KACU Director of Operations

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. ACU prides itself on nurturing a vibrant campus community centered on Christian values and academic excellence. The university emphasizes its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff, while also focusing on protecting its financial and physical assets. As part of its mission, ACU actively integrates faith and learning, encouraging employees and students alike to support its Christian mission and values.

KACU, the university's radio station broadcasting at 89.5 FM and streaming online via kacu.org and the KACU Mobile App, plays a crucial role in this mission by providing high-quality, live programming and local content that reflects the community and Christian ethos. The station serves as a vital communication link between the university and the wider Abilene community, offering a diverse range of programming including music, news, podcasts, and cultural events.

The Director of Operations and Programming at KACU is a pivotal leadership position responsible for managing the business and operational activities of the station to ensure consistent delivery of high standards in radio programming and community engagement. This is a full-time role that demands a blend of broadcasting expertise, technical skills, and administrative acumen. The Director oversees all aspects of radio operations including program scheduling, digital content publishing, staff management, billing, fundraising coordination, event calendar management, and office administration.

In this role, the Director must be a practicing Christian who is willing to actively support the Christian mission of ACU. The position requires robust knowledge of broadcasting tools such as BSI Simian, Content Depot, PRX, and Natural Log systems. Responsibilities include supervising part-time radio staff through hiring, training, and performance reviews and ensuring compliance with FCC and SoundExchange regulations. The Director also manages on-air fundraising efforts, coordinating promotional campaigns in collaboration with NPR and internal stakeholders.

Additionally, the Director plays an essential role in maintaining the KACU Mobile App and online presence, including updating community event schedules, local news, and podcasts. Coordination with ACU's technical teams ensures smooth operations and timely resolution of any technical challenges. The position also entails physical responsibilities, including the ability to lift equipment up to 40 pounds and to speak on-air for extended periods during fundraising campaigns.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience, with a minimum of two years in broadcasting. Candidates with advanced degrees, particularly in journalism or mass communication, may have opportunities for adjunct teaching within ACU’s JMC department. Strong communication, interpersonal, and supervisory skills are essential to lead the station toward fulfilling its mission of impactful community service and Christian outreach.

This leadership role embodies the fusion of faith-driven service with professional broadcasting challenges, creating a unique environment where operational excellence supports spiritual and educational goals at Abilene Christian University.