Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Job Description

*Note this position may also be offered to a company via an RFP

The National Campus and Community Radio Association/ l’Association nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires (NCRA/ANREC) is a not-for-profit group committed to volunteer-driven, non-profit, community-oriented radio across Canada.

We help campus and community radio stations get and stay on-air, help amplify underrepresented voices, foster and celebrate compelling local grassroots radio, and connect stations so they can better serve their communities. We currently represent over 120 members, from CHMR-FM in St. John’s, NF to CICK-FM in Smithers, BC.

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for our not-for-profit radio organization, you will lead the development and execution of our technology plan to revolutionize Canada’s campus, community, and Indigenous radio landscape. Your approach will be guided by close collaboration and user research with the partner radio stations, their teams and key stakeholders to ensure the work is both human-centered and also future-facing. Your primary focus will be to spearhead the implementation of innovative technology solutions that streamline operations, enhance data analytics, and improve communications for radio stations across the sector.  By leveraging automation, integration, and data-driven decision-making, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term growth and success of the not-for-profit radio sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Technology Plan Development: Collaborate with stakeholders, industry partners, and radio stations to develop a comprehensive technology plan. This plan will encompass volunteer and program management solutions, automated logging, chart creation, advertising logs, program directories, and content playback.

Technology Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends within the radio and media industry. Identify opportunities for innovation and guide the development of cutting-edge solutions that align with the organization’s goals and mission.

Automated Data Integration: Lead the development and implementation of systems to automate data collection, analysis, and reporting processes. This includes integrating software for volunteer management, logging, and charting, as well as connecting to external platforms such as !earshot Distro and StatsRadio for real-time data on listener numbers and music royalties.

Partnership Management: Establish and nurture relationships with key partners, such as radio stations, ARCC/ARCQ, and StatsRadio, to facilitate collaborative development efforts. Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and widespread adoption of technological solutions.

Budget and Funding: Develop and manage budgets for technology initiatives, seeking funding opportunities through grants and sectoral initiatives. Explore revenue generation options, such as licensing technology solutions to other organizations, to support ongoing development efforts.

Leadership and Capacity Building: Provide strong leadership to the technology team and working groups, ensuring effective coordination and communication among team members. Foster a culture of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion in line with our organization’s values.

Sector Advocacy: Advocate for implementing technology advancements in the not-for-profit radio sector, working with industry bodies like CSAE and SOCAN to promote the benefits of technology integration and data-driven decision-making.

Discoverable Website Development: Coordinate efforts to create a centralized database of programs for increased discoverability by listeners. Ensure seamless integration of shows into this platform, enhancing the exposure of niche genres and promoting Canadian content.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering) is required. An advanced degree or relevant certifications will be an advantage.
• Proven experience in technology leadership roles, with a track record of driving successful technology projects.
• Strong knowledge of software development, data management, and database systems.
• Familiarity with the not-for-profit sector, community radio, and relevant regulatory and copyright issues.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the media industry.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of translating vision into actionable plans.

Mission Alignment:

As CTO, you will play a critical role in advancing our organization’s mission, vision, and values by harnessing the power of technology to strengthen Canadian communities, amplify diverse voices, and empower people to share their perspectives through not-for-profit radio.

If you are a dynamic technology leader passionate about media and community advocacy, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of radio broadcasting in Canada.

Wage: $35-50/hour for 625-435 hours.
Start Date: October 1st, 2023 (Negotiable)
End Date: August 1st, 2024 (Negotiable)
Position: Part-Time to Full-Time Limited Contract, as an independent contractor or employee of NCRA/ANREC

Working Conditions:  The position will primarily work remotely, anywhere in Canada.  It will work in coordination with the Executive Director, other staff and, if applicable, the Board of Directors.

How To Apply:
The NCRA/ANREC, by its Statement of Principles, encourages applications from under-represented communities, including women, Native peoples, people of colour, lesbians and gays, people with physical and mental disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, and people whose age, education, or economic status may be a barrier to employment. The NCRA/ANREC does not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or class. 

Please submit a cover letter and resume to barry@ncra.ca with the “Chief Technology Officer” application title.  Applications will remain open until September 3rd.  Interviews will occur in the last two weeks of September between noon and 4pm Eastern.

Everyone is thanked for applying; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Barry Rooke – Executive Director NCRA/ANREC