General Manager, Free Speech TV | Denver

[Benjamin Gass]

FREE SPEECH TV

GENERAL MANAGER

 

Free Speech TV seeks a General Manager to lead our Denver-based team overseeing internal operations. The position is responsible for maintaining a high quality of service as the network expands into new markets and media platforms, develops new programs and strategic partnerships, and launches fundraising and business initiatives.

 

ABOUT FREE SPEECH TV

Free Speech TV is a national, independent news network committed to advancing progressive social change. As the alternative to television networks owned by billionaires, governments and corporations, our network elevates unique perspectives through daily news programs, independent documentaries and special events coverage. We believe a more just and democratic world is possible when media empowers people with the information they need to fight for what matters.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The General Manager is a fulltime position based in Denver, CO that reports to the Executive Director. The General Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Free Speech TV television and digital projects and for managing the finances of the organization in collaboration with the controller. The General Manager’s specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

• Working with the board and executive leadership team to help envision the future development of Free Speech TV in a manner that is driven by the organization’s mission and by the needs of our constituents; that is sustainable and ethical with respect to both financial and human resources; that is supportive of the efforts of our progressive media peers and activist allies; and that is responsive to the evolution of the fields within which the network operates, such as telecommunications, independent media, grassroots organizing, and philanthropy;

 

• Overseeing the organization’s internal operations related to staffing, programming, television distribution, digital initiatives, physical facilities, fundraising and business affairs;

 

• Overseeing the financial management of FSTV, maintaining a positive cash balance and, as needed, proposing budgets and budget revisions to the Executive Director;

 

• Facilitating interdepartmental coordination around daily operations and special projects;

 

• Facilitating synergy between the television and digital projects;

 

• Cultivating strategic alliances, and serving as an institutional ambassador to peer organizations and constituents;
  
  
• Hiring, supervising, supporting, and reviewing the Director of Broadcast Media, Operations Director, Development Director, Web/Digital Director and the Controller;

 

• Working with the Controller and HR consultant to address personnel and HR matters. 

 

• Protecting the legal, financial, and general well-being of the organization, and assisting staff with specific tasks and projects that are material to the organization’s well-being.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

We seek a leader who is organized yet flexible and adaptable. The ideal candidate will be highly self aware, energetic, and lead with her or his heart as well as head. The candidate could be a digital native, but regardless, strong strategic thinking is a must, as is deep knowledge of and experience in digital and traditional media. Commitment to FSTV’s mission and values is essential, and familiarity with progressive media, social justice organizing and non-profit management/fundraising are ideal.

 

The leadership of FSTV has identified the following attributes/skills as being critical to success in this position, and will consider candidates who most completely fit this profile: 

 

Leadership & Performance

A mission-driven people person with a high level of emotional intelligence, strong interpersonal and team-building skills, and the ability to build and maintain respectful relationships with staff, upper management, board members and external partners and donors. Someone who:

1. Maintains a larger perspective of what is best for the organization and work team;
2. Sets clear goals & objectives to keep team focused on what’s important for shared success;
3. Challenges the team to aspire to and to achieve a high standard of performance;
4. Inspires a positive work culture & can-do attitude;
5. Encourages innovation & appropriate risk taking;
6. Strategically deploys limited resources & personnel to achieve goals;
7. Responds & adapts flexibly to changing circumstances;
8. Uses effective means to regularly track & improve team’s results
9. Celebrates success & acknowledges the contributions of others;
10. Models accountability for and learning from failures.

 

Team & Interpersonal Dynamics

An organized, results-oriented manager with strong relational skills and experience leading a team: Someone who:

1. Reflects an understanding of and sensitivity to organizational dynamics;
2. Actively elicits & respectfully considers the input of others, even when they may disagree;
3. Understands the needs & priorities of others, acting in ways that support others in accomplishing their tasks;
4. Supports others in taking responsibility for their own needs, limits and performance;
5. Is effective in enrolling positive support from others for his/her ideas & initiatives;
6. Is effective in building teams and alliances;
7. Provides timely and helpful feedback;
8. Attracts others to seek his/her guidance, input or support because such interactions are usually helpful;
9. Is authentic and transparent, sharing openly & honestly the truth of what s/he thinks & feels;
10. Displays fairness towards all subordinates.
11. Is committed to and has a record of effectively managing and developing diversity in staff and board.

 

Financial Skills

1. Has financial acumen and experience with business aspects of managing an organization, including developing and managing budgets, cash flow, income generation and facilities;

 

Mission & Values

Our next general manager understands, and is highly committed to FSTV’s mission – its core purpose for being, and:

a.     Understands & can persuasively convey the organization’s mission & values.

b.     Is effective in advancing the organization’s mission & values through the fulfillment of responsibilities.

c.     Is effective in creating partnerships & alliances that advance the mission & movement.

d.     Inspires others with a commitment to the organization’s mission.

 

Vision

In the context of the changes the Internet and digital technologies are having on availability and use of media, display ability to project FSTV’s needs out into the long-term future; see and understand future trends in media, in related fields and the world, and the impact on FSTV’s operations and:

1. Is a big picture thinker;
2. Has a learning orientation, including demonstrated methods for gathering, assimilating and making meaning out of information about the changing media, technology and demographic landscape;
3. Balances vision (and big picture) with executing on details.
4. Is able to enroll others in working together to move toward a shared vision;

 

Strategy and Planning

Has strong organizing and planning skills and:

a.    Is able to continuously develop, execute and evaluate strategic plans, in concert with other stakeholders, and champion strategic perspectives;

b.     Is highly productive and efficient, manages time wisely and effectively prioritize multiple, competing tasks. 

c.     Plans, organizes, and actively manages meetings for maximum productivity.

d.     Demonstrates expertise in networking and benchmarking with other organizations to increase FSTV’s effectiveness.

 

Communications and Presentation Skills

Highly developed public and private interpersonal and communication skills, with an open, engaging style, including:

a.     Listens well to others & confirms mutual understanding.

b.     Demonstrates strong verbal communications skills, being authentic, articulate, concise & respectful.

c.     Demonstrates strong written communications skills, being clear, professional & sensitive to targeted audience.

d.     Demonstrates strong visual skills when sharing data or presenting graphics. 

 

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Expert decision-maker who:

a. Is adept at identifying & acquiring information needed to solve problems.   

            b. Effectively analyzes facts, challenges & opportunities.

c. Demonstrates creativity & initiative in problem-solving.

d. Uses sound judgment to make key decisions with positive impact.

 

TO APPLY

Submit a letter, resume and professional references to the FSTV GM posting at www.livingstonassociates.net by November 20, 2015. Salary commensurate with experience. Inquiries are welcome.

 

Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Free Speech TV is committed to fostering a diverse workplace.

 

For more information contact Tom Livingston at 410 243 1974.