Company Description

Unity FM is a non-profit community radio station serving Birmingham's most deprived wards, with a special focus on its diverse Muslim communities. Powered by dedicated volunteers, the station provides a platform for voices within the community, facilitating honest dialogue, fostering community cohesion, and encouraging active citizenship. With its primarily speech-based programming in English and various community languages, Unity FM addresses key community issues and supports volunteer and career opportunities. Join us and be a vital part of our mission to empower local communities and create meaningful change.

Accountability

The Studio Manager is directly accountable to the Station Manager.

Day to day tasks

The studio manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the studio. Editing and preparation of programmes. Sourcing and approving broadcast material in line with broadcast guidelines. Ensuring output is maintained as per schedules, rules and regulations of Unity FM and Ofcom. Continuity announcing. Managing contingency for late presenters or cancellations, including live broadcasting. Maintaining administrative systems including records, petty cash, stationery orders and personnel documentation. Replenishing of station stock (food, stationery, tech.) Managing Unity FM’s social media accounts. Managing safety and security of all at the studio. Ensuring Health and Safety and that Fire safety rules are adhered to. Managing fire/evacuations/emergencies. Maintaining studio premises and ensuring they remain fit for purpose. Providing direct training in production, presentation and technical skills. Supervising and supporting trainees and staff at studio. Data manager for the site whilst on duty and assisting with data protection issues. Supporting additional work of station as required by the Board from time to time. This post may be available on a full-time or part-time basis or alternatively tenders are invited to fulfill the general role described.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Legislative and procedural guidelines which govern the management of a radio station (Desirable) 

Skills and Abilities

Confident and calm; able to deliver effective working relationships; diplomatic; flexible; self-motivated; customer orientated; attentive to detail.

• Able to demonstrate good presentation and communication skills.

• Information Technology skills e.g. to prepare training materials.

• Direct training skills.

• Prepare and manage radio programme schedules

• Able to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively within the team and with staff at all levels within the organisation and with external partners.

• Able to guide, support and manage staff and volunteers at the studios.

• Ability to work on own initiative, self motivated and focused, but also to work collaboratively and under direction.

• Ability to manage a diverse workload competently and confidently.

• Ability to represent Unity FM at external events.

Experience

• Working in a community radio station setting or equivalent (Desirable).

• Proficiency with ZaraStudio software (Desirable)

• Using Adobe Audition or similar editing packages.

• Proficiency with MS Office

• Media (or other relevant) degree (Desirable).

• Managing a diverse team, including volunteers (Desirable).

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with community groups, businesses, local authorities and partner organisations (Desirable).

• Working in the 3rd sector (Desirable).

• Proficiency in a community language (Urdu / Mirpuri / Arabic etc) (Desirable).

Educational

• Educated to degree level or equivalent (Desirable)

Special Requirements

• Commitment to implement and uphold Unity FM’s Equal opportunities Policy, Child protection policies and other policies.

• This role will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check to allow working with children.

• Must be flexible with working hours including evenings and weekends. The working day is usually 11am to 7pm. Holidays must be taken outside of Islamic special occasions such as Ramadhan as these will be the radio station’s busiest times. Must commit to working overtime, especially in Ramadhan.

• Must be able to travel to locations to attend meetings or run events.

• Must be able to attend evening meetings as required (infrequent and usually pre-planned).

• Knowledge of the Muslim community and its diversity. 

Terms - 5 days / 37.5 hours per week. Initial contract duration - 12 months with 6 months probation period.