Philadelphia Public Access Corporation looking for EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

[Kali]

The deadline to apply for this position has been extended to January 2,
2009. Please forward widely.

Philadelphia Public Access Corporation

JOB DESCRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


The Philadelphia Public Access Corporation (PPAC), a new nonprofit
corporation that will manage a Public Access cable TV network and resources,
invites applications for the position of Executive Director. PPAC was
established to give residents of Philadelphia access to the tools,
technology and training to create and distribute their own non-commercial
programming over the Comcast cable system in Philadelphia.

Summary Description: The Executive Director serves as the chief executive
officer and principal spokesperson for PPAC. Key responsibilities include a
variety of Public Access start-up related activities, oversight and
implementation of agreements with the cable operator and City of
Philadelphia to ensure compliance with obligations, and supervision of such
areas as outreach, training, production, programming, promotion and
fundraising. This person must lead and inspire others, effectively meet the
challenges of community media in an urban environment and with new
technologies, ensure the fair and equitable delivery of services, continue
to expand access to underserved communities, and encourage the growth of
diverse and quality programming. The Executive Director reports to and
holds office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, and must wo
rk
effectively in a team environment.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Work with the Board of Directors to give direction and leadership to the
formulation and achievement of PPAC¹s philosophy, mission, and its annual
goals and objectives.

Work with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and implement all
policies, procedures, and long-range strategic plans. Prepare periodic
reports regarding progress toward and barriers to the achievement of such
policies and plans.

Ensure that the cable operator and City of Philadelphia comply with the
terms of franchise and operating agreements on an ongoing basis, and be an
effective advocate for policies that preserve and expand Public Access.

Oversee administrative, financial and program operations, and all PPAC
personnel matters.

Prepare a proposed annual budget for each new fiscal year at least ninety
(90) days before the expiration of the current fiscal year and, following
Board approval, administer the PPAC annual budget. Develop and implement
responsible fiscal procedures and policies. Negotiate and ensure compliance
with PPAC contracts.

Supervise the site selection, design and renovation of suitable space for
PPAC¹s central Community Media Center. Approve and oversee the purchase and
installation of all production and office equipment (including preparation
of bid specifications, vendor selection, etc.)

Pursue and incorporate additional revenue source
s through a variety of
fundraising and entrepreneurial activities, consistent with the mission of
the organization.

Maintain a close working relationship with representatives of the City of
Philadelphia, school district, higher educational institutions and other
civic institutions and community leaders in the area.

Manage the routine operations of Corporation.

Carry out the policies and programs established by the Board of Directors.

Serve as staff of the Board and to all committees of the Board.

Employ, direct, supervise and terminate services of other members of the
staff.

Perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the
Chairperson or by the Board of Directors.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and coordinate an active volunteer program.

Establish and oversee Public Access training programs.

Keep informed of trends, issues, events and developments within the PEG
(Public, Educational, Government) Access field through professional peer
contacts and other communications in order to facilitate sharing of
knowledge and best practices.

Work constantly to improve and enhance the services offered by PCAC.


Minimum Employment Standards and Requirements:

Education/Experience:

BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent
experience.

A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory, managerial and/or administrative
ex
perience in the PEG Access field, or in related areas such as community
media, public administration, arts, etc.

Must have achieved a senior level position in an organization or department.


Knowledge/Skills:

Extensive knowledge of the cable TV and PEG Access field, including the
history and philosophy of PEG, and a strong commitment to First Amendment
rights and enhancing citizen participation through access to communications
media.

Demonstrated experience in fiscal administration, planning, management of
nonprofit organization(s), and human resource development.

Personnel management experience, including responsibility for hiring and
termination.

Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communications skills, as well as
excellent public speaking skills for both formal and extemporaneous
presentations; ability to present PPAC to a diverse public.

Demonstrated desire to positively impact the community and to improve public
dialogue through access to communications media.

Proven successful track record in fundraising, including short- and
long-term planning, grant writing, individual donor outreach, and the
ability to cultivate prosperous relationships with the funding community.

Ability to outreach to and work with diverse groups, individuals, ideas and
opinions; cross-cultural competence and a demonstrated commitment to
diversity.

Demonstrated self-confidence and sound judgment sufficient to handle
challenges.

Desira
ble Qualifications:

An outstanding relationship builder, with existing ties to a broad and
diverse range of Philadelphia¹s communities.

Grasp of the history and current state of federal, local and state cable
regulations.

Knowledge of field and studio video production, operating rules and
procedures, the use and maintenance of production equipment and varied modes
of cablecast and other dissemination technologies.


Ability to oversee initial construction of production facilities and
equipment installation.

Work experience with local government agencies, educators and community
groups.

Executive-level experience in leading a nonprofit organization, preferably
in non-commercial PEG Access.

Experience in working effectively with a volunteer Board of Directors and a
variety of committees and individuals.

Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate active outreach/volunteer
programs.

Understanding of the municipal budget and policy-making processes.

Anticipated Employment Starting Date: Immediately

This job description should not be construed to imply that these
requirements are the exclusive standards for the position. Employees will
follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be
required to fulfill all job responsibilities and the mission of the
organization.

A salary of $65,000, or commensurate with experience, is offered. A
benefits package is also offered.
< br>
PPAC is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are
encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit (via electronic mail) a detailed letter of
introduction (that specifies how their experience, knowledge and skills
match the identified duties, responsibilities, and minimum employment
standards and requirements of this position), a current resume, and at least
three professional references with telephone numbers to:

PPAC Executive Director Application
c/o Keith Brand, member of the Board of Directors
[e-mail] <mailto:[e-mail]>

The deadline to apply is January 2, 2009.

--
Beth McConnell
Executive Director
Media & Democracy Coalition
2044 S. Darien St., Philadelphia PA 19148
1133 19th St., NW, 9th Floor, Washington DC, 20036
[e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.media-democracy.net