Jobs at KPFA

We review all resumes submitted for positions below and keep them on file for at least one year. If you do not see a posted position on this page, please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes and they will not be reviewed or kept on file.

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Weekend Engineer

Who: We are looking for a self-motivated, eager to learn individual to help share responsibility for the air-quality and maintenance of KPFA radio studios, broadcast tower and transmission systems (both terrestrial and over the internet).

What: Under some supervision and direction from the chief engineer and the transmitter engineer, this individual will monitor, maintain, and help update/upgrade equipment in the studios, transmitter site, and off-site server space. This Includes but is not limited to the server infrastructure for the website and streams,microphones, computers, phone lines, CD players, studio equipment, the transmitters and air chain that feeds them. A familiarity and ability to run the boards for live or pretaped shows in all 4 of the KPFA studios will also be required, as well as familiarity with the systems used to play pretaped shows (Enco DAD, Libretime, and the station dropbox)

This role will be responsible for monitoring issues in real time over the air, as well as those coming to the engineering email and over Slack. They will also occasionally be responsible for their own projects, including organizing/cleaning up space as time allows and repairing equipment.

Where: This job will split its time, mostly at the KPFA studios but will likely require one or two days a week at the TX site to continue aiding the TX engineer and preparing to cover for them when they take time off. Remote work is allowed, including supporting staff’s technical needs and working on projects off-site.

When: This role will primarily be Thursday-Friday 11:00 am-7:30 pm, Saturday from 10:00am-6:30pm, Sunday from 8:45 am-5:15 pm, and Monday from 11 am-7:30 pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch each day. However, there may be occasions, especially while other members of the engineering team are out with illness or vacation, where days and/or hours will be shifted. Hours may also be adjusted for projects or special events.

Requirements:

Familiarity with live broadcast environments (at least 1+ years preferred).
Familiarity with Windows, Ubuntu, and Macintosh operating systems.
Ability to work with and train folks who need technical support.
Non-profit work experience and knowledge/understanding of how to boost efficiency and productivity with limited resources.
The ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
The ability to safely lift heavy objects and crawl through tight spaces.
Familiarity with Windows computer environments and software for connecting remote hosts and guests.
Professional, positive, and approachable attitude, able to handle shifting priorities, multiple projects, and a high volume of requests in a calm manner.
Contributes to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Experience using effective interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships with stakeholders, constituents, and all levels of staff.
Excellent writing, spelling, grammar, proofreading, formatting skills, and strong verbal communication and customer service skills.
Strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail and ability to work and problem-solve autonomously.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Pay and Benefits:

Union, non-exempt regular position
Schedule: Weekly at 40+ hours per week
- Thursday-Friday 11:00 am-7:30 pm
- Saturday from 10:00am-6:30pm
- Sunday from 8:45 am-5:15 pm
- Monday from 11 am-7:30 pm
  - Shifts include a 30 minute unpaid lunch.
- flexibility for special events and off hours maintenance required
Currently: $28.72 + .5% Seniority increase each year on the anniversary of the hire date
Vacation & Sick pay after 90 days
Holiday pay
Company paid health benefits after 90 days
Company matched (up to 4%) 403B
2% company-funded pension after eligibility.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to jobs@kpfa.org by 12 noon Friday, May 30, 2025.

KPFA is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.

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Afternoon Board Operator

Who: We are seeking a self-motivated individual to take charge of the afternoon sound at KPFA.

What: A Board Operator and continuity lead. This person will be responsible for board-oping most of the live and pretaped shows that take place in the afternoon at KPFA, as well as loading pretaped content for the afternoons, weekends, and evening off hours at KPFA.

They will also be responsible for helping put together the technical aspects of station promos and the evening news, including editing stories, actualities and other sound for the broadcast.

This role will work closely with both the engineering and programming departments to make sure the sound of KPFA’s airwaves is up to standard, without too much repeat programming and being the first line of troubleshooting for technical issues that happen during their shift.

Requirements:

Familiarity with live broadcast environments (at least 5 years preferred).
Familiarity with Windows computer environments and software for connecting remote hosts and guests.
Ability to work with and train folks who need technical support.
Non-profit work experience is a plus.
Professional, positive, and approachable attitude, able to handle shifting priorities, multiple projects, and a high volume of requests in a calm manner.
Contributes to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Experience using effective interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships with stakeholders, constituents, and all levels of staff.
Excellent writing, spelling, grammar, proofreading, formatting skills, and strong verbal communication and customer service skills.
Strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail and ability to work and problem-solve autonomously.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.

PAY AND BENEFITS:

Union, non-exempt regular position
Schedule: Weekdays at 30+ hours per week
- Monday-Friday from 12:45 pm-7:15 pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch.
Currently: $28.72 + .5% Seniority increase each year on the anniversary of the hire date
Vacation & Sick pay after 90 days
Holiday pay
Company paid health benefits after 90 days
Company matched (up to 4%) 403B
2% company-funded pension after eligibility.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to jobs@kpfa.org by 12 noon Friday, May 30, 2025.

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Law and Disorder Producer

DEFINITION: The Law & Disorder Producer leads the daily production of Law & Disorder (L&D), a public affairs program that airs Monday through Thursday from 8–9 AM on KPFA. The show delivers a mix of local (Northern and Southern California), state, and international coverage through engaging interviews, civil debates, and in-depth discussions centered around abolition. L&D centers the voices of those most impacted by systemic injustice.

We seek a producer who is passionate about abolition, transformative justice, and challenging the mainstream narrative. The L&D Producer develops content, books guests, edits segments, posts updates, and works in close coordination with the L&D host and interns. This position requires exceptional editorial judgment, strong audio editing skills, knowledge of abolitionist frameworks, and the ability to meet daily deadlines with professionalism and grace.

The L&D Producer reports to the Program Director and works in close collaboration with the L&D host. This position is currently remote but may shift to hybrid or in-person at KPFA’s Berkeley studios.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Generate show topics and identify relevant voices and interview subjects, prioritizing new and underrepresented perspectives.
Book and confirm guests, including coordinating tech details and scheduling with the host and her external team.
Pitch fully developed show ideas with clear narrative structure and abolition-centered framing.
Write segment intros, guest questions, and transitions; prep materials for host.
Edit interviews for podcast release (typically 2–3 segments per show).
Maintain podcast feed with accurate audio, titles, descriptions, and related links.
Post daily episode descriptions on KPFA website and social media.
Coordinate with interns and support their training and growth.
Monitor news, legislative developments, and organizing efforts related to policing, incarceration, and abolition.
Occasionally assist with fund drive specials and field production.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Strong editorial instincts and deep familiarity with current events and abolitionist frameworks.
Demonstrated experience in audio editing using digital tools, including multi-track mixing and quality enhancement.
Fluency with WordPress and social media platforms.
Familiarity with Black left movements past and present (e.g., BPP, BLM), and working knowledge of abolitionist organizations and leaders.
Strong sense of personal accountability, organization, and professionalism.
Comfort with mentoring and training interns, and engaging collaboratively with the larger KPFA Staff of management, employees and volunteers.
Ability to work collaboratively in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
Professional, positive, and approachable attitude, able to handle shifting priorities and multiple projects in a calm manner.

Contributes to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Experience using effective interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships with stakeholders, constituents, and all levels of staff.
Excellent writing, spelling, grammar, proofreading, formatting skills, and strong verbal communication and time management skills.
Strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail and ability to work and problem-solve autonomously.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.

POSITION, PAY AND BENEFITS:

Union, non-exempt regular position
Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday (40 hours/week).
- The show airs live Monday–Thursday from 8–9 AM, with regular work hours typically 9 AM–5:30 PM. Some flexibility and occasional early start times are required based on production needs.
Currently: $28.72 + .5% Seniority increase each year on the anniversary of the hire date
Vacation & Sick pay after 90 days
Holiday pay
Company paid health benefits after 90 days
Company matched (up to 4%) 403B
2% company-funded pension after eligibility.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to jobs@kpfa.org by 12 noon Monday, June 9, 2025.

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About KPFA: Founded by pacifist, poet, and journalist Lewis Hill, KPFA began broadcasting on April 15th, 1949 as the first listener-supported non-commercial radio station in the United States. We are community-powered and solely supported by listener donations and like-minded foundations. Our coverage area reaches one-third of the state, in Northern and Central California, and we broadcast on 94.1FM KPFA and 89.3FM KPFB in Berkeley, 88.1FM KFCF in Fresno, and online at kpfa.org.

We create and curate a unique mix of local, original, and eclectic music; public affairs; culture; and news programs. We investigate the contemporary intersections of class, race, and the distribution of wealth, along with their effects on the people within our coverage area. Over the years, we have facilitated discussions about historical moments of political impasse, racial tensions, and economic inequality. The majority of our hosts and producers are volunteers who donate their time and energy to create content.

The Pacifica Foundation/KPFA is an American non-profit organization that owns five independently operated, non-commercial, listener-supported radio stations known for their progressive/liberal political orientation.

KPFA’s Mission: Our mission is to deliver impactful coverage of current events through original reporting and programming, amplifying historically excluded voices. We also present music that entertains, educates, and/or inspires the listener. As an independent radio station, we prioritize accountability and transparency to our supporting public, offering insightful context on ongoing events. We achieve this by conducting interviews, offering analyses, and presenting music to shed light on social conditions. We aim to provide thought-provoking content that addresses a range of complex issues affecting our community of listeners.

Organization Values: Collaboration: Work with individuals or teams to create engaging content; Trust: Believe in the character, strength, or truth of individuals and the organization; Inclusion: Provide equal access to opportunities and resources; Accountability, Responsibility, and Ownership: Explain, justify, and take responsibility for one’s actions.

Organizational Practice: To collaborate, build trust, and foster inclusivity, our organizational practice involves dedicating 80 percent of our time to clear planning, communication of needs and requests, adherence to agreed tasks and deadlines, and assuming accountability, responsibility, and ownership for our actions and their impact on colleagues. Effective communication is vital; all ideas or proposals must be discussed in person or through virtual meetings with all involved. After each meeting, a document outlining action items for everyone’s reference must be provided.

The Pacifica Foundation/KPFA is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.

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