Host, The Current

This is a Full Time Job

Position Summary:
Join an award-winning team at The Current as an on-air host. As a Host, you will provide music discovery to listeners by crafting compelling on-air breaks that introduce and give context to a variety of music – new to nostalgic, indie to influential, local to legendary. The ideal host is passionate about music and sharing it through radio and digital platforms. We succeed through collaboration, and a strong performer in this role is an excellent communicator, thorough planner, and professional teammate. A host in this role is internally motivated to serve the public – listeners, members, and the music community – and thinks about what the audience wants and needs. As a colleague, this host does their work with respect and inclusion to build trust.

The average day includes:
• Scheduling music in collaboration with the programming team
• Researching and preparing content for on-air breaks
• Hosting a regular evening daypart, live and voice-tracked, as assigned

Some days include:
• Hosting interviews or in-studio sessions
• Live events
• Engaging with listeners and members
• Team meetings
• Working on special content
• Pitching during Member Drives
• Other duties as assigned because you never know what cool opportunity might happen at The Current!

You’ll regularly use software programs including Music Master, Dalet, Microsoft Office suite, Slack, and Airtable. You will be part of a team creating innovative on-air and digital content that connects our community through music.

This position sits in the collective bargaining agreement between MPR and Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”).

Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 2 pm-10 pm, occasional fill-in, weekends, and holidays.

Expected Compensation Range:
$48,500 - $54,000/yr. The exact salary is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Location:
St. Paul, on-site

Application Deadline:
Open until filled.

Your Responsibility:
• Schedule music, perform live and voice-tracked shows using The Current’s playlist and music library, and craft compelling on-air breaks and content.
• Operate the play-to-air system and studio equipment.
• Perform voiceovers for shows, content, promos, and underwriting as assigned.
• Prepare for and interview musicians and various guests as needed.
• Write various copies including intros, interview questions, and scripted breaks.
• Host content on The Current’s digital platforms as assigned.
• Execute on-air content including features, in-studio sessions, specialty shows and programming, and remote broadcasts.
• Edit content using Dalet or ProTools.
• Participate in the promotion of Minnesota Public Radio, including public appearances and on-air fundraising activities.
• Understand and comply with FCC Broadcast Regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
• 1-3 years of relevant broadcast experience.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
• In-depth knowledge of the music heard on The Current and a strong sense of the musical direction and sound the station seeks to create and maintain.
• Engaging, conversational, on-air presence.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm about ways to work toward shared goals that grow The Current and reach new audiences.
• Ability to work professionally with others in a team environment.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the current music scene/community in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.
• Operate from a growth mindset, openness to feedback and learning, and innate curiosity.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office suite – Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. – and Slack or other instant messaging platforms for collaboration.

Preferred Skills and Experience:
• Knowledge of Music Master and Dalet is helpful.
• Experience in announcing and production.
• Knowledge of the radio and music industry, including the non-commercial public radio operational model.
• Ability to develop contacts and professional relationships in the Minnesota music community.

Reporting To This Position:
None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical Demands:
- Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods.
- Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
• Working Conditions:
- Moderate noise level
- Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical plans with HSA and FSA options
• Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year
• Vacation (3 wks./per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked)
• Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked)
• Holiday Pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year)
• Volunteer Time (8 hours per year)
• Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.