The Chief of Engineering and Technology performs a variety of functions related to strategic planning for increasing coverage for the station’s two networks, as well as transmitter site construction, transmitter and electronic testing and maintenance, computer and network infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, and property management.  This position requires a broad range of knowledge and experience in electronics, radio frequency transmission, property and vehicle maintenance, and safety issues and requires extensive travel throughout Western North Carolina, and some travel outside the state.  The Chief of Engineering and Technology is responsible for the development and maintenance of departmental and capital budgets.  

1. A high level of commitment and dedication to the mission of BPR and public radio.
2. A high level of energy.  An obvious enthusiasm for the work of BPR.
3. Acting consistently with the highest standards of journalism, business ethics and personal integrity.  Preserving confidentiality appropriately. Stewarding resources with prudence and accountability.
4. Serving as an excellent ambassador for BPR, both formally and informally. Helping listeners, potential listeners, and donors connect with BPR. Holding leadership positions in the community on boards, committees, and through general volunteer opportunities.
5. Facilitating excellent communications across departments, among employees, with the Board, with the public, with relevant national organizations, and with suppliers. Fostering open and candid relationships with BPR listeners and contributors. Managing conflict constructively.
6. Demonstrating a commitment to the continuous improvement of BPR’s ability to fulfill its mission and vision. Demonstrating and encouraging creativity and enthusiasm for this work.
7. Effectively working to strengthen the public radio community nationally. Being recognized by peers for knowledge of the craft, demonstrated expertise and success, and commitment to the cause. Holding leadership positions in national organizations involved with public radio. Bringing increased opportunities to BPR as a byproduct of these efforts.
8. Expressing consistent, high-performance expectations for themselves, their department, BPR’s leadership, and BPR. With staff: helping them develop a high level of commitment to their mission and excellent teamwork. Help develop employee skills and abilities, mentoring, and supporting employees in achieving their professional goals. To the extent possible, helping develop the next generation of leadership at BPR and creating a viable succession plan for their department. Attracting and retaining great employees.
9. Developing a broad understanding of all BPR’s departments sufficient to collaborate effectively with peers, ensure excellent communication and teamwork among departments, contribute significantly to BPR’s general management, and help other managers do their jobs more effectively.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises and evaluates BPR employees and contractors working in the Technology, Engineering, and Operations department.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and/or some combination of education and at least 10 years of relevant experience, including several years of supervisory or managerial experience.  SBE or other comparable industry certification preferred.  Valid driver's license required.

Essential Skills: Strong organizational, communications (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills required. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with ability to conceive, plan and manage multiple projects. Ability to recognize, acknowledge and effectively leverage the skills of other team members, employees, and contractors to carry out responsibilities. 

Ability to research industry trends in technology to stay current with technical developments on a continuous basis. Ability to explain complex technical issues that affect the overall strategic plan and station operation in a way that the essential importance of the issues can be grasped by non-technical persons in a meaningful way. Ability to understand the technical nature of the work of those under his/her supervision sufficiently to provide planning, guidance, opportunities for training as needed, and to ensure as safe a working environment as possible under sometimes difficult conditions.

Ability to continue learning and adapting to an increasingly changing technical landscape – through participation in professional organizations and societies, technical training, seminars and industry conventions, and personal reading and research.

The Chief of Engineering and Technology is a hands-on leadership role requiring intimate knowledge of the scope and practice of the field. It will be necessary to fulfill the duties of multiple roles including Chief Engineer, Broadcast Engineer, Systems Administrator and IT Support Specialist to fulfill the role's requirements.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, walk, sit for extended periods, travel, and occasionally stand, use hands to feet, to climb and hold and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to operate on and off-road vehicles including 4WD vehicles with snow chains and ATVs (tracked or wheeled) safely in various weather conditions is necessary.

The environment for this position varies substantially from office to transmission site locations in various weather conditions. Travel to sites to survey projects, evaluate progress or future needs, and occasionally fill in for other Engineering technical staff is often necessary. There may be times when this activity is during non-standard hours, or during inclement weather. The ability to perform remote access administration via telephone and/or computer networks is required. Due to broadcasting, carrying a cellular phone and portable computer is required.

Please note: This is not an all-encompassing statement of this position’s responsibilities. While it attempts to be comprehensive, new responsibilities may be assigned to this position at any time.

Location: This is a site-based position working out of the BPR studios in downtown Asheville, NC. All senior leadership staff have the option to work two days per week remotely.

Compensation and benefits:

Salary range as a full-time position is $90,000-$105,000 per year based on experience. In addition to salary and Worker’s Compensation Insurance, BPR offers employees working 30 hours per week or more a compensation package that includes the following benefits:

• Employer Paid Health Insurance (BPR pays 80%, 20% pre-tax employee contribution)
• Vision and Dental coverage (BPR pays 80%, 20% pre-tax employee contribution)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan Match up to 5% after 90 days
• Smart/Mobile Phone Stipend
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• 12 days Paid Vacation in Year One, 17 days in Years 2-5 and 20 days for Years 6+
• 10 days of Sick Leave per year
• 11 Paid Holidays per year

This job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.