Description

KSPS PBS is searching for a strong leader for our next President and General Manager to manage operations and serve as the external ambassador of our renowned Public Television Station. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this position will be directly responsible for all station activities. The President and General Manager will provide an innovative, creative and strategic vision for KSPS PBS as we seek to strategically maintain and expand our position, while navigating the continual transformation of digital media.

The next President and General Manager of KSPS PBS must excel at community engagement and partnership building with the ability to deliver critical and effective fundraising leadership to both public and private sectors, while providing internal leadership and management of staff and facilities.

Requirements

About KSPS PBS

KSPS PBS is a trusted, community-licensed public television station based in Spokane, Washington, with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving the Inland Northwest and Western Canada. Known for our integrity, educational mission, and cross-border reach, we deliver four broadcast channels and an extensive digital and streaming presence that reaches over 2 million viewers annually.

As a mid-sized PBS station with a big impact, KSPS serves a diverse region that spans Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, several tribal nations, and significant portions of Alberta and British Columbia. Approximately one-third of our donors are Canadian, making us one of the only truly international PBS stations in the United States.

We operate with a passionate, high-performing staff across departments focused on development, production, programming, education, engineering, and operations. Our mission is to connect, enrich, and inspire the communities we serve. We do that by delivering trusted journalism, compelling documentaries, vibrant local productions, educational resources for learners of all ages, and community convenings that foster dialogue and civic health.

KSPS PBS is governed by a community board of directors and supported by over 25,000 active members. After the rescission of federal funding, we are doubling down on innovation, regional partnerships, and a values-driven approach that centers education, inclusion, climate awareness, and economic opportunity for all.

Leadership

• Is a respectful, fair and mission-driven team leader and builder;
• Is a selfless, effective change agent who puts the mission and success of KSPS first;
• Is an empowering leader: takes time to learn and utilize existing strengths of individuals and groups, and mentors and supports professional growth of individuals and our staff as a whole;
• Has great people skills and is effective with a wide range of stakeholders – from staff to individual donors and regional legislative, congressional, business and community leaders.

Communication

• Can demonstrate being a skillful listener;
• Enjoys being in a public situation;
• Is an organized thinker, effective writer and speaker;
• Is personable, inspiring and respectful;
• Is an effective spokesperson for the organization.

Community Relationships / Public Presence

• Continues to grow KSPS’s presence in the Spokane area with personal qualities the community and region can connect with;
• Demonstrates a record of community engagement and collaboration, and of developing partnerships with individuals and organizations;
• Is comfortable and effective with a wide range of people, including at high levels of civic leadership in the region;
• Has a high level of energy for visiting stakeholders across the region, as well as authentic enthusiasm for Spokane’s geographic and demographic diversity.

People and Team Management

• Creates and maintains an effective, aligned, and cross-functional culture of engaged professionals;
• Adjusts leadership style as needed—collaborating, enrolling, delegating, and directing as required by the situation;
• Manages conflict constructively and seeks input from staff, comfortable with respectful challenge.

Industry Knowledge

• Understands trends in technology and consumption of media (digital, broadcast, podcasting);
• Has a high level of understanding of the importance, issues and trends of localism;
• Provides strategic management and investment decisions for studio, transmitting, and digital capacity;
• Is technologically competent and fluent in digital and social media strategy.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Prioritizes effectively, includes the right people, and gathers necessary information;
• Uses data effectively in decision-making and follows through with clear communication and execution;
• Stands by decisions while knowing when to change direction as needed.

Vision

• Projects KSPS’s needs into the long-term future;
• Understands future trends in media and their impact on our work and workplace;
• Balances vision with implementation and enrolls others to execute it.

Fundraising

• Demonstrated record of success with major donor fundraising;
• Effective spokesperson and relationship manager for individual and institutional donors;
• Understands public media fundraising strategies and methods;
• Creative in developing alternative revenue streams.

Change Management

• Understands cultural and process impacts of change;
• Prioritizes and sequences change effectively;
• Open-minded, innovative, and persistent in the face of challenges.

Mission Orientation

• Lives the mission and aligns the workplace with organizational values;
• Articulates and interprets the mission for staff and stakeholders;
• Incorporates the mission into daily activities.

About Spokane, Washington

Spokane is a vibrant city of over 230,000 people located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. As the second-largest city in Washington State, Spokane combines urban amenities with easy access to nature, offering a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and a strong sense of community.

Nestled along the Spokane River and surrounded by mountains, lakes, and national forests, Spokane is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The region boasts four distinct seasons, hundreds of miles of trails, five nearby ski resorts, and one of the largest urban waterfalls in the United States. Spokane’s Riverfront Park, recently renovated, is a downtown crown jewel and a hub of arts, festivals, and recreation.

Culturally, Spokane punches above its weight with thriving arts and music scenes, the Spokane Symphony, multiple live theater venues, and a wide array of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. Educational opportunities abound with five universities in the area, including Gonzaga University and Washington State University Spokane.

As a media market, Spokane is unique for its international footprint. With large viewership and donor support from Alberta and British Columbia, public media in Spokane is defined by borderless storytelling and connection.

To Apply

KSPS is being assisted in this search by Livingston Associates. For consideration, please submit a resume and a letter of introduction that describes how you will be the ideal person to lead the organization.

Inquiries: Livingston Associates at (509) 355-1974

Equal Employment and Nondiscrimination

At KSPS, we are committed to equal employment opportunities for all and cultivate a caring and professional environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.