President & CEO

Job Description

President & Chief Executive Officer – Kansas City PBS
 
 Kansas City PBS is entering a bold new era, powered by a newly renovated, state-of-the-art headquarters designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
 
We are seeking a new President & CEO to lead dynamic TV, radio and digital operations that inform, inspire and connect the people of Kansas City. If selected, you will lead two media brands – Kansas City PBS and The Bridge 90.9 FM with trusted public media programming and alternative, non-commercial music programming with an emphasis on music discovery.
 
Kansas City, Missouri is the 33rd largest media market in the country.  It is a dynamic and thriving city—home to championship-caliber sports teams. This fast-growing Midwest metro is an excellent place to live for job opportunities, top-rated universities, incredible arts and culture, and—of course—some of the best barbecue in America. The “Paris of the Plains” is one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S. offering great neighborhoods for families and young professionals.

We seek candidates who are passionate about public media, committed to community engagement, and eager to lead in a city that values creativity and progress. The successful candidate will succeed Kliff Kuehl, who is retiring in July.  He has led the organization with visionary leadership for more than 17 years through a period of transformation and growth.
 
A full position profile with detailed experience and education requirements can be found here:  https://www.kansascitypbs.org/about/employment/.
 
How to Apply

The Board of Directors of Kansas City PBS is offering a very competitive salary and benefits package. The public media search organization,  NETA Consulting, is partnering with the Kansas City PBS search committee in this process. 

Candidates should submit applications directly to Apply@netaconsulting.org. 

Required: A letter of introduction; your resume and a one-page vision statement for leading Kansas City PBS.  For optimum consideration, applications should be received by April 10, 2026.

Kansas City PBS is an E-Verify, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

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. A true collaborator and an inclusive leader, the ideal candidate will bring strong business acumen, a track record of developing a strategy and shared vision in a collaborative manner with key stakeholders and the demonstrated ability to execute a plan and deliver results.  

• Experience in leading an organization and reporting to a board of directors is preferred.
• Experience creating a diverse, positive team-based work environment in collaboration with staff. 
• A proven track record of building and leveraging relationships within and among key stakeholders in the community, along with government, non-profits and local businesses is required. 
• Proven successful fiscal management required and fundraising experience preferred.
• At least seven years of experience in a leadership role within broadcast/digital media, nonprofit management or a related industry preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree, relevant continuing education, etc.  preferred.

Key Leadership Competencies
1. Strategic & Visionary Leadership

• Visionary leader with the ability to articulate and execute a clear strategic direction
• Strategic thinker with an enterprise-wide perspective
• Innovative and future-focused
• Creative problem solver
• Decisive and action-oriented
• Comfortable taking informed, calculated risks
• Entrepreneurial, agile, and adaptable in evolving environments
• Mission-driven with a sense of urgency and accountability

2. Community Engagement & External Leadership

• Skilled convener and coalition builder
• Collaborative and partnership-driven
• Authentic community ambassador and relationship builder
• Proven fundraising and resource development success
• Deep appreciation for and commitment to the Kansas City community
• Fosters and guides partnerships with other civic organizations

3. Interpersonal Effectiveness & Culture Leadership

• Exceptional listener and communicator
• Empathetic leader
• Open-minded and intellectually curious
• Builds trust across diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrates humility, warmth, and a sense of humor

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