Title : Director

Status  Full time, Exempt, Covered by DGA Agreement

Reports to:  Senior Director, PC Ops and Production

JOB OBJECTIVE: The successful candidate will Direct and AD live, network productions for WETA, including; PBS NewsHour, Washington Week and PBS News Weekend along with network news specials and local productions. As Associate Director the successful candidate will support the Director in the production of the PBS NewsHour and related productions. The Associate Director is responsible for the preparation and timing of the production for live, network delivery; including the program length and individual elements that comprise the broadcast. Candidate must be comfortable under live, network pressure and exhibit exceptional technical know-how, creative skills and leadership capabilities. This is a DGA covered position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Direct and AD live, network productions, under, occasionally intense, deadline pressure.
• Provide leadership over the control room and technical crew.
• Flexibility to adapt and execute last minute changes during broadcasts.
• Support producers in the creative production process, including set design, lighting, blocking, graphics, music, site surveys.
• Support management and executive producers on the development of WETA programs and special productions
• Direct remote broadcasts on location.
• Assist with developing and implementing standard operating procedures
• Work collaboratively with various colleagues; including, but not limited to on-air talent, producers and technical teams.
• Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experienced with iNews driven production models
• Experienced with live, network production
• Experienced with graphic/video-driven sets and robotic cameras
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous conversations in a live, production environment
• Strong understanding of the technical operation that support the production
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and time constraints
• Set design experience and skills a strong plus

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Ten (10) years’ experience in studio/control room production
• Five (5) plus years’ experience directing live productions.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, TV production, or related field.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously. 

Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.