Impact 89FM is seeking a creative and highly organized student to serve as the Interviews Director. This director-level role leads the development and coordination of musician interview opportunities across the station, ensuring high-quality conversations, technical production, and professional storytelling. The Interviews Director supports student journalists and specialty show hosts by expanding access to artist interviews and strengthening Impact 89FM’s reputation for engaging, well-produced music content.
Category:
Director/Editor
Position Summary:
The Interviews Director oversees the planning, coordination, and production of musician interviews across Impact 89FM programming. Rather than hosting or producing interviews for The Basement, this role focuses on supporting staff members throughout the station by providing training, resources, and coordination for interview opportunities.
The Interviews Director teaches students how to conduct effective interviews, operate studio and portable recording equipment, edit audio, and publish podcast episodes. This role also coordinates interview scheduling, supports specialty show hosts who wish to feature artist interviews, and collaborates with station leadership to ensure music journalism efforts align with Impact 89FM’s broader mission and brand.
Working closely with the Music Director and other department leaders, the Interviews Director plays a key role in expanding professional development opportunities for student staff while strengthening the station’s music journalism presence.
Key Responsibilities:
Interview Coordination: Coordinate scheduling and logistics for musician interviews conducted by Impact 89FM staff members across departments.
Interview Formats: Support interviews conducted in-person, virtually, or on location, ensuring staff members are prepared for each format.
Staff Training & Mentorship: Train and mentor staff members on conducting professional interviews, developing interview questions, and engaging artists effectively.
Technical Training: Instruct staff on proper use of studio and portable recording equipment for interviews.
Audio Editing Support: Train staff members in audio editing techniques and provide guidance during post-production processes.
Podcast Production: Publish, schedule, and manage podcast episodes featuring musician interviews.
Specialty Show Support: Assist Specialty Show Hosts in planning and producing interviews for their programs.
Basement Coordination: Coordinate with The Basement hosts to support their interview efforts while ensuring that Basement-specific responsibilities remain with that show’s production team.
Content Standards: Ensure interview content reflects Impact 89FM’s editorial standards, brand voice, and professional expectations.
Collaboration: Work closely with the Music Director and Digital Team to align interview initiatives with station programming goals.
Technical Troubleshooting: Assist with technical issues related to interview recording, editing, and publishing workflows.
Competitions & Recognition: Assist in gathering and submitting interview-based content for state and national media competitions.
Event Support: Represent Impact 89FM at concerts, music events, and industry gatherings to support interview opportunities and partnerships.
Compliance: Ensure all interview content complies with FCC regulations, copyright laws, and station editorial policies.
On-Call Responsibility: Serve as the first point of contact for technical issues related to FM operations during assigned Director on Duty weekends.
Basic Requirements:
Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at Michigan State University.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate scheduling across teams.
Experience conducting interviews or participating in interview-based programming.
Interest in music journalism and artist storytelling.
Excellent communication skills with timely response expectations during the work week.
Willingness to work outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience at Impact 89FM or another broadcast station.
Leadership experience and familiarity with the station’s mission, vision, and values.
Understanding of studio recording equipment and portable audio gear.
Proficiency in audio production software, including Adobe Audition and Pro Tools.
Experience producing or editing podcasts.
Knowledge of multimedia storytelling, including video and digital publishing.
Successful completion of coursework in audio production, broadcasting, journalism, or music industry studies.
Why Join Impact 89FM?
As Interviews Director, you will help shape how Impact 89FM tells the stories behind the music. You’ll mentor student journalists, expand interview opportunities across the station, and develop high-quality podcast content that connects artists with audiences. This position provides hands-on leadership experience in music journalism, audio production, and editorial mentorship while strengthening Impact 89FM’s reputation for compelling artist conversations.
Reports to:
Music Director
Starting Compensation:
$16/Hour
Paid Hours Available to Work Each Week:
10
Extra Required Documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Aircheck: In your cover letter or in a separate attachment, submit a link to a sample aircheck showcasing your live broadcast talent. Airchecks should be no longer than 10 minutes.
*Note: Handshake does not support audio uploads, so you must upload the file using a service such as Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, make sure the file’s permissions are set to be shared publicly, and include that link in your materials.
More information about Impact 89FM | WDBM-FM is available online at impact89fm.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
