Wanted: An executive-level job.

Qualifications: 22-plus years managing radio markets.

Claims to fame: First manager in Denver radio to manage five FM stations (KBCO, The Fox, KBPI, KTCL and KHIH). Hired Lewis & Floorwax; moved Bret Saunders from KTCL to KBCO mornings; hired Willie B on KBPI mornings (and survived); managed nearly 100 stations for Clear Channel.

What happened: Lost last job at CBS Radio (KOOL-105, The Mix, The Wolf) Jan. 1 when the stations sold.

Don Howe, the man with this job history, isn't special. There are hundreds of exec- level professionals in the metro-area who are jobless and looking for work. Howe, however, is approaching the tight job market in a new way by offering himself as an executive intern working for free for two- or three-week stints.

"My objective is to see if there's another lane out there in the world for me - one that captures my imagination and gets my heart pumping everyday," Howe said. "Radio still does that for me, as it has many challenges to solve in this digital world and will require lots of passion and new thinking. In the meantime I am enjoying meeting new folks in town, learning more and broadening my horizons."

When he got his walking papers, Howe sent out more than a dozen e-mails to friends in various industries proposing his exec internship idea. David Henry, owner of Denver ad firm HenryGill Communications,leapt at the chance to get intern Howe.

"When I got the e-mail, I immediately jumped and said 'We could use your outside perspective,' " Henry said. "We thought it would be good for him to poke in his nose and see what we're doing. He's a very bright articulate guy who knows a lot about the media, consumer and clients, and his input is invaluable."

Howe's last day is Friday, when Henry will conduct an exit interview. Next stop for Howe? Andavo Travel. "I enjoy getting up and going to work, keeping my skills honed, learning about new businesses and sharing best practices," Howe said.

MC-MEET MCDREAMY: Patrick Dempsey, best known as Dr. McDreamy on Grey's Anatomy, is part of an auction package that includes VIP passes to the NASCAR Brumos Porsche 250/Coke Zero 400 double- header July 3 and 4 at Daytona, a ride around the track in the pace car, hotel accommodations, airline tickets plus a meet-and-greet with the McRacer.

This auction item will be up for grabs during the judging for the 2010 firefighter's calendar at the Exdo Event Center, 1399 35th St., March 27. Tickets for the event, emceed by the Rocky's own Sam Adams, are $30 general admission, $55 for reserved seating in rows four through six and $100 for a VIP package that includes seats in rows one through three. Judging begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets and more info: firedupforkids.org. Proceeds benefit the Children's Hospital burn unit.

CRY ME A RIVERS: Oy vey! Joan Rivers, the mouth that roared, comes to Comedy Works South in the Landmark development for two shows June 27. Tickets are on sale now for Comedy Works Club members only, but anyone can sign up for the club at comedyworks.com.

EAVESDROPPING on a man to his girlfriend at Winter Park last week after he found a digital camera in the parking lot: "Darn . . . six days too late to be your Valentine's present."

Listen to Penny Parker on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630).