Morning Host, WQXR

Morning Host, WQXR

WQXR is seeking a Weekday Morning Host to deliver compelling, mission-aligned classical music programming across our live broadcast and digital platforms. This key public radio role focuses on expanding our listenership, elevating a diverse range of artistic voices, and building deep relationships with our audience. Reporting to the Program Director 

Key Responsibilities

On-Air Hosting 

• Host the live WQXR morning broadcast 5 days a week.

• Maintain a warm, relaxed, engaging vibe and conversational, welcoming delivery.

• Voice recurring station promos, underwriting credits, and other imaging spots.

• Conceptualize, collaborate on, and host specialty on-air classical features and shows.

• Use playout, production, and automation systems following station and FCC rules.

• Host or co-host live broadcasts and station events

• Provide occasional live or voice-tracked backup hosting for alternate shifts 

Content Development & Audience Engagement

• Conduct interviews with classical artists for radio and digital rollout.

• Write compelling short-form website articles, digital features, and introductory copy for listener newsletters.

• Cultivate direct listener relationships through online engagement via email, social platforms, and the station website.

• Highlight local classical concerts, community events, and cultural happenings that meet station guidelines.

Fundraising & Station Advocacy

• On-Air Campaigns: Pitch live during pledge drives, help draft fundraising scripts, and pre-record one-hour specialty pledge shows.

• Represent WQXR at high-profile donor events and other station events

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Talent Development: Assist with training for incoming announcers and guest djs as needed

• Team Operations: Participate in routine staff meetings, company All Staffs,  and 1:1s with supervisor 

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in music, broadcasting, the humanities, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

• Radio Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional live, on-air radio experience, including announcing classical music and writing on-air copy.

Knowledge, technical & linguistic skills

• Classical Music: Strong interest in classical music and knowledge of classical music history, including specific periods, composers, major works, and past and active performers.

• Familiarity with NYC-area classical music scene a plus

• Language Proficiency: Accurate pronunciation and strong working knowledge of foreign languages integrated into classical music programming, particularly French, German and Italian.

• Core Literacy: Excellent verbal clarity, written grammar, spelling, and copyediting skills.

• Studio Tools: Experience with audio editing suites and radio playout and automation systems (Zetta preferred).

• Experience with music scheduling software a plus 

• Background in generating multimedia digital content and cross-platform campaigns a plus

Core Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Ability to fulfill project directives independently without direct supervision by accurately executing written and verbal instructions.

• Proven capacity to maintain positive, collaborative partnerships with team members, station stakeholders, listeners, and donors.

• A genuine passion for music, non-profit community engagement, and advancing the station’s cultural goals.

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a cover letter, a current resume, and high-quality radio air-check samples demonstrating your classical music presentation style. 

Morning Additional Information:

This is a full-time role. The salary range is: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00 based on a 35-hour workweek, with benefits. New York Public Radio also offers excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, personal, and sick time, as well as inclusive family leave. This p