Job description

The Statewide public television service, Montana PBS, is a partnership of Montana State University-Bozeman (KUSM) and the University of Montana-Missoula (KUFM). Montana PBS serves one of the largest geographical regions in the public television system, with broadcast transmitters in five designated market areas and many translators in smaller communities throughout the state.

The Director of Technology is a member of the Montana PBS senior leadership team. The primary role of the Director is to provide technical management of systems that deliver Montana PBS national and local content to statewide audiences, including broadcast operations and transmission facilities, digital technology, and general network infrastructure. The Director will collaborate with Montana PBS leadership at both stations to develop and articulate Montana PBS’s comprehensive technology plan, including researching and securing private and public funding for upgrades and replacement of capital equipment.

As Montana PBS prepares for a major renovation and expansion of its broadcast and production facility, the next Director will have the unique opportunity to chart the technological future of Montana PBS.

Duties and Responsibilities
Technology Leadership

Serve as Montana PBS’s chief broadcast and operations technology strategist, working with staff across all departments to maintain, upgrade, and grow Montana PBS services for statewide viewers
Supervise and manage technology in the Network Operations Center, Satellite Operations Center, Transmitter Sites, TV Studio and Engineering department
Leverage new technologies, such as NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), as well as emerging digital platforms to reach new audiences.
Serve as primary liaison with national PBS Technology leadership to ensure timely implementation of upgrades and new technologies or products at a local level
Oversee support of general station IT needs, including desktop computers, networked devices, and servers
Serve as primary liaison with university facility managers, external technology partners, equipment vendors and systems integrators
Lead technical planning, budgeting and implementation for broadcast and operations construction projects
Serve as principal investigator for federal and/or private technology grants
Create, defend, and manage annual technology and operation budgets
Negotiate contracts, make purchasing decisions, and submit required reporting to internal and external entities
Foster and maintain beneficial partnerships within the commercial and non-commercial Montana broadcasting community
Develop long-term capital budget plan for technology replacement and growth into new communities

Compliance and Reporting
Assure compliance, and serve as the principal contact, for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, as it relates to broadcast licenses and technical facilities
Maintain effective and strategic communications with station’s broadcast legal counsel
Engineering Staff Supervision
Directly supervise, train, and evaluate station engineer/IT analysts
Provide leadership to the engineering department by setting work objectives, defining procedures, and establishing priorities

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Post-secondary education in electronics technology and ten years specialized experience as a television engineer, with at least five of those years as an engineering manager
Demonstrated knowledge of FCC communication law
Comprehensive knowledge of broadcast television and information systems technology
Working knowledge of IP, satellite, and terrestrial transmission systems
Demonstrated experience with computer and IT networks
Working knowledge of single and 3-phase electrical systems, generators, and transfer switches
Demonstrated experience leading and supervising a team
Demonstrated understanding of current trends in media distribution and consumption
Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a creative team environment
Demonstrated experience in technology grant or proposal writing
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated experience creating and managing a budget

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience in public television broadcasting
Experience in digital media and video production
Experience with institutional purchasing and RFPs
Familiarity with public television programming and mission
Member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers

The Successful Candidate Will
Possess and communicate a vision and strategy for the technological future of Montana PBS
Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills and a teambuilding attitude
Demonstrate a highly motivated work ethic with advanced multi-tasking and prioritization skills
Demonstrate ability to acquire new technical skills and knowledge in fast-changing industry
Work flexible hours, including occasional night or weekend events
Be accessible and ‘on call’ to respond to occasional system emergencies
Positively represent Montana PBS to internal and external constituents
Exhibit the highest level of professional conduct, embracing Montana PBS standards for honest and ethical behavior
Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the mission of Montana PBS and the Universities

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

This position has supervisory duties? Yes
Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date

Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on or before January 9, 2023; however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Special Instructions
Diversity Statement

Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html

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