WSHU - Classical Music Announcer

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

Position Summary
The Classical Music Announcer serves as WSHU’s morning music announcer and delivers classical music selections, along with context, in a fresh, accessible and engaging way to our public radio audience. This position acts as a daily companion to our 150,000 devoted listeners and supporters throughout Connecticut and Suffolk County, Long Island. To do so effectively, this person must do some advance prep on the day’s playlist and employ a storytelling approach.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the live, weekday hosting of WSHU’s locally-produced classical music programs. (This includes announcing as well as utilizing database/automation.)
• Responsible for show preparation, with some guidance from the Music Director. Requires advance research on the day’s playlist to present the music in a fresh and engaging manner and provide interesting anecdotes and historic notes on the selections.
• Record forward promotions and other promotional materials.
• Maintain communication with listeners, attend station events and assist in educational outreach activities.
• Work with the programming team to strengthen the station's sound and expand the station's public service.
• Perform on-air “pitching” in all pledge drives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• Excellent verbal, communication, interpersonal and storytelling skills required
• A strong announcing background is helpful but not required – some training and mentorship will be provided to acclimate the candidate to WSHU’s listening audience and procedures
• Basic computer knowledge is required.
• Familiarity with classical music, arts or culture is helpful
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Good organizational and writing skills and ability to interact with highly diverse donor constituency is essential
• Understanding of public radio and FCC operating rules helpful but not necessary
• Candidates selected for an interview will be asked for an aircheck or a live audition

Unusual Working Conditions
Position is 100% in-person and works in our Fairfield, CT, Broadcast Center. Will work morning or afternoon shifts as required, and occasionally attend evening and weekend events.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.