Chief Engineer, Director of Broadcast Technology

About WHYY

WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. Its also what drives our hiring.

Below youll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia regions leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television radio and online. Whether its preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support all positions are vital to continuingand growingour impact in our community.

WHYY offers a voice to those not heard a platform to share everyones stories a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about ourSocial Responsibility Program.

Its how we live.

About the Role

WHYY is seeking an experienced forward-thinking technology leader to oversee the engineering and technical operations that power one of the nations leading public media organizations.

The Chief Engineer & Director of Broadcast Technology is responsible for ensuring the reliability security and future readiness of WHYYs television radio streaming digital and content distribution platforms. This individual will lead a highly skilled engineering team responsible for broadcast transmission production technology network infrastructure master control operations and emerging media technologies. Works closely with Operations leadership on facilities infrastructure and capital projects.

As public media continues to evolve this role will help shape WHYYs technology strategy guiding the organization through advancements in streaming cloud-based workflows IP-based production systems ATSC 3.0 digital distribution and future audience delivery platforms while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence andregulatory compliance.

The position serves as a strategic advisor to organizational leadership on technology investments infrastructure modernization digital distribution and emerging media technologies. The role is responsible for ensuring that WHYYs technical infrastructure supports the organizations content audience and business objectives across all platforms.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Operations & Broadcast Reliability

Oversee all technical operations supporting WHYY television radio streaming and digital distribution services. Ensure uninterrupted operation of broadcast production transmission and streaming systems.
Direct maintenance and operational support of broadcast facilities transmitters towers studios master control and related infrastructure.
Oversee engineering support for live productions remote broadcasts special events and content distribution.
Maintain 24/7 operational readiness and coordinate response to technical emergencies and outages.

Leadership & Staff Management

Lead supervise mentor and develop engineering personnel.
Establish departmental goals priorities and performance expectations.
Conduct hiring evaluations coaching disciplinary actions and succession planning activities.
Foster a collaborative service-oriented culture focused on supporting content creation and audience service.
Administer applicable collective bargaining agreements and labor-management relationships.

Technology Strategy & Innovation

Develop and implement a long-term technology roadmap aligned with organizational priorities.
Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement.
Evaluate and implement technologies related to ATSC 3.0 cloud-based workflows Audio over IP Video over IP streaming automation and content distribution.
Collaborate with organizational leadership to align technology investments with strategic goals.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with FCC regulations EAS requirements tower regulations and all applicable federal state and industry standards.
Oversee engineering documentation inspections filings and reporting requirements.
Maintain technical readiness for regulatory audits and inspections.
Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Budget & Capital Planning

Develop manage and monitor departmental operating and capital budgets.
Research evaluate and recommend capital equipment purchases and infrastructure investments.
Manage engineering-related grants and technology projects as assigned.
Ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources.

Vendor & Stakeholder Relations

Serve as the primary technical liaison with PBS NPR distribution partners technology vendors consultants and industry organizations.
Manage vendor contracts service agreements and technical partnerships.
Collaborate closely with News Radio Television Digital Studios Production and Administrative departments to support organizational objectives.

Education: Bachelors degree in Broadcast Engineering Electrical Engineering Information Technology Computer Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in broadcast engineering media technology or related technical environments.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and complex operations.
Experience supporting television and radio transmission systems.
Experience with streaming platforms digital distribution and IP-based media workflows.
Experience managing budgets capital projects and vendor relationships.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of broadcast transmission systems studio operations master control and production technologies.
Familiarity with Audio over IP Video over IP networking cloud infrastructure and digital media delivery systems.
Knowledge of FCC regulations EAS requirements and broadcast compliance obligations.
Understanding of ATSC 3.0 and emerging broadcast technologies preferred

License or Certification:

• FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License preferre
• Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) certification preferred.