Classical Music Program Host

Job Identification: 42573

Job Category: Communications & Marketing

Apply Before: 02/27/2026, 04:47 PM

Degree Level: Bachelor’s Degree

Locations: 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33620, US

Essential Personnel: Yes
Job Description

WUSF public media is a leading source of news, information, and cultural enrichment for West Central Florida. We reach over one million people monthly through our NPR news station WUSF 89.7, Classical WSMR 89.1 & 103.9, and an extensive digital presence including live streaming, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. As a department of the University of South Florida, we have a dedicated team of 80 professionals and an annual budget of $10 million. We are deeply committed to building community through trusted journalism, classical music and culture that reflects the world around us. Our professional staff works closely with talented student interns. Our main studios are on the USF Tampa campus, with additional broadcast and production facilities on the USFSM and USFSP campuses.

This position will be based in the Tampa Bay region and serve as an on-air local radio host on Classical WSMR, and help produce digital content to publish on station websites and collaborate with Digital Services to share content on social media platforms and other digital platforms; represent WUSF/Classical WSMR at audience engagement events throughout the listening area.

The Classical Music Program Host serves a multi-functional role as an on-air host for live and prerecorded classical music shifts and also keep WSMR listeners connected with the local arts community; host live musical performances and conduct live and recorded interviews with composers, musicians, and conductors; participate in on-air fundraising campaigns; engage with audience on social media and digital platforms, including video and original posts; participate in station events onsite and at remote locations, representing WUSF Public Media in different venues, including live on-stage hosting/introduction of concerts; help produce special broadcasts, special programming, and podcasts that highlight classical music and enhance the audience experience with WSMR.

This position will be on-site.

Hiring Salary Range is $50,000.00-$60,000.00

Responsibilities

Serve as an on-air host for live and pre-recorded classical music shifts; knowledgeable about classical music; sharing on-air it’s history along with news/events connected with present-day musicians and composers; keep WSMR listeners connected to classical music and arts-related events in the community; prepare scripts for live interviews and conduct live and recorded interviews with composers, musicians, and conductors; be comfortable hosting on the radio as well, in front of an audience and in front of a camera.

Participate in station fundraising initiatives, including: on-air fundraising campaigns; in-person station fundraising events, including one-on-one meetings with major donors; online fundraising initiatives; and collaborating with community partners on fundraising initiatives.

Regularly contribute digital content to increase audience engagement on station platforms; contribute to station program production that includes live or produced programming, special or ongoing podcast production, and promotional materials for air and for web. Provide voice-over work for WUSF Public Media.

Represent WUSF Public Media in different venues that include on-site and remote locations across the Tampa Bay region, which may include representing WSMR at major donor events, live on-stage hosting, and introduction of concerts. They engage with the audience on social media and digital platforms, including video.

Work with student interns, helping them learn all aspects of the operations of a classical music radio production.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Communications, or a related field and two years of directly related experience; or a Master’s degree in the field listed above. Four years of experience as a host, preferably a music programming host, on a broadcast station/podcast, or a combination of education and experience may substitute for the Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications: The preferred candidate will demonstrate a deep knowledge of classical music, which may include formal education/training or professional experience. This position requires the ability to run a Broadcast Console (familiarity with Axia consoles is preferable); an understanding and ability to work with Zetta Radio Automation Software; Adobe Automation Editing software; and Microsoft Office Suite.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.