Executive Director Job Description

Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) seeks an inspiring, talented, effective, and visionary leader as its next Executive Director.

The Opportunity

Cambridge, Massachusetts is a culturally diverse city at the center of international innovation and technology. It is the home of Harvard, MIT, Lesley, and surrounded by numerous other higher education institutions. It is a young and energetic community. Learn more about Cambridge at:
https://www.cambridgema.gov
https://www.cambridgechamber.org/attractions
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge,_Massachusetts

CCTV is a nationally-recognized, award-winning community media center. Founded in 1988, CCTV is an independent nonprofit organization that provides access to media production equipment, computers, and multimedia workshops. It distributes local programming across multiple platforms for Cambridge community organizations, area businesses, and individuals.

By fostering free speech, civic engagement, and creative expression, CCTV promotes a diverse and equitable community that empowers people to collaboratively produce media that is responsive, relevant, and effective in a fast-changing technological environment. In partnership with community organizations, residents, and representatives of the City of Cambridge and area schools, CCTV creates opportunities for under-resourced communities to participate fully in civic life.

CCTV operates:

● Three local cable TV channels, a multi-platform content distribution system, social media platforms, and Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire apps, all featuring programming produced by Cambridge residents, arts and cultural organizations, City agencies, and CCTV staff;

● Hands-on and online media production and technology workshops, providing access to emerging technologies and state-of-the-art media equipment;

● The Youth Media Program: a vibrant media arts and work experience program for racially and economically marginalized youth;

● A Digital Equity initiative: Digital Navigators deliver resources and education to meet the needs of the community in City of Cambridge housing;

● Special outreach programs for seniors, immigrants, low-income communities, and nonprofits.

CCTV is nationally recognized for its early and innovative use of technology to facilitate community connections. CCTV has received the prestigious Overall Excellence in Public Access Programming from the Alliance for Community Media twelve times, most recently in 2020.

CCTV seeks a strong leader with a proven track record in the community media field who is innovative, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and can build strong teams with integrity and diversity.

CCTV’s Executive Director will help foster a culture that promotes social justice, teamwork, innovation, and excellence in service delivery. This role requires a highly motivated, emotionally intelligent, and organized individual who works well with others and has a passion for public service and the mission of CCTV. Under the direction and guidance of CCTV’s Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring future innovation and sustainability, as well as taking the organization to the next level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Responsible for all CCTV activities, including operations, preparation of annual budgets and financial reports, acquisition and maintenance of CCTV’s equipment and facility.
• Identify, hire, and supervise staff and consultants.
• Develop new funding sources and secure existing funding sources.
• Oversee preparation of grant applications and initiation of fund-raising campaigns.
• Plan and manage the budget, and monitor ongoing expenditures and income.
• Maintain and navigate complex working relationships with elected officials, non-profit organizations, schools, libraries, civic organizations, funders, local businesses, and the community.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization.
• Collaborate with, engage, report to, consult with, and implement directives from the Board of Directors.

Building on CCTV’s long history and strong foundation of success, the next Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape and implement a bold new vision for the organization’s future. The Executive Director will work towards ensuring sustainability and innovation in a collaborative environment with the Board of Directors, City officials, community organizations, funders, and a highly engaged staff and membership base. The Executive Director will uphold and advance the standard of excellence in service delivery that has made CCTV a trusted leader in the community media field and an admired member of the larger nonprofit community.

While the Search Committee will consider candidates from a wide variety of professional and industry backgrounds, substantial experience in the following areas will be highly valued:

● Community media, media technology, new media and distribution models
● Nonprofit/staff management
● Budgeting and finance
● Fundraising
● Entrepreneurial activities
● Community leadership
● Familiarity with the issues and people in Cambridge

Through the search process, successful candidates must prove their ability to execute and succeed in all facets of the position. Support from the Board of Directors and talented staff will help the right candidate succeed.

If currently residing out of the region, the candidate must be willing to relocate to the Greater Boston area within a reasonable time of receiving the job offer.

Salary and Benefits
Competitive salary. Negotiable, within the framework of CCTV’s annual operating budget, and commensurate with experience. Generous benefits. Relocation assistance is available.

Non-Discrimination
Cambridge Community Television is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The organization celebrates diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Womxn and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply!

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit:
(1) a detailed letter of introduction (describing the degree to which the applicant’s experience, knowledge, and skills match the identified duties and responsibilities, management experience in community media or related fields, and desirable qualifications of this position);
(2) the applicant’s current resume;
(3) a statement regarding the applicant’s salary and benefits requirements;
(4) at least three professional references, including the email address and telephone number for each professional reference.

Submit the application materials described above -- as PDF format attachments to an e-mail message -- to The Buske Group, c/o Sue Buske (sue@thebuskegroup.com). The Buske Group has been contracted by CCTV to assist in the Executive Director search.

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM (EDT) on Monday, February 10, 2025.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Sue Buske at
sue@thebuskegroup.com. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.