JOB DETAILS

2026 Board Operator

CompanyFriends of KEXP
LocationSeattle
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 21, 2026
About The Company
KEXP is an international community of music lovers and music makers, and a nonprofit organization fostering relationship and community building through broadcast, online, and in-person music programming. Since our founding at the University of Washington in 1972, we’ve remained focused on championing music from all around the globe - spanning eras, styles and traditions. KEXP operates one of the most influential listener-supported music radio stations in the world, broadcasting at 90.3 KEXP-FM, Seattle and through our website and mobile apps. Each week on KEXP's YouTube channel, millions of viewers worldwide enjoy Live on KEXP sessions featuring exclusive in-studio performances and interviews from emerging and established artists. From a public facility at Seattle Center, KEXP produces hundreds of live performances and music events each year, many of which are open to public audiences at no charge. Our community is powered by the support of individual donors, volunteers, business supporters, corporate and foundation gifts, and funding from the local, state and federal government, including 30,000 music lovers who support KEXP through financial contributions, and hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and expertise. Listen in and join our community at KEXP.ORG. KEXP-FM Seattle, is operated by Friends of KEXP, a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization. KEXP is an affiliate of the University of Washington. KEXP’s mission is to enrich your life by championing music and discovery. KEXP is an equal opportunity employer seeking qualified individuals from all cultures and communities to join our team.
About the Role

Description

Position Summary: This part-time Board Operator position provides technical assistance and support for all aspects of Bay Area-based broadcasts during scheduled shifts: Saturdays from 6:00pm - 9:00pm; and Mondays from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. 

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Serves as board operator for remote broadcast of shows originating in the Bay Area, currently Vinelands on a weekly basis and El Sonido every other week. This includes coordinating with on-air host, maintaining real-time playlist, following protocol in instances of signal loss, and communicating with Op Techs.
  • Serves as board operator during live in-studio performances and remote broadcasts including coordinating with on-air host and live performance engineer, maintaining real-time playlist during the live performance, and following protocol in instances of signal loss, as assigned.
  • Communicates about scheduling changes in a timely fashion.
  • Promptly reports equipment, software, or procedural issues.
  • Monitors broadcast for FCC violations, activates dump, and reports instances back to manager.
  • Operates studio equipment and ensures cleanliness of studio space.

General Organizational Responsibilities:

  • Maintains thorough understanding of KEXP organizational policies, including employee handbook, procedures, expense reporting, and payroll submission; follows policies and leads by example.
  • Actively participates in our culture of philanthropy, which honors the important role our donors, volunteers, business and community partners play in the life of KEXP. Collaborates across teams and departments to steward donors on behalf of KEXP and actively seeks opportunities to integrate philanthropy into their role within KEXP operations, programs, and projects.

Supervision Received: Position reports to the Senior Production Engineer.

Supervision Exercised: None

Requirements

Education & Experience: Two years of production experience, including audio recording, audio editing or broadcasting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.


Position Qualifications:

  • Outstanding attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy. 
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality. 
  • Ability to take initiative and use independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Strong self-motivation in carrying out responsibilities, organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal, presentation, relationship-building, and communication skills - both written and verbal - for a wide variety of audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams, as well as provide consistent, high-quality service to a wide variety of internal and external constituents, and adapt communication style to multiple cultural environments.  
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain grace under pressure, especially while working in a demanding work environment with regular interruptions and competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and react positively to change and conflict resolution. 
  • Deep knowledge, appreciation for, and understanding of KEXP programming and mission. 
  • Ability to embody the community-oriented spirit of KEXP to both internal and external constituents.

Physical Requirements: Long periods of being in a stationary position; operating a computer, mixing board, and other studio equipment; frequently moving to/from various work areas; frequently communicating by phone and email; frequently remaining in a stationary position during broadcasts, expressing oneself, and exchanging accurate information; occasionally moves supplies and/or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.


Working Conditions: On-air booths and production studios. This position is in person only, based in Seattle.

 

Compensation:  This position averages 6 hours per week to start. Pay is $30 per hour. 


KEXP is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace. We believe that having staff, interns, and volunteers with diverse backgrounds enables KEXP to better meet our mission and serve music-loving communities around the world. We recognize that opportunities in radio and other creative industries have historically excluded and continue to disproportionately exclude Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply.


To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter, and answer the screener questions. If you experience technical difficulties with your application, please email jobs@kexp.org for assistance.


Position is open until filled.   

Key Skills
Audio RecordingAudio EditingBroadcastingBoard OperationStudio Equipment OperationFCC Compliance MonitoringPlaylist ManagementInterpersonal CommunicationConflict ResolutionTime ManagementAttention To DetailCollaboration
Categories
Creative & MediaEngineering
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Board Operator provides technical support for live broadcasts and in-studio performances, managing playlists and coordinating with on-air hosts. They are also responsible for monitoring FCC compliance and maintaining studio equipment cleanliness.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
179
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
6 hours
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