Director of Broadcast Engineering

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.

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.