Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Broadcast Engineering leads the engineering department, responsible for configuring, maintaining, and operating a diverse array of file-based and live-streaming video production, distribution, and video playout systems. This role oversees all aspects of the technical broadcast facility, including studio equipment support, studio production support, and transmission of live/taped events and programs. The Director ensures technical quality standards, leads department operations and personnel, and maintains relationships with third-party vendors. Strategic responsibilities include developing long-range broadcast plant plans, presenting new technologies to senior management, and participating in industry committees to position the organization as a leader in broadcast technology. The role also encompasses the management of master control operations, regulatory compliance, and budget oversight, ensuring the technical integrity and regulatory adherence of the station.
Compensation: $135,000 to $150,000 annually in addition to company provided benefits.
Hybrid Work Environment: Candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Twin Cities Metro area and report to onsite office a minimum of three days per week.
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Department Management (50% of time)
Lead a team of engineers who manage all aspects of the technical facility including studio support, field production support, and transmission of live/taped events & programs.
Oversee daily broadcast operations, including program scheduling, automation systems, and transmission workflows.
Design and document technical facilities; ensure that documentation is up to date.
Manage the operation, installation and utilization of station equipment.
Establish and maintain technical quality standards and best practices.
Secure and manage relationships with third party vendors.
Schedule preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and service interruptions.
Oversee budget management for department, order parts and materials when needed.
Manage operational response during severe weather or emergency situations.
Lead capital projects, assigning teams, collaborating with other departments, and owning the design and execution of project timelines and budgets.
Production & Master Control Operations (20% of time)
Ensure accurate execution of traffic logs and playlists for all scheduled programming. Collaborates with colleagues to manage deliverables.
Analyze discrepancy logs and equipment incident reports, identify areas where performance or process needs improvement.
Coordinate live and recorded broadcasts, including special events and pledge drives.
Oversee ingest and quality control of all incoming media assets.
Ensure proper setup and monitoring of networked media systems for live and file-based content delivery.
Create and maintain training documents for Master Control functions.
Compliance (5% of time)
Ensure compliance with FCC regulations for RF power levels, frequency assignments, and modulation standards.
Conduct periodic compliance audits to verify adherence to FCC and PBS technical standards.
Train staff on FCC regulations, including indecency, sponsorship identification, and children’s programming rules.
Responsible for proper FCC signage at tower and broadcast center.
Responsible for displaying all necessary FCC paperwork.
Oversee proper execution and logging of EAS tests and alerts in accordance with federal and state mandates.
Prepare and submit required FCC paperwork as needed.
Team/Staff Management (20% of time)
Lead, mentor, inspire, guide, and develop team and staff members throughout their TPT careers.
Manage the scheduling of media engineering personnel activities to support the technical operation and performance of the station.
Oversee the hiring, staffing, evaluation, overall management and training of staff.
Coach and mentor team members through ambitious goals and support for professional development.
Cultivate a fun, engaging, and balanced work environment.
Other duties as assigned (5% of time)
Participate as an active member of the Technology Team. Contribute to shared goals and collaborate with colleagues on achievement of priorities.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Experience
Professional experience in video systems engineering including: knowledge of video, audio, and captioning file formats; associated transcoding systems; video streaming compression systems; RF broadcast systems; as well as PC and Macintosh computing platforms.
Ability to manage projects encompassing hardware, software, and user systems, including professionally documenting and installing those systems.
Knowledge of FCC regulations and compliance requirements.
Strong creative, technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
BSEE, BS-Information Technology/Computer Science or ASEE and/or equivalent relevant Broadcast experience.
Minimum ten (10) years in broadcast television engineering with a 24x7x365 union engineering team.
Preferred Experience
3 years in Broadcast Engineering management, preferred.
3 years of transmitter experience, preferred.
FCC General Class License, SBE Certifications, and Computer Networking certifications (Comp TIA+ or CCNA), desired.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite – Outlook, Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams, the Adobe Creative Suite.
Strong focus on audience and end user needs.
Strong organizational and time management skills. Able to multitask in a fast-paced, time-sensitive production environment.
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with all team members.
Commitment to advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) priorities within the organization.
Ability to travel to locations in the greater metro area on a frequent basis. Occasional travel out of the state.
