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Media Training Manager - Elections 2020 - KCUR #75516

THE OPPORTUNITY

If you are a community engagement specialist who excels in respecting diverse perspectives, here’s a great opportunity to work with public media stations across the country. This Media Training Manager position will be the go-to person for rolling out best practices for community engagement efforts during the 2020 national elections as part of a CPB-funded initiative. We’re looking for an engaging coach with exceptional listening skills and a track record of educating others who might have limited resources or unusual challenges in reaching out to their communities. As part of this 12-month project, the Manager will serve as a key connecting point for engagement and the resulting journalism. KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, is leading the central team based in Kansas City. For the right person, we’re open to a remote workplace.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

This individual will coach, support and provide direction for the community engagement efforts of stations and collaboratives that are part of the national Elections 2020 project. The Training Manager will help develop best practices for community convenings, listening sessions, surveys, and other engagement efforts, contributing to a playbook that will be shared systemwide.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

  • Identify and assess the training needs of stations involved in this project.
  • Create a training and development plan for community engagement that will help stations and collaborations meet the expectations of this project; also ensure training aligns with the project goals.
  • Train stations/collaboratives in the use of engagement tools on social media platforms and on engagement-specific platforms such as Hearken, Talk, The Listening Post, GroundSource, or other digital tools that support community engagement.
  • Train and support “engagement leads” who will serve as coaches in collaborative networks.
  • Monitor and evaluate the training’s effectiveness.
  • Resolve any specific problems and tailor training programs as necessary.
  • Manage the technologies and technical personnel required to develop, manage and deliver training.
  • Maintain a keen understanding of training trends, developments and best practices.  
  • Work with the Community Engagement Director to present case studies about effective community engagement throughout the election cycle. Establish and present best practice training around what works and what has been less successful as stations use new tools — through email communication, webinars, and meet-ups at existing system convenings.
  • By spring 2021, contribute to a white paper on the project that shares final engagement results and lessons learned from participants.
  • Participate in appropriate fund-raising and outreach activities, on air and off.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field required; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; and at least three years of experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Five years of work experience in community engagement related to journalism.
  • Proven work experience as a training manager.
  • Track record in designing and executing successful training programs.
  • Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Extensive experience working with public media organizations.
  • Ability to plan, multi-task and manage time effectively.
  • Strong writing and record keeping ability for reports and playbooks.
  • Passionate about learning and excited about the prospect of leading by example.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Ability and willingness to work a varied schedule.
  • Enthusiasm for the role of public media in a changing journalism environment.

SALARY AND SUPERVISION

This position reports directly to the Community Engagement Director—Elections 2020. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is funded by the CPB grant. 

HOW TO APPLY

Review of applications will begin on Thursday, September 26, 2019. This position will remain open until filled. Apply online: www.umkc.edu/jobs. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the UMKC Vice Chancellor - Human Resources at 816-235-1621. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of this job. If you believe you may have difficulty performing any of the duties or functions of this job, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at 816-235-1323.