WTTW (Chicago PBS) and WFMT (classical music radio station) are looking for a Vice President, Technology. This position is primarily responsible for planning, evaluation, acquisition, installation, and maintenance of all related material and resources supporting media platforms for broadcast and related production/distribution operations; IT; and facilities. The Vice President, Technology will also be responsible for proactively managing engineering staff and equipment for production operations functions, and overseeing and serving as the primary point of contact for our external master control operation and other broadcasting vendors. The role requires oversight and on-call availability 24/7 for all functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Broadcast Engineering - Maintenance

• Oversee and maintain broadcast engineering equipment and transmitter to ensure leading edge technology and performance.
• Oversee engineering interconnection, project design, construction, installation, and maintenance.

Broadcast Engineering - Production and Program Distribution Operations

• Oversee engineering and production staffing, equipment, and services to align with production needs and deliverables.
• Effectively manage and motivate staff to ensure best-in-class and cost/time-efficient broadcast and distribution operations to deliver the highest level of quality to audience.
• Evaluate, improve, and document technical systems and processes, quality control procedures, optimized workflows, and performance tracking.
• Coordinate with PBS and other third-party distribution entities to ensure timely and quality-controlled delivery of assets with established specifications in mind.
• Identify current and long-term facility and equipment needs based on content, production services, and government (FCC, EAS) requirements and obligations.

IT/Archiving/Media Management

• Provide management, direction and vision for IT needs across the organization.
• Plan and implement upgrades to network, hardware, and software systems.
• Oversee and ensure data security across all company systems.
• Evaluate and assess current media management capabilities/systems and make recommendations on future technology requirements to ensure short- and long-term viability and accessibility.
• Oversee external IT, phone and other communications vendors.

Facilities/Security

• Oversee campus security and safety.
• Oversee maintenance and upkeep of all aspects of the physical plant.
• Oversee and work with related vendors/partners as needed.

Management, leadership and future technology sustainability

• Initiate, deploy, and manage union and related staff training on current and future equipment, technology, skills, procedures, and workflows.
• Develop/maintain deep understanding of union contracts (IBEW, DGA, AFTRA); educate/train bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit staff on jurisdictional rules.
• Lead management team in IBEW and DGA union negotiations to ensure flexible, agile, and efficient culture and workflows.
• Develop and implement technology strategy to align with strategic plan and prepare for future-state operations.
• Establish goals and measurable outcomes for production operations and technology teams; document policies, procedures, and performance.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Thorough knowledge of FCC rules, regulations and compliance requirements
• Outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to guide others through high-level technology and equipment operations
• Demonstrated understanding of business needs, competitive/market trends, problem-solving, contingency planning, latest technologies essential to current and future business needs
• Skills compliant with FCC broadcast engineering standards
• Must be process oriented, results-driven and focused on demonstrable outcomes
• High level of personal integrity and leadership ability, communication, planning, decision making, and customer service skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to multitask, dynamically prioritize and work under pressure
• Must have the capacity to effectively manage complex projects, large budgets and meet deadlines
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and be available 24/7 as needed
• Effective negotiating skills

EXPERIENCE: 

• Five to ten years + of demonstrated management leadership with experience directly related to technology/broadcast engineering management required
• Experience in maintenance and repair of technology-based or broadcast systems, high power transmitters and network infrastructure
• Familiarity with labor law and practices
• Proven track record of production operations management
• Demonstrated leadership in technology architecture visioning/planning
• Effective management of production operations engineering team
• ATSC 3.0 experience a plus

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Broadcast Engineering, computer science or related technology field