Director of Engineering & Operations

Job Summary

The Director of Engineering & Operations is responsible for the overall technical and operational management of KSPS PBS. This position leads and integrates the Engineering, IT, Operations, Master Control, and Traffic functions to ensure reliable, efficient, and innovative delivery of broadcast and digital services. The Director provides both strategic vision and day-to-day leadership across broadcast transmission, content operations, IT systems, technical infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. They play a central role in developing long-term strategies for technical innovation, operational excellence, and service continuity while supporting KSPS PBS’s mission to connect, enrich, and inspire communities across the Inland Northwest and Western Canada.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

Leadership & Supervision

• Manage and supervise Engineering, IT, and Operations / Traffic staff, including recruitment, scheduling, performance evaluations, training, coaching, and discipline.
• Foster a collaborative, cross-departmental environment where Engineering & Operations works closely with Programming, Production, Development, and Administration.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics, workflows, and departmental priorities.

Technical Operations (Master Control & Traffic)

• Oversee the station’s multi-stream Technical Operations Center (TOC), ensuring accurate and uninterrupted playout of broadcast channels and digital streams.
• Supervise Master Control and Traffic personnel in scheduling, program ingestion, content file transfers, and asset management.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for master control, traffic, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), building security, and disaster recovery.
• Conduct weekly Operations meetings to set operational priorities and facilitate interdepartmental communication.
• Conduct quarterly Master Control meetings to review priorities, workflows, and operator performance.

Engineering & IT

• Lead the design, installation, maintenance, and documentation of all broadcast and IT systems at the studio and transmission sites.
• Manage transmission facilities including towers, translators, satellite systems, microwave links, HVAC, UPS, and backup power.
• Ensure IT infrastructure (servers, storage, networking, desktops, cloud systems) is secure, reliable, and integrated with broadcast operations.
• Stay current with PBS system upgrades, FCC regulations, and industry best practices, and implement compliant policies and workflows.

Budgeting & Administration

• Develop and oversee departmental and capital equipment budgets in collaboration with the General Manager and Production.
• Manage vendor relationships and service contracts with key partners (e.g., BroadStream, Telestream, SpectraLogic, Myers / ProTrack, Gates Air, Ross, Adobe, Imagine).
• Track, code, and reconcile purchase orders, invoices, and credit card expenditures in compliance with NETA Accounting Services.
• Oversee special funding sources (e.g., City of Spokane PEG Capital Funds), ensuring proper planning, reporting, and reimbursement.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

• Lead long-range planning for broadcast, IT, and operations infrastructure to meet evolving industry standards and audience expectations.
• Identify, test, and implement emerging technologies that enhance production, distribution, and content accessibility.
• Represent KSPS PBS at industry conferences and working groups (e.g., NAB, PBS, SBE) to ensure the station remains at the forefront of innovation.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all FCC rules, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain documentation of all technical systems and workflows for regulatory and operational purposes.
• Develop and oversee disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and business continuity plans.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and adaptability in all technical and operational functions.

Other Duties

• Serve as primary technical and operational liaison with PBS, SCEM (Spokane County Emergency Management), SBE, and industry partners.
• Communicate regularly with station leadership, staff, and board on technical and operational issues.
• Oversee building security and maintenance of interior / exterior facilities, including lighting and grounds.

Requirements

Qualifications / Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Engineering, IT, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in television broadcast engineering, operations, or IT, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.

Certificates / Licenses

• SBE, Cisco, or other technical certifications highly desirable.
• Must have the ability to drive for work-related purposes; valid driver’s license required if assigned driving duties.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of broadcast and IT systems, including automation, traffic, production, transmission, and networking.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues under pressure, including during live or emergency situations.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget planning, purchasing, and reconciliation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with proven cross-department collaboration.
• Adaptability, analytical problem-solving, and sound judgment in high-stakes environments.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Position involves a mix of office and field work, with activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and occasional climbing in studio, office, and transmission settings.
• Normal schedule is weekday, daytime hours, with limited flexibility to respond to urgent operational needs. Periodic supervisory visits to transmission sites and occasional overnight travel for training or professional development are required.
• Work may at times involve exposure to noise, temperature fluctuations, dust, or other workplace hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Benefits

Salary Range is $75,000-$90,000 / yr depending on qualifications

Benefits offered include :

• Full-time, exempt
• Regular Schedule (M-F, 8 am – 5 pm) - up to 1 day / week remote
• Up to 11 paid holidays (holiday must fall on a normally scheduled workday) or time and a half when working on the actual holiday.
• Vacation : 96 hours annually
• Paid Sick Leave
• Medical / Dental Insurance for employees (and optionally their families)
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Retirement Benefits (401K Plan) - Once employee is eligible, Friends of KSPS contributes 3% annually