๐น Job Title: Executive Director, TV Programming, Video Production and Distribution
๐น Company: KQED
๐น Location: San Francisco, CA
๐น Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
๐น Category: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
๐น Date Posted: July 29, 2025
๐น Experience Level: 5-10 years
๐น Remote Status: On-site with hybrid work arrangement
Key aspects of this role include:
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and experience in television programming and distribution. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and driving results through data-informed decisions.
โ Develop and oversee program scheduling strategies for KQED 9, KQED Plus, and digital platforms
โ Manage programming acquisition budgets and negotiate contracts with external content providers
โ Oversee collaboration with The Programming Service on national program submissions and approvals
โ Evaluate audience analytics and viewing trends to inform programming decisions
โ Maintain strategic relationships with producers, distributors, and stakeholders in public media
โ Directly manage TV Programming and Traffic Managers, as well as Check, Please! Bay Area production staff
โ Serve as Senior Producer for Check, Please! Bay Area and select KQED TV productions
โ Oversee editorial direction, production planning, staffing, budgeting, and post-production for assigned projects
โ Represent KQEDโs broadcast and digital content to national public television distributors (PBS, APT, NETA)
โ Manage the full lifecycle of presenting services for independent and KQED productions, including contracting, technical delivery, rights management, and scheduling
โ Supervise third-party service providers delivering presenting station services; coordinate with KQED Legal on all presenting-related contracts
โ Inspire, lead, and develop teams including TV Programming and Traffic Managers and Check, Please! Bay Area production staff
โ Present programming strategy and schedules at internal meetings and external partner events
โ Partner with Creative Services and Membership to align content offerings with fundraising and branding goals
โ Oversee strategic assessments of programming and production initiatives based on mission alignment, ROI, and audience impact
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision making. The ideal candidate will have experience in television programming, production, and distribution, as well as strong leadership and management skills.
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Broadcasting, Communications, or Media
Experience: At least 5 years in television programming, preferably with a television public broadcasting organization
Experience: At least 5 years in television distribution, preferably with a national broadcasting organization
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in television programming, production, and distribution, with a proven track record of strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Familiarity with PBS and FCC rules and regulations is also highly desirable.
Salary Range: $138,000 - $166,000 annually
Benefits:
Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days per week in the office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on employment status.
Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1954
Company Description:
Company Specialties:
Company Website: www.kqed.org
ASSUMPTION: KQED is a well-established non-profit organization with a strong commitment to public service and community engagement. Its diverse range of programming and educational initiatives reflects its dedication to serving the needs of the Northern California community.
Career Level: Executive
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Content
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in the office)
Growth Opportunities:
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced television professional to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact on KQEDโs programming and distribution strategies. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining a strong connection to the organizationโs on-site culture.
Office Type: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in the office)
Office Location(s): 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, US
50 Beale St, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, US
Geographic Context:
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days per week in the office)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to maintain a strong connection to the organizationโs on-site culture while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
Typical Process:
Key Assessment Areas:
Application Tips:
ATS Keywords: Television Programming, Video Production, Content Distribution, Budget Management, Contract Negotiation, Audience Analytics, Team Leadership, Cross-Department Collaboration, Editorial Oversight, Strategic Partnerships, Communication, Project Management, Nielsen Ratings Analysis, Technical Delivery, Rights Management, Process Improvement
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidateโs strategic thinking, leadership skills, and experience in television programming, production, and distribution. Demonstrating a strong understanding of KQEDโs programming and distribution strategies will also be important.
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with ProTrack and Mediator scheduling systems, as well as video editing and production software, will be beneficial for this role. Experience with project management tools will also be valuable for managing cross-functional teams and driving process improvement.
Company Values:
Work Style:
Self-Assessment Questions:
ASSUMPTION: KQED values candidates who are strategic thinkers, strong communicators, and adaptable team players. Demonstrating a deep understanding of television programming, production, and distribution, as well as a commitment to KQEDโs mission and values, will be essential for success in this role.
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for an experienced television professional to drive strategic change and enhance KQEDโs programming and distribution strategies. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced television professional to lead a dynamic team and drive strategic change within the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in television programming, production, and distribution, as well as a proven track record of strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and data-driven nature of this role. The ideal candidate will have experience in television programming, production, and distribution, as well as a strong track record of driving results through strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help the candidate better understand the organizationโs priorities, culture, and expectations for this role. Demonstrating a strong understanding of KQEDโs programming and distribution strategies, as well as a commitment to the organizationโs mission and values, will be essential for success in the interview process.
To apply for this position:
โ ๏ธ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.