Under limited supervision, implements and coordinates a comprehensive underwriting marketing program for a public broadcasting station in accordance with defined revenue goals, and in compliance with relevant FCC regulations. Identifies, cultivates, and secures contributions from business supporters, sells air- time to non-profit organizations, and secures goods and services through trade agreements. Negotiates and prepares contracts and agreements and oversees and monitors their fulfillment by the station.

In the world of public radio, KUNM is a unique station. It is a public/community hybrid station, started in 1966 by students and licensed to the Regents of the University of New Mexico. KUNM has a long history of community volunteers providing 65% of the diverse local program schedule.  

KUNM is also unique in its national programming mix, being one of the few stations in a comparable market size to carry both NPR news magazines and Pacifica’s Democracy Now.  The station has a long and historic commitment to local news and public affairs.  This commitment to report on national topics and topics specifically relevant to New Mexico communities is important to how KUNM best serves the listening audience.

The majority of KUNM’s annual budget comes directly from our local communities.  This position is similar to sales positions in commercial broadcast stations.  The FCC allows non-commercial stations like KUNM to receive funding from businesses.  These businesses are acknowledged in our broadcasting through on-air announcements.  FCC rules restrict non-commercial stations from using commercial language.  Rather than commercials, KUNM refers to this fundraising method as “underwriting”.

For KUNM’s Account Executives, customer service and stewardship of KUNM clients are the most important aspects of the position. Thoughtful stewardship builds long-lasting, sustaining underwriting partnerships.

As the direct liaison between KUNM and local business owners and agencies, the volume of client inquiries requires exceptional organizational skills to provide the best customer service possible.  Organizational skills will keep the workflow manageable and the client’s needs at the center of the process, which in turn provides exceptional customer service.

Excellent communication skills are necessary in the Account Executive position.  Gaining a clear understanding of the client’s needs and goals requires both verbal and written communication in order to prepare comprehensive proposals and scripts that address the goals set forth by the client.

Written communication skills are imperative for drafting underwriting scripts that conform to FCC language regulations for noncommercial broadcasters.  The FCC language regulations consider client announcements as “Disclosure Statements,” meaning a disclosure of who is providing funding to the station.  Good communication skills will fulfill both the client goals and keep script language within the FCC parameters.

The Account Executive position requires good working knowledge of Marketron’s Visual Traffic System, the KUNM sales traffic software.  The Visual Traffic System is the data entry point that manages client contact information, broadcast spot scheduling, monthly billing, and end of month reporting.  This software tracks all details about the client’s account. It is paramount that our Account Executive enter all client detail and contracts into the Visual Traffic System accurately to produce correct billing and end of month reports.  Although the Visual Traffic System is complex, it is quite intuitive.

The KUNM Account Executive position allows access to all the benefits provided by the University of New Mexico. Benefits include, healthcare with vision and dental, retirement pension, opportunity to further personal education through tuition remission or dependent education scholarships, and flexible schedules.  As KUNM Account Executive you will have the opportunity to grow individually and create a positive impact in our community.

KUNM has a long history in New Mexico and continues to provide a valuable service to our on-air and online audiences.  The Account Executive position is an essential part of the Development team and is an essential part of KUNM’s future.  

See the Position Description for additional information.

Associate's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

A successful and consistent sales track record (3 - 5 years) in public radio, radio or other media sales.   KUNM is willing to consider candidates with a demonstrable track record in sales of non-tangible products or services.  Proven track record of successfully achieving sales goals.

A demonstrated competency level with the following computer programs: Marketron’s Visual Traffic, or other radio traffic software, or sophisticated relational databases for sales, invoices, and scheduling; word processing, email, uploading, to the web and graphic design.

Experience working on outside sales and inside sales.  Experience in sales, design and uploading digital display ads in various online media.  Demonstrated copywriting skills including writing radio announcement scripts within FCC regulations for public radio. 

Ability to use professional organizational skills to prioritize, reprioritize and multi-task in an environment with a variety of essential responsibilities and a multitude of deadlines, working well under pressure.  Demonstrable records maintenance skills level.

Interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.  Experience with providing in depth public relations/liaison functions to a wide range of community groups, organizations, departments, contributing donors, volunteers, and businesses.

Demonstrated years of experience making important administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.  Professional interaction with students, volunteers, and professionals in a team environment.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.