We're Hiring!

Title: Creative Services Director/On-Air Host/KNWI
VP Area: VP - Media
Department: KNWI - Des Moines
Position Compensation: $56,304 - $62,560 / year
Location: Des Moines, Iowa - KNWI

Who We Are:
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary:
The Creative Services Director leads the creation, execution, and management of compelling on-air, digital, and promotional content that aligns with the station’s mission to engage listeners, communicate brand identity, and support ministry outreach. This role combines strategic oversight of production and imaging with hands-on creative development across broadcast, podcast, web, and social platforms. Through voice work, content production, and public engagement, the Creative Services Director ensures the station remains relevant, relatable, and mission-focused.

Key Responsibilities:
• Host and Produce On-Air & Podcast Content: Lead live or voice-tracked shows, community affairs programs, and podcasts, delivering weather, news, interviews, and relevant content that aligns with the station’s voice and mission.
• Oversee Station Imaging & Audio Production: Create and manage branded audio elements such as promos, IDs, underwriting spots, listener stories, and fundraising materials to keep station sound fresh and mission-focused.
• Create Digital, Social, and Multimedia Content: Produce and post content for social media, website, and streaming platforms, including audio, video, and visual graphics that engage audiences across channels.
• Lead Visual & Event Content Creation: Serve as photographer and visual storyteller for concerts, events, and campaigns, editing and distributing media to enhance brand presence.
• Support Fundraising & Community Engagement: Participate in on-air and in-person fundraising and outreach events, creating content and representing the station with professionalism and warmth.
• Ensure Technical Quality & Compliance: Operate control boards and broadcast equipment, monitor technical performance, and ensure compliance with FCC and station standards.
• Collaborate & Lead Creatively: Work closely with programming and engagement teams, contribute to meetings and planning, and guide part-time staff or interns on creative execution and brand consistency.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith.

Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and related experience in communications, broadcast journalism, or media production
• 3 years of experience in radio broadcasting, audio production, or multimedia content creation.
• Demonstrated on-air hosting or voice tracking experience.
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community

Key Skills:
• Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Detail-oriented and comfortable collaborating across teams, providing constructive feedback, and supporting a positive workflow.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills. Demonstrated proficiency with audio production tools familiarity with broadcast equipment including control boards, automation systems, and transmitters, and competence in basic video/photo editing and graphic design tools. A working knowledge of FCC broadcast regulations and compliance procedures.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling, mission-aligned scripts and promotional copy. Strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities, combined with creative storytelling across audio, visual, and digital formats.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for work-related purposes.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment:
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. 

Northwestern's Benefits Overview