Head of Broadcast Technology and Operations

About the role

The position sets and aligns technology strategy with broadcast operations for WNEP-TV. It leads engineering and IT teams to ensure 24/7/365 broadcast service continuity. The role establishes short- and long-term technology roadmaps to evolve broadcast infrastructure. FCC rule compliance for broadcast operations is overseen and maintained on an ongoing basis. Daily on-air technical quality is monitored and improved for viewer experience and operational reliability. Business continuity and disaster contingency plans are maintained to support uninterrupted broadcasting at all times. Capital planning and submission processes are led to support strategic station investment and infrastructure renewal.

Key facts

Location: WNEP-TV Wilkes Barre

Engagement: Full-time

Team: Engineering and Information Technology

Degree: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education

Visa: #LI-MS1

Must lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in confined spaces

Must work a flexible schedule in support of a 24x7x365 operation

What you'll do

Establish short- and long-term technology roadmaps to evolve broadcast infrastructure and support future scalability.

Oversee FCC rule compliance for broadcast operations to ensure all regulatory standards are met and maintained.

Monitor and improve daily on-air technical quality to enhance viewer experience and signal reliability.

Maintain business continuity and disaster contingency plans to support uninterrupted broadcasting under all conditions.

Lead capital planning and submission processes to secure investment for station infrastructure and technology initiatives.

Provide leadership and direction to engineering and IT teams to ensure alignment with station objectives and operational needs.

Utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Demonstrate quick decision-making and effective performance under pressure in live broadcast and technical environments.

Ensure the ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work safely in confined spaces as required by operational duties.

Maintain a flexible schedule to support the demands of a 24x7x365 broadcast operation and respond to emergent issues.

Complete routine tasks and projects that support the overall technology and broadcast strategy of the station.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and implement process improvements.

Uphold security and compliance practices as central to daily workflows and operational integrity.

Contribute to the resilience of broadcast infrastructure through proactive monitoring, maintenance, and strategic planning.

Requirements

Strong customer service skills and consistent professionalism are demonstrated in all interactions with staff, vendors, and stakeholders.

Written and verbal communication and presentation skills are used effectively for both technical and non-technical audiences across the organization.

Leadership is exhibited with a focus on team management, development, and the removal of obstacles that hinder team success.

IT processes including security, workflow, and management are understood deeply to ensure robust and reliable operations.

Broadcast technology knowledge such as ENPS newsroom systems, Bitcentral media management systems, RF transmission, and broadcast video switchers and routers is preferred for operational oversight.

Quick decision-making and effective performance under pressure are required to manage live broadcast scenarios and technical incidents.

The ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in confined spaces is maintained as essential for hands-on technical work.

A flexible schedule supporting a 24x7x365 operation is available to address broadcast needs and unforeseen events at any time.

Completion of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education is required for this role.

A minimum of five years in a broadcast operations or technology management role is required to ensure relevant experience and competence.

Candidates must be capable of performing essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, in compliance with applicable laws.

The capacity to obtain necessary security clearances or compliance verifications may be required as part of employment conditions.

Nice to have

Broadcast technology roles rely on resilient infrastructure and strict operational procedures. Professionals in this field often work with live transmission equipment and tight regulatory standards. Security and compliance practices are central to daily workflows. Collaboration between engineering, operations, and content teams is common in broadcast environments. Technical problem solving under time pressure is a frequent requirement in this field.

Practical notes

EEO commitments apply to all employment decisions and hiring practices.

Typical interview steps for leadership hiring usually include a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation.

Candidates may be asked to turn around a struggling team or plan for growth as part of the interview process.

Past results are examined closely, especially how decisions were made and their consequences.

Preparing two or three decision stories with numbers and lessons is the best use of time for the interview process.

Good to know

Broadcast technology roles rely on resilient infrastructure and strict operational procedures. Professionals in this field often work with live transmission equipment and tight regulatory standards. Security and compliance practices are central to daily workflows. Collaboration between engineering, operations, and content teams is common in broadcast environments. Technical problem solving under time pressure is a frequent requirement in this field.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview include what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Leadership careers move from manager to senior manager, director, and executive roles. Each step adds more scope and more responsibility for outcomes. The best leaders keep learning how to delegate, communicate, and decide effectively. Leadership careers reward a record of building and developing people. The higher you go, the more your communication shapes the entire organization and influences strategic direction.