Job Description:

Position Summary: The Director of Operations and Engagement for Interlochen Public Radio (IPR) is a key leader responsible for managing the administrative and operational functions of the IPR office, as well as developing and executing engagement initiatives that deepen connections with listeners, donors, and community stakeholders. This position requires a hands-on, organized professional with the ability to manage complex office operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive community-facing efforts that strengthen IPR’s presence and support within northern Michigan and beyond. The Director will work collaboratively with Interlochen’s Philanthropy department to design and implement fundraising drives, develop community events, and cultivate relationships that foster loyalty and investment in IPR’s mission.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Lead the day-to-day administrative operations of the IPR office, including billing, scheduling, facilities, and legal compliance.
  • Manage and supervise the IPR Office Manager, providing direction, support, and performance feedback to ensure effective administrative support across the department.
  • Oversee the use of the IPR Cabin, including managing scheduling, coordinating logistics, and overseeing rental contracts.
  • Oversee IPR’s merchandise program, ensuring appropriate stock and fulfillment for listener engagement and support.
  • Coordinate closely with Interlochen’s Philanthropy department to plan and execute three annual fund drives.
  • Serve as the year-round point of contact for donors, managing donor communications and assisting with the delivery of sponsorship messages.
  • Plan, promote, and direct community engagement initiatives, including fundraising events, public programs, and strategic partnerships.
  • Monitor the IPR Community Calendar to identify and coordinate on-air messaging, ensuring timely and relevant announcements for the full listener footprint.
  • Develop and maintain community relationships to enhance IPR’s presence and support within northern Michigan and surrounding areas.
  • Stay informed on engagement strategies and programs at peer stations, identifying best practices to enhance IPR’s community outreach efforts and ensure alignment with Philanthropy initiatives.
  • Support the development and implementation of sponsorship, donor, and community recognition strategies that align with IPR’s mission.
  • Plan, manage, and execute specific IPR events and series, including handling logistics, marketing, and contracts to ensure successful and impactful programming for the community.
  • Actively participate in station strategic planning, foster connections with Community Education, and support other Interlochen initiatives to strengthen IPR’s role within the broader organization and community.
  • Oversee IPR’s compliance with various regulatory and reporting systems, including annual harassment training, job fair requirements, royalty reporting, open meeting documentation, and filing of EEO & SAS reports to ensure adherence to all legal standards.
  • Support the preparation and filing of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) grant to secure essential funding and maintain compliance with grant requirements.

Experience and Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred but will consider multiple years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in operations, community engagement, fundraising or nonprofit administration.
  • Proven ability to oversee business functions, including office management, scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
  • Demonstrated success in planning and executing community events, fund drives, and engagement initiatives, with a strong track record of building community partnerships.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, community members, and team members.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
  • Passion for public radio and Interlochen’s mission of advancing arts, culture, and community engagement are a plus.
  • Fundraising experience is highly desirable.
  • Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM a plus.
  • Experience with Allegiance a plus.

Application Materials Required:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Vacation, Sick, Holiday and generous winter holiday time off
  • Life insurance
  • Voluntary life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs
  • Defined contribution 401(a) plan, managed by TIAA
  • Free or discounted employee tickets to Interlochen performances and events *some exceptions apply
  • Early event ticket purchase before general public sales begin
  • Free Stone Cafeteria meal on shift
  • Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)
  • Priority access to Interlochen employees at Pitter Patter Day Care Center (less than one mile from campus)
  • Employee Referral Program (cash payments)
  • Tuition discounts for employee’s children at Academy, Camp and Interlochen Online
  • Parental leave (12 weeks paid for Pregnancy/Maternity/Childbirth leave, 6 weeks paid for Parental leave).
Job Location: 
Interlochen, MI
United States
Job Category: 
Administrative
Fundraising/Promotion/Membership
Management
Job Type: 
Full time
Hours Per Week: 
40.00
Send Application Materials To: 

Please apply online at interlochen.org/careers 

Minimum Salary: 
$54,000.00
Maximum Salary: 
$60,000.00