Director, Production Services

Job Title: Director, Production Services

Reports To: Senior Director, Production Services

Status: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt

Salary Range: $125,000 - $135,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

WETA is a leading public media company dedicated to delivering high-quality news, entertainment, and information to our audience. We pride ourselves on our commitment to journalistic integrity, creativity, and innovation in broadcasting.

We are seeking an experienced Broadcast Operations Manager to join the Production Services management team which oversees the operation of our production facilities and services. The Director of Production Services will report directly to the Senior Director of Production Services and will collaborate and interface closely with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless production workflows across all channels and platforms. (NewsHour Productions, National Productions, Local Productions, outside clients and vendors). This role is expected to leverage the best people, technology, and workflows to deliver the highest caliber production value.

This position is required to work on-site and must be able (and willing) to have scheduling flexibility if/when needed.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years’ experience effectively leading, developing and guiding teams in a live broadcast environment (preferably news), managing technical operations, driving innovation, and maintaining high standards of production quality in a seven day a week media environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Unions and Collective Bargaining: Manage staff, operations, and technical personnel in compliance with applicable union agreements.

Operations Oversight: Support the Senior Director of Production Services and other managers as needed to oversee the day-to-day operations of production facilities, including studios, control rooms, editing suites, and remote production units. Ensure equipment is well-maintained and operational. Manage and supervise assigned production staff and freelancers.

Budget and Resource Management: Assist with managing departmental budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation. Optimize resource utilization to achieve cost efficiencies without compromising on quality.

Workflow Optimization: Streamline production workflows and processes to maximize efficiency and output. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance production capabilities including Standard Operating Procedures and other related documentation.

Quality Control: Maintain high standards of production quality and ensure adherence to broadcast standards and regulations. Collaborate with the Senior Director of Production Services and VP of Technology in matters of long and short-range roadmaps and projects.

Technology Integration: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in broadcast production. Evaluate and recommend new software and technology solutions to enhance production capabilities.

Collaboration and Communication: Foster a collaborative working environment across departments, including editorial, programming, engineering, and marketing. Ensure effective communication and coordination to support seamless production workflows.

Crisis Management: Develop and implement contingency plans for emergencies or technical failures in conjunction with Production and Engineering management. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to minimize disruptions and maintain continuity of operations. Anticipate problems and proactively control costs in the production of quality products for customers of the Production Facility.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Broadcast Production Expertise: Deep understanding of broadcast production processes, including studio operations, field production, editing, post-production workflows, transmission technologies in a broadcasting environment.

Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with strong problem-solving skills and a successful record of evaluating and streamlining processes to meet business and production needs. Experience in optimizing production workflows, resource allocation, and budget management to achieve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard broadcast equipment, software, and support systems. (e.g. scheduling platforms)

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address technical challenges, operational issues, and emergency situations effectively. Making informed decisions under pressure to ensure minimal disruptions to broadcast operations.

Communication and Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively liaise with stakeholders across departments, including editorial, programming, engineering, and management.

Project Management: Experience in overseeing projects from conception to completion, including scheduling, resource allocation, risk management, and milestone achievement. Ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget constraints.

Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines. Demonstrated resilience in managing crisis situations and maintaining operational continuity.

Industry Knowledge and Networking: Keeping abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in broadcast production.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

Expert proficiency with MS365, scheduling software, news operation systems (iNews) and substantive knowledge of control room/studio/edit production. Expert knowledge of remote production platforms

(e.g. Live U)

Detailed knowledge of broadcast and IP technologies.

Experience with unionized workforce and knowledge of union contracts is preferred.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong customer service orientation.

Ability to establish positive work relationships and effectively supervise staff.

Perform additional duties and participate in special projects as needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

BA/BS (4-Year College / University Degree)

LOCATION:

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Benefits WETA

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.