POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Broadcast Operations Manager
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5059
GRADE 35
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Chief Engineer - TV
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Broadcast Operations Manager ensures the television Master Control technology and personnel meet the operational needs and performance goals for Broadcast Services. This position operates, services, and maintains all equipment associated with the Master Control facility; and oversees training and supervision of Master Control Operators, ensures operator proficiency, and is primarily responsible for creating, maintaining, and ensuring compliance with Master Control standard operating procedures.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: An associate’s degree or equivalent in electronics, applied science, technology, or a related field is required. A bachelor’s degree in electronics, applied science, technology, or a related field is preferred. Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) certification is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least four years of proven Master Control experience in an automated control room environment is required. Experience with software application development and data networking is preferred. Previous supervisory experience is preferred. Experience with Master Control automation systems, broadcast Traffic systems, and Windows/Linux/Mac server and desktop operating systems is required.
Skills: Advanced proficiency with computers and broadcast equipment is required. The ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain a variety of computer application programs, including automation systems, video editing systems, and Traffic software is required. The ability to configure, troubleshoot, and maintain data networks is required. The ability to modify and extend existing software applications, design and code original software applications, and manage application and code development is required. Proficiency in a programming language such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, or SQL is preferred. Experience working with and customizing vendor-specific applications is preferred. The ability to effectively manage people and projects in a complex technical and time-sensitive environment is required. The ability to understand and document technical and operational aspects of Master Control equipment and the ability to train and evaluate Master Control Operators are required. The ability to follow verbal and written directions as well as the ability to effectively communicate directions to others are required. The ability to work with other departments within Broadcast Services to ensure all departments interface efficiently with on-air operations is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Other: After-hours on-call involvement to respond to failures of mission critical systems in a timely manner is required. Must be able to insert and remove control room rack equipment weighing 25-50 pounds with the help of another employee.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Oversees the day-to-day operation of the Master Control department by hiring, training, and supervising Master Control Operators, preparing work schedules for Master Control Operators, developing and updating written standard operating procedures for Master Control, and developing station specific training and reference materials for all Master Control equipment.2. Ensures the effective and efficient broadcast operations by regularly monitoring the performance of Master Control Operators and equipment to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, improving and updating system operations and procedures, documenting and resolving equipment problems, and evaluating or developing software tools or automated solutions to address operational needs.
3. Assures adequate staffing of the Master Control facility by fulfilling regular shift responsibilities and serving as on-call replacement for operators who are sick, on vacation, or otherwise unavailable.
4. Ensures compliance with applicable regulations and communication with other departments by maintaining discrepancy logs and equipment incident reports and regularly auditing these documents to identify areas where performance or process needs improvement.
5. Ensures all broadcast operations equipment remains operational by evaluating and performing software and hardware updates, working with equipment vendors to report and resolve bugs and other operational issues, and performing other administrative and maintenance tasks on servers, workstations, and video editing systems as needed. Researches vendors, equipment or software, and broadcast industry developments to make recommendations for purchases or changes to improve operational efficiency, capability, and reliability.
6. Supervises and evaluates the performance of Master Control Operators by maintaining performance records.
7. Supports station operations by collaborating with Information Technologies Coordinator-TV, cross-training on core functions as identified by supervisor, and providing backup for core functions when needed.
8. Supports radio operations by collaborating with radio engineering and operations staff and contributing to design and implementation of technical solutions for delivery and distribution of radio programming.
9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Chief Engineering- TV.
11. Contributes to the overall success of Broadcast Services by performing other duties as assigned by the Chief Engineer - TV.
SUPERVISION
The Broadcast Operations Manager is supervised by the Chief Engineer - TV and supervises the Master Control Operators.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MAY 2023