WABE is Atlanta’s choice for NPR, PBS, and local news and storytelling. We inform, inspire, reflect, and empower greater Atlanta to drive community belonging, stoke civic participation, and advance equity. WABE is a non-profit, public media service broadcasting and streaming via WABE90.1FM, WABE TV, WABE.org, and numerous podcasts and digital offerings. 

For more information on the broadcast service, programming and opportunities, please visit www.wabe.org  

Broadcast Operations Manager 

This is a position requiring excellent skills in multitasking, organization, attention to detail and time management related to Operations. The individual must be able to assess and solve problems, implement new systems and procedures as needed, and work in cooperation with others.  This position will require the individual to be on call after normal business hours and weekends to troubleshoot and/or address problems and to monitor the on-air broadcast and internet streams on a continuous basis. This position will work under the supervision of the Operations Director. 

Accountabilities: 

• This individual will oversee all aspects of the on-air programming operations - scheduling, program coordination, establishing & implementing processes and checklists to eliminate errors, ensuring 24/7 coverage, coaching on-air staff and have a strong customer service approach towards listeners, staff, & sales 

• Dedicated hands-on leader who proactively communicates and can set priorities and manage daily activities. 

• Provide leadership and oversight in the execution of an excellent on-air sound and image for the station, with a goal of growing and expanding audience engagement 

• Ensure compliance with FCC rules and regulations and WABE policies 

• Be responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision, and scheduling of programming personnel 

• Manage the daily functioning of automated program delivery resulting in a consistent, “tight,” on-air product 

• A station sound with minimal if any episodes of “dead air” or “audio collisions.” 

• Be organized and able to create systems to accomplish an excellent on-air sound 

• Coordinate digital audio streaming processes including web and app based systems 

• Work with sales staff for on-air and promotional execution of sales promotions 

• Learn and use emerging technologies. 

• Assist the Operations Director with the daily set up and operation of the radio station’s automation (ENCO) and the public radio distribution systems (Public Radio Satellite System and Content Depot). This includes, but is not limited to continuous monitoring of these systems, responding to and correcting problems when they occur and anticipating problems before they occur. 

• Candidate will report and assist Operations Director 

• Work & collaborate with engineering and IT to address the technical needs of the radio station and to correct and respond to problems with the automation and public radio distribution system. 

• Communicate & collaborate with programming staff, news staff, engineering and IT on any technical, operations and production related matters. 

• Work closely with the Directors, and other programming staff to update program and other changes to the automation system (ENCO) as the need arises. 

• Oversee the insertion of daily and weekly programs and promos into the automation system. 

• Be responsible for obtaining missed or impaired program content. 

• Work & collaborate with IT department to maintain health of ENCO computers. 

• Other technical, operations and production duties and responsibilities as needed. 

• Serve as a back-up for the Operations Director. 

• Manage Operations Coordinators, including hours, vacations and regular performance reviews 

• General board operating 

• Engineer remote broadcasts/recordings 

• Engineer Facebook Live/Community Events 

• Local program promo and billboard production. 

• City Lights remote event engineer and in-studio lead. 

• Co-ordinate City Lights Zoom, Gagl, telephone and Comrex connections. 

• Edit down show for evening re-broadcast and Podcast delivery 

• Participate on TV pledge recordings and in all radio fund raising activities. 

• Facilitate Radio & TV Studio bookings 

• Look after remote gear (Facebook Live kit, Comrex remote kits/zoom reporter kits/mics etc) 

• Radio/Audio editing/production for local shows/audio 

• Be on call for Operations in the evening and at weekends 

• Operations troubleshooting and support 

• Assist in developing and maintaining disaster recovery/business continuity plan 

• Other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

Experience and Education Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications or related field from an accredited college or university or the equivalent experience in the field of radio operations, engineering, technical production and/or IT. 

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities on a daily and long range basis, follow through in accomplishing a varied series of tasks in a systematic manner, take direction and solve problems. 

• Organized, process and execution oriented, collaborative, strong operations management and good communication skills  

• Two or three years detail oriented, fast paced work experience, preferably broadcasting or scheduling related. 

• Computer skills a must – knowledge of multiple applications necessary. Candidate must be computer literate and have hands on computer maintenance experience. 

• Strong technical skills across traditional broadcasting and digital 

Necessary Skills and Abilities 

• Experience and good working knowledge of using/programming automation, familiarity with traffic applications, and digital editing systems preferred. 

• Technical experience necessary in all current broadcast equipment use, as well as production, board operation and studio and remote interview set-up. 

• Ability to work in cooperation with others and adapt to a changing work environment. 

• Desire to support and promote an inclusive work environment and cultivate strong, productive relationships across internal WABE departments. 

• Must be able to reprioritize projects quickly based on changing needs and new opportunities. 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 15 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.