VP of Media Operations and Programming/Traffic

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.

WABE is growing our operation to strengthen the local newsroom, ramp up original storytelling and reach audiences on every vital digital platform. In our 75th year, it’s time to elevate our operation and grow our major donor support, philanthropic grant support and collaborations in the community. An Executive Vice President of Development will be a critical leadership position to help us achieve our strategic plan of “doubling down on the ATL” and “amplifying Atlanta” to the world.

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

Vice President of Media Operations and Programming/Traffic

WABE is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our team as the Vice President of Media Operations and Programming/Traffic. This key role will be responsible for overseeing the seamless execution of media operations, programming, and traffic management to ensure optimal content delivery and audience engagement across our various platforms.

Accountabilities:

Strategy and Leadership:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive media operations strategy that aligns with the company’s goals and objectives.
  • Lead and manage a high-performing team of media professionals, including programmers, traffic managers, and related personnel.
  • Provide strategic direction and guidance to ensure efficient content scheduling, distribution, and traffic management.
  • Develops and implements professional development and training programs for production/editing equipment, production/editing systems

Media Operations:

  • Oversee the planning, scheduling, programming and execution of media content across different platforms, including television, radio, streaming, and digital media.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth integration of programming schedules, promotional campaigns, and ad placements.
  • Monitor and analyze audience metrics and trends to optimize content delivery and enhance viewer/listener experiences.
  • Oversee teams/staff responsible for:
    • Video/audio studio set up for events and production.
    • Video/audio studio maintenance.
    • Manage pledge (TV/Radio/Digital) technical production.
    • Research and makes recommendations to management pertaining to acquisition of operating equipment; participates in the development and management of annual departmental budget.
    • Ensuring compliance with broadcast standards and relevant laws and regulations.
    • Maintaining accurate schedules, records, discrepancy reports and follow-through communications and ensures that all on-air broadcast programming complies with FCC rules and regulations.
    • Managing the daily set up and operation of the radio station’s automation (ENCO) and the public radio distribution systems. 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.   
    • Working collaboratively with engineering and IT team to address the overall technical needs of the stations.

Traffic Management and On-Air Promotions:

  • Manage the scheduling and coordination of underwriting, promotions, and sponsorships to maximize audience growth and maintain a seamless viewer/listener experience.
  • Collaborate with underwriting team to ensure accurate and timely execution of commercial inventory.
  • Overseeing the overall strategy for the insertion of daily and weekly programs and promos.

Technology and Operations Efficiency:

  • Manage FCC compliance and documentation
  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for operational enhancements and process improvements.
  • Implement and optimize media operations systems, tools, and workflows to streamline processes and increase overall efficiency.
  • Project Management:
  • Establish and project management best practices across the organization – help cross-functional project teams in developing best practices
  • Process Improvement:
  • Analyze current operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
  • Develop and implement strategies to streamline processes, increase productivity, and enhance quality.
  • Collaborate with relevant departments to gather insights, feedback, and data for process enhancement.
  • Design and document optimized processes, ensuring standardization and adherence to best practices.
  • Monitor process performance and metrics, making continuous adjustments to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Proven experience in project management, process improvement, or related roles.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in project management software and tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results.
  • Experience in change management and process redesign is a plus.
  • Strong business acumen and understanding of various industries.
  • Join our team as a Process and Project Manager and contribute to the success of our organization by ensuring efficient operations and the successful delivery of strategic projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies, Broadcasting, Communications, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Proven track record of leadership in media operations, programming, and traffic management.
  • Strong understanding of media industry trends, audience behavior, and content consumption patterns.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to collaborate across departments and lead a diverse team.
  • Experience with media operations software, traffic management tools, and content scheduling systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.
  • Proven experience in project management, process improvement, or related roles.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in project management software and tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results.
  • Experience in change management and process redesign is a plus.
  • Strong business acumen and understanding of various industries.
  • Must be positive, hardworking and goal oriented.

Competencies:

Change/Adaptability/Flexibility— Adapts to change, is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, and adjusts plans to meet changing needs.

Communication— Communicates well both verbally and in writing, shares information and ideas with others throughout the organization as appropriate, has active listening skills. 

Leadership and Initiative — Focused on results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, overcomes obstacles, accepts accountability, sets high standards and takes responsibility.  Provides leadership and motivation.

Collaboration— Works collaboratively with others to solve problems, achieve common goals. Listens to others and values opinions. Is open with other team members and expresses disagreement constructively. Seeks opportunities to work on teams to provide a financial perspective to projects.

Join us in this exciting opportunity to shape the future of media operations and programming. If you are a strategic thinker, a creative problem solver, and a passionate leader, we encourage you to apply and be part of our innovative team.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

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 5 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.  

For further consideration, submit cover letter and resume to:

WABE

Attention: Human Resources

740 Bismark Rd. NE

Atlanta, GA 30324

Fax: 678-553-3026

Email: jobs@wabe.org

EOE