IT Director

About us:

At KNKX we work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work create value for our customers and help build trust in public media.

KNKX is a Puget Sound area public media company dedicated to bringing jazz blues regional news and NPR programs to the Northwest and beyond. As an independent dual-format station KNKX employees are energized in their mission to provide the very best service to an audience of nearly a million on-air and online to engage closely with community members and the public media industry to constantly improve and innovate and to present music and stories that educate inspire and expand horizons.

We have offices/studios in Seattle and Tacoma and offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical dental voluntary vision/life insurance 401K (with a 5% employer match) flexible spending account employee assistance programs and generous vacation and paid holidays.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The IT Director at KNKX Public Radio oversees all aspects of information technology ensuring reliable secure and innovative tech infrastructure across multiple office and broadcast sites. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal staff vendors and our Managed Service Provider (MSP) ensuring the technology ecosystem supports the stations mission and day-to-day operations.

The IT Director plays a strategic and hands-on role maintaining systems and services that support broadcast digital content delivery and internal operations with particular attention to network security systems performance and end-user support. This position works cross-functionally with departments such as Broadcast Engineering and Digital Content and requires flexibility in hours and location.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic IT Management

• Lead the planning implementation and optimization of the stations IT infrastructure across all locations.
• Identify and recommend emerging technologies and improvements to support operational goals.
• Develop and oversee IT budgets and vendor relationships ensuring cost-effective technology solutions.

Network & System Administration

• Collaborate with external MSP to manage network security including firewall and threat monitoring.
• Oversee system backups updates endpoint protection and disaster recovery protocols.
• Ensure high availability and performance of infrastructure supporting internal and broadcast operations.

Technical Operations Support

• Provide Tier 2/3 IT support to staff across departments resolving hardware software and network issues.
• Set up and manage desktops laptops printers and other IT equipment across Seattle Tacoma and satellite sites.
• Partner with Broadcast and Digital teams to support streaming infrastructure and content distribution systems.

User & Access Management

• Administer user accounts permissions and security settings.
• Onboard/Offboard employees and manage provisioning of hardware software and credentials.
• Maintain access to essential systems including Google Workspace NPR Studio Adobe Creative Cloud Chartbeat Slack and related SaaS tools.

Training & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional training and support sessions on systems and new technologies.
• Act as a technology advocate ensuring teams effectively leverage digital tools.
• Collaborate with engineering staff on technical readiness for live events fundraising drives and remote broadcasts.

Inventory and Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of IT equipment and software licenses.
• Ensure compliance with security policies and industry standards.
• Support internal audits and risk management initiatives as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Information Technology Computer Science or related field (required).
• Minimum of 6 years in IT systems and digital technology management; 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong foundation in:
  • Networking (DHCP DNS IP routing VLAN VPN)
  • Cloud-based productivity suites (Google Workspace Microsoft 365)
  • VoIP and telecommunications systems
• Demonstrated experience managing external vendors and IT service providers.
• Excellent organizational communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with IT planning budgeting and staff training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in IT Management Public Administration (MPA) or Business (MBA).
• Industry certifications such as:
  • Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals (required)
  • CompTIA Network Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) or similar
  • ITIL PMP or cybersecurity certifications (CISSP CRISC) a plus
• Knowledge of broadcast operations audio streaming systems or digital media environments.
• Familiarity with nonprofit or public media workflows.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Hybrid work schedule available with supervisor approval.
• Flexibility to work evenings/weekends for urgent tech needs live broadcasts or events.
• Position involves periodic travel between Seattle and Tacoma offices and support for off-site events.

COMPENSATION

• $90000-$100000 depending on experience

Additional Conditions of employment:

Prior to hire a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability andcompetence to perform in the position.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.

We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people with disabilities and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce we will create a more respectful productive and unified team to better serve the public in the Puget Sound region.

For inquiries about this position contact HR at

KNKXs vision is to grow our audience and become a more inclusive organization that brings joy meaning and understanding into peoples lives.

KNKX is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age sex (including gender identity) marital status sexual orientation race creed color national origin veteran or military status or the presence of any sensory mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process during the recruitment process or who need this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at .

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor it.

The hiring manager has the right to close this recruitment at any time therefore it would be in your best interest to apply early. Applicants will be reviewed weekly.