Employment at WCMU
WCMU Public Media is the PBS and NPR member station for central and northern Michigan, serving 48 counties from our home on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. We produce and broadcast television and radio programming that connects communities across a wide stretch of the state — and the people who do that work matter.
Working at WCMU means being part of a small, mission-driven team where your contributions are visible. Whether you're telling stories from across our state, building sponsorship relationships with local businesses, keeping our broadcast infrastructure running, or welcoming visitors at the front desk, you're supporting public media that people in this region rely on. Many of our staff have long careers here. Many of our student employees go on to careers in broadcasting, communications, and media production.
WCMU is a CMU department, so staff positions come with the benefits of university employment. Student positions offer hands-on experience in a working broadcast environment — something a classroom alone can't replicate.
Current Full-Time Openings
Position Summary
The business and community development specialist builds partnerships to secure new and steward existing sponsorships, underwriting agreements, and other revenue from businesses and organizations in support of WCMU Public Media. This position contributes to the success of the Development team within Public Broadcasting, providing vital revenue to support WCMU Public Media programs and outreach efforts within the context and culture of philanthropy.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education & experience that equates to four years.
Demonstrated experience with philanthropy, sponsorship, or sales.
Possession of a valid driver’s license with access to a vehicle.
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to form positive relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter with a committed work ethic and the ability to project a positive image.
Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
One year of experience with philanthropy, sponsorship, or media sales.
Prior experience in public media.
Appreciation for and understanding of public media, especially WCMU programming and its mission.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develops relationships with community leaders, businesses, and organizations to enhance WCMU’s reputation and recognition as a valuable institution.
Secures underwriting, sponsorship, trade and other revenue from businesses and organizations in support of WCMU Public Media.
Secures funding for special events, programming, local content, and fundraisers, as required.
Assists with special events and other development efforts, including on-air pledge drives.
Analyzes and interprets audience and market research, utilizing knowledge and metrics to generate and cultivate new and prospective clients.
Achieves goals for underwriting, sponsorship, and other revenue generating initiatives as agreed upon with the Director of Development for WCMU Public Media.
Participates in professional development opportunities as budget and time permits.
Pay Range
$36,069 per year, plus commission
Position Type / Work Location / Weekly Schedule
- Position Type: 12 month
- Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
- Weekly Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm; weekend and evenings as needed
Apply for BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Current Student Openings
STUDENT ON-AIR HOST / ANNOUNCER / PRODUCER
Note: This position is only open to currently-enrolled students at Central Michigan University
Position Summary
WCMU Public Media, the NPR station based at Central Michigan University, is seeking a student On-Air Host / Announcer / Producer. This is a student position, yet you will be working in a professional environment alongside WCMU’s award-winning staff of reporters, producers, and hosts. You will learn valuable hosting and production skills that will be directly applicable to a future career in journalism, broadcasting, communications, or related fields.
The successful candidate for this position will serve as local host during national NPR programs, including ‘Weekend Edition,’ ‘All Things Considered,’ and ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” among others. The host’s responsibilities include delivering news, weather, and sponsorship messages in a clear and conversational manner. The local host is responsible for airing programming, promos, and other on-air elements as scheduled. This position will also have voice tracking and production responsibilities. This includes helping prepare news stories for our website, WCMU.org, and for on-air broadcast. The successful applicant must have excellent speaking skills and must be punctual and reliable.