Associate Vice President and General Manager

Job Description

The Opportunity | The Organization
This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead the nation’s first public television station, a highly respected news and information operation -- across radio and television stations -- with a robust digital presence in a growing and dynamic region.

Located in America's fourth-largest city and one of the fastest-growing areas of the United States, Houston Public Media (HPM) represents a rich history of broadcast excellence and digital innovation. HPM is a service of the University of Houston System, with its nationally ranked education programs, cutting-edge research centers, and state-of-the-art facilities. 

Houston Public Media operates radio, television and digital distribution channels 24/7, serving residents of Southeast Texas with quality news and entertainment, as well as national programming from NPR and PBS.  Through TV 8, News 88.7, Classical and other content and education platforms, it is a community treasure to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse cities and regions. Houston Public Media’s ongoing operation is made possible by the support of members, sponsors and underwriters through the Houston Public Media Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3). Throughout its history, Houston Public Media has been committed to serve as a catalyst to the community to:

• Educate children
• Inform citizens
• Lift the spirits of the community
• Take audiences beyond Houston and beyond the world they know

Position Summary
The Associate Vice President and General Manager of Houston Public Media plays a pivotal role in leading the organization towards continued growth and success managing an annual operating budget exceeding $20 million and a staff of 80. The position reports to UH’s Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance. The University offers a highly competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, including comprehensive benefits. The position provides an exceptional opportunity to thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment. 

Strategic Vision | Organizational Values
Houston Public Media believes that a city as powerful and dynamic as Houston deserves a media source that sheds light on topics near and far from home, emphasizes reason and individualism and challenges the way we think. Houston Public Media places a focus on its organizational values through journalistic integrity and fair-minded storytelling, innovation in programming, technology, fundraising and community engagement, its role as an all-access community classroom, and its staff who reflect the diversity of the community it serves.

A Legacy in Public Media
In 2025 Houston Public Media will proudly celebrate 75 years on air and in service to the community. 
Through its affiliations with PBS and NPR, Houston Public Media offers a rich tapestry of local, national and international news, children’s programming and educational information over non-commercial, free-to-air television and radio stations as well as a robust multiplatform network. 
Lisa Trapani Shumate, the current Associate VP and GM, was Houston Public Media’s first GM to lead the merged stations when she joined the organization in 2011.  Under her leadership, HPM increased daily news and public affairs content, became a PBS Regional Digital Center for Innovation and expanded professional development training and distribution of PBS educational resources.  The station is poised for future growth with a solid financial footing, upgraded technical and digital infrastructure, increases in sponsor and donor contributions and digital audiences. Shumate will remain in her current role until a successor is named.

A Prospering Community
The new leader will live in the Houston metropolitan area, with a population of over 7.5 million, ranking fourth among the nation’s largest cities. With a median age of 35, Houston is perfect for young professionals and families alike, with its lower cost of living, job opportunities, and a world-class entertainment, arts, culinary and sports scene. The Houston area is home to a diverse racial and ethnic population, with more than 145 different languages spoken.

The University of Houston is the city’s leading public research university and the third-largest university in Texas. UH spans nearly 900 acres across four campuses in a sprawling metropolis and features walkable green spaces. UH draws strength from its diversity to transform lives and communities through education, research, service and innovation.

Applications
NETA Consulting is partnering with the organization’s search committee for this national search.

Candidates should submit applications to Apply@netaconsulting.org. For optimum consideration by the search committee, applications should be received by February 4, 2025.  More details and the Position Description can be found here.

Please include a letter of introduction, your resume and a one-page statement on your vision for Houston Public Media.
For additional information, please contact Linda O’Bryon (linda@netaconsulting.org) or Tom Rieland (tom@netaconsulting.org)

Job Requirements

Experience and Education
The preferred candidate will bring significant experience in a senior leadership role and with a demonstrated ability in managing innovation and change.  They will be a true collaborator and an inclusive leader. The ideal candidate will bring strong business acumen, a track record of developing a comprehensive strategy and shared vision in a collaborative manner with key stakeholders.  
Expectations

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred
• At least 7 years of experience in media management, with a proven track record of leadership and success
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing revenue and expense budgets
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, including ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet or exceed financial goals 
• A strong commitment to the mission and values of public media
• A deep understanding of the public media landscape, including digital and social media, with an emphasis on emerging trends such as AI and next generation journalism with a focus on community and civic dialogue
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse team
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• Non-profit board management experience preferred
• Knowledge of the Houston market is a plus

 

Powered by Journalismnext