Job Description:
Job Title: Director, Production Services
Reports to: Vice President, Operations and Engineering
Status: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt
Salary Range: $160,000.00 - $175,000.00
Position Overview:
WETA is a leading public media company dedicated to delivering high-quality news, entertainment, and information to our audience. We pride ourselves on our commitment to journalistic integrity, creativity, and innovation in broadcasting. We are seeking an experienced Director of Production Services to oversee the efficient operation of our production facilities and services. This role will be instrumental in managing a team of over 40 direct reports, including technicians, scheduling and support staff. The Director of Production Services will report directly to the VP of Operations and Engineering and will collaborate closely with other producers and production managers (NewsHour Productions, National Productions, Local Productions, outside clients) to ensure seamless production workflows across all channels and platforms. This role will be responsible for the daily production and distribution of PBS News Hour, PBS News Weekend, and Washington Week, and will supervise the technical scheduling department. This position is required to work on-site and must be able (and willing) to have scheduling flexibility if/when needed.
The ideal candidate will have experience effectively leading a large team, managing complex operations, driving innovation, and maintaining high standards of production quality in seven day a week media environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Management: Provide strong leadership and strategic direction to the production services team. Mentor, motivate, and develop a high-performing team to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
- Unions and Collective Bargaining: Manage staff, operations, and technical personnel in compliance with applicable union agreements.
- Operations Oversight: Oversee the day-to-day operations of production facilities, including studios, control rooms, editing suites, and remote production units. Ensure equipment is well-maintained and operational. Manage and supervise technical production staff, scheduling staff, and overall technical operations on a project-specific basis. Act as frontline manager for the Production Facilities on production needs (day of air, breaking news, special events, etc.). Ensure recordings, live shows and other technical products have proper engineering support to comply with PBS standards and FCC rules and regulations.
- Budget and Resource Management: Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation. Optimize resource utilization to achieve cost efficiencies without compromising on quality.
- Workflow Optimization: Streamline production workflows and processes to maximize efficiency and output. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance production capabilities. Supervise the scheduling, technical staffing and operations required to support the daily production and delivery of PBS News Hour, PBS News Weekend, and Washington Week, as well as other national and local productions.
- Quality Control: Maintain high standards of production quality and ensure adherence to broadcast standards and regulations. Implement quality control measures and oversee compliance with industry guidelines. Advise VP, Operations and Engineering in matters of long and short-range equipment maintenance, acquisition, installation and deployment. Address client requests and concerns and provide counsel and support on all technical and operational matters related to a production. Coordinate engineering requirements with the Senior Director, Engineering and interface with the engineering staff as needed.
- Technology Integration: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in broadcast production. Evaluate and recommend new software, and technology solutions to enhance production capabilities. Coordinate any IT requirements with the VP of IT and interface with the IT staff as needed.
- Collaboration and Communication: Foster a collaborative working environment across departments, including editorial, programming, engineering, and marketing. Ensure effective communication and coordination to support seamless production workflows.
- Crisis Management: Develop and implement contingency plans for emergencies or technical failures. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to minimize disruptions and maintain continuity of operations. Anticipate problems and proactively control costs in the production of quality products for customers of the Production Facility.
SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Broadcast Production Expertise: Deep understanding of broadcast production processes, including studio operations, field production, post-production workflows, transmission technologies, and live broadcasting.
- Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead and inspire large teams, including production managers, technicians, engineers, and support staff. Strong coaching, mentoring, and team-building skills to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
- Strategic Planning and Execution: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals. Experience in optimizing production workflows, resource allocation, and budget management to achieve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard broadcast equipment, software, and systems. Ability to evaluate and integrate new technologies to enhance production capabilities and stay ahead of industry trends.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Commitment to maintaining high standards of production quality, adherence to broadcast regulations, and compliance with industry guidelines. Implementing quality control measures and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address technical challenges, operational issues, and emergency situations effectively. Making informed decisions under pressure to ensure minimal disruptions to broadcast operations.
- Communication and Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively liaise with stakeholders across departments, including editorial, programming, engineering, and management. Collaborating seamlessly to support cohesive production workflows and project execution.
- Project Management: Experience in overseeing complex projects from conception to completion, including scheduling, resource allocation, risk management, and milestone achievement. Ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget constraints.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines. Demonstrated resilience in managing crisis situations and maintaining operational continuity.
- Industry Knowledge and Networking: Keeping abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in broadcast production. Building and maintaining networks within the media industry to foster partnerships and stay informed about emerging opportunities
Additional Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- At least 10+ years' experience
- Expert proficiency with MS365, scheduling software, and substantive knowledge of control room/studio production. Working knowledge of satellites and circuits.
- Knowledge of broadcast and IP technologies.
- Experience with unionized work force required
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong customer service orientation.
- Ability to establish positive work relationships and effectively supervise staff.
- Perform additional duties and participate in special projects as needed
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. Please also see our Benefits: Benefits | WETA
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.
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.
Organization:
Job Location:
Arlington, VA
United States
Job Category:
Engineering/Operation/Technical
Job Type:
Full time
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