Broadcast Operations Manager

WABE is Atlanta’s choice for NPR, PBS, and local news and storytelling. We inform, inspire, reflect, and empower greater Atlanta to drive community belonging, stoke civic participation, and advance equity. WABE is a non-profit, public media service broadcasting and streaming via WABE90.1FM, WABE TV, WABE.org, and numerous podcasts and digital offerings. 

For more information on the broadcast service, programming, and opportunities, please visit www.wabe.org  

Broadcast Operations Manager 

This position requires excellent skills in multitasking, organization, attention to detail, and time management related to Operations. The individual must be able to assess and solve problems, implement new systems and procedures as needed, and cooperate with others.  This position will require the individual to be on call after regular business hours and on weekends to troubleshoot and/or address problems and continuously monitor the on-air broadcast and internet streams. This position will work under the supervision of the Operations Director. 

Accountabilities: 

  • This is a hands-on role and would require the candidate to identify, root cause & fix systems, network & IT/broadcast issues or add new equipment or systems as needed independently or in conjunction with other teams/vendors etc.
  • This individual will oversee all aspects of the on-air programming operations – scheduling, program coordination, establishing & implementing processes and checklists to eliminate errors, ensuring 24/7 coverage, coaching on-air staff, and have a strong customer service approach towards listeners, staff, & sales 
  • Dedicated hands-on leader who proactively communicates and can set priorities and manage daily activities. 
  • Provide leadership and oversight in the execution of an excellent on-air sound and image for the station, with a goal of growing and expanding audience engagement 
  • Ensure compliance with FCC rules and regulations and WABE policies 
  • Be responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision, and scheduling of programming personnel 
  • Manage the daily functioning of automated program delivery resulting in a consistent, “tight,” on-air product 
  • A station sound with minimal, if any, episodes of “dead air” or “audio collisions.” 
  • Be organized and able to create systems to accomplish an excellent on-air sound 
  • Coordinate digital audio streaming processes, including web and app-based systems 
  • Work with sales staff for on-air and promotional execution of sales promotions 
  • Learn and use emerging technologies. 
  • Assist the Operations Director with the daily setup and operation of the radio station’s automation (ENCO) and the public radio distribution systems (Public Radio Satellite System and Content Depot). This includes but is not limited to continuous monitoring of these systems, responding to and correcting problems when they occur, and anticipating problems before they occur. 
  • Candidate will report to and assist Operations Director 
  • Work & collaborate with engineering and IT to address the technical needs of the radio station and to correct and respond to problems with the automation and public radio distribution system. 
  • Communicate & collaborate with programming staff, news staff, engineering, and IT on technical, operations, and production-related matters. 
  • Work closely with the Directors and other programming staff to update the program and other changes to the automation system (ENCO) as needed. 
  • Oversee the insertion of daily and weekly programs and promos into the automation system. 
  • Be responsible for obtaining missed or impaired program content. 
  • Work & collaborate with the IT department to maintain the health of ENCO computers. 
  • Other technical, operations, and production duties and responsibilities as needed. 
  • Serve as a backup for the Operations Director. 
  • Manage Operations Coordinators, including hours, vacations, and regular performance reviews 
  • General board operating 
  • Engineer remote broadcasts/recordings 
  • Engineer Facebook Live/Community Events 
  • Local program promo and billboard production. 
  • City Lights remote event engineer and in-studio lead. 
  • Coordinate City Lights Zoom, Gagl, telephone, and Comrex connections. 
  • Edit down show for evening re-broadcast and Podcast delivery 
  • Participate in TV pledge recordings and all radio fundraising activities. 
  • Facilitate Radio & TV Studio bookings 
  • Look after remote gear (Facebook Live kit, Comrex remote kits/zoom reporter kits/mics, etc.) 
  • Radio/Audio editing/production for local shows/audio 
  • Be on call for Operations in the evening and at weekends 
  • Operations troubleshooting and support 
  • Assist in developing and maintaining disaster recovery/business continuity plan 
  • Other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

Experience and Education Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications or related field from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience in radio operations, engineering, technical production, and/or IT. 
  • Demonstrated ability to set priorities on a daily and long-range basis, follow through in accomplishing a varied series of tasks systematically, take direction, and solve problems. 
  • Organized, process and execution-oriented, collaborative, strong operations management, and good communication skills  
  • Two or three years of detail-oriented, fast-paced work experience, preferably broadcasting or scheduling related. 
  • Computer skills are a must – knowledge of multiple applications is necessary. Candidate must be computer literate and have hands-on computer maintenance experience. 
  • Strong technical skills across traditional broadcasting and digital 

Necessary Skills and Abilities 

  • Experience and good working knowledge of using/programming automation, familiarity with traffic applications, and digital editing systems preferred. 
  • Technical experience necessary in all current broadcast equipment use, as well as production, board operation, and studio and remote interview set-up. 
  • Ability to cooperate with others and adapt to a changing work environment. 
  • Desire to support and promote an inclusive work environment and cultivate solid and productive relationships across internal WABE departments. 
  • Must be able to reprioritize projects quickly based on changing needs and new opportunities. 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 15 lbs.), filing documents, or storing materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques are required. For the most part, ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.