing for Results

1. An inspiring leader who works collaboratively and models a healthy sense of urgency.
2. The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing to improved performance.
3. The capacity to establish metrics for managing operations while working closely with the CEO.
4. Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly.
5. A leader viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought.

Leading Teams

1. A culture shaper who prioritizes talent development and embedding of NYPR’s values.
2. The ability to attract and recruit top talent, motivate the team, and manage performance.
3. The ability to persevere in the face of challenges and exhibit a steadfast resolve.
4. A leader who is self-reflective and aware of their limitations.

Relationships and Influence

1. A passionate advocate for NYPR’s mission of public service.
2. Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others.
3. An ability to inspire trust and followership in others.
4. Encourages others to share the spotlight and celebrates team success.
5. Creates a sense of purpose for the team that generates followership.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $350,000-$400,000 annually. The exact salary offered within this range is determined by skills, experience and organizational pay equity. NYPR offers excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, and sick time as well as inclusive paid family leave.

The role is based in New York City, and the COO is expected to work onsite at NYPR’s SoHo headquarters at least 3 days per week.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

New York Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce. Our journalism and operations benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds, at all levels of the organization. Diversity is essential to honest, authentic, accurate storytelling; creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.

New York Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to any protected status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.