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Executive Director, TV Programming, Video Production and Distribution

KQED
Full-time
On-site
San Francisco, California, United States
๐ŸŽฌ Video Marketing

๐Ÿ“Œ Core Information

๐Ÿ”น Job Title: Executive Director, TV Programming, Video Production and Distribution

๐Ÿ”น Company: KQED

๐Ÿ”น Location: San Francisco, CA

๐Ÿ”น Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

๐Ÿ”น Category: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution

๐Ÿ”น Date Posted: July 29, 2025

๐Ÿ”น Experience Level: 5-10 years

๐Ÿ”น Remote Status: On-site with hybrid work arrangement

๐Ÿš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Strategic leadership in television programming, production, and distribution
  • Cross-functional team management and collaboration
  • Budget management and contract negotiation
  • Relationship building with external partners and stakeholders
  • Data-driven decision making and process improvement

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.

๐Ÿ“‹ Key Responsibilities

โœ… Develop and oversee program scheduling strategies for KQED 9, KQED Plus, and digital platforms

โœ… Manage programming acquisition budgets and negotiate contracts with external content providers

โœ… Oversee collaboration with The Programming Service on national program submissions and approvals

โœ… Evaluate audience analytics and viewing trends to inform programming decisions

โœ… Maintain strategic relationships with producers, distributors, and stakeholders in public media

โœ… Directly manage TV Programming and Traffic Managers, as well as Check, Please! Bay Area production staff

โœ… Serve as Senior Producer for Check, Please! Bay Area and select KQED TV productions

โœ… Oversee editorial direction, production planning, staffing, budgeting, and post-production for assigned projects

โœ… Represent KQEDโ€™s broadcast and digital content to national public television distributors (PBS, APT, NETA)

โœ… Manage the full lifecycle of presenting services for independent and KQED productions, including contracting, technical delivery, rights management, and scheduling

โœ… Supervise third-party service providers delivering presenting station services; coordinate with KQED Legal on all presenting-related contracts

โœ… Inspire, lead, and develop teams including TV Programming and Traffic Managers and Check, Please! Bay Area production staff

โœ… Present programming strategy and schedules at internal meetings and external partner events

โœ… Partner with Creative Services and Membership to align content offerings with fundraising and branding goals

โœ… 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.

๐ŸŽฏ Required Qualifications

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:

  • Proven experience in television programming, production, and distribution
  • Strong leadership and management skills
  • Excellent communication and diplomatic negotiation skills
  • Ability to analyze Nielsen ratings and television marketing trends
  • Familiarity with PBS and FCC rules and regulations
  • Experience working effectively with various departments (TV Operations, Marketing, Legal, TV Production, Development)
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work under constant deadline pressures
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs and work extended hours as needed

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with ProTrack and Mediator scheduling systems
  • Fluency in additional languages

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.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $138,000 - $166,000 annually

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Professional development opportunities

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.

๐Ÿ“Œ Applicant Insights

๐Ÿ” Company Context

Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 1954

Company Description:

  • KQED provides Northern California with a community-supported, non-profit alternative to commercial media
  • Through Public Television, Public Radio, Interactive, and Education, KQED provides citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories
  • KQED helps students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and takes people of all ages on journeys of explorationโ€”exposing them to new people, places and ideas

Company Specialties:

  • TV
  • radio
  • education
  • multi-media
  • news
  • food
  • science
  • environment
  • arts
  • and bay area life

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.

๐Ÿ“Š Role Analysis

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:

  • Potential to advance within the Content department or explore other leadership roles within the organization
  • Opportunities for professional development and skill-building through workshops, training, and mentorship programs
  • Chance to make a significant impact on KQEDโ€™s programming and distribution strategies, driving audience growth and enhancing the organizationโ€™s brand

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced television professional to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact on KQEDโ€™s programming and distribution strategies. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining a strong connection to the organizationโ€™s on-site culture.

๐ŸŒ Location & Work Environment

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:

  • San Francisco is known for its diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and progressive politics
  • The Bay Area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, culinary experiences, and cultural attractions
  • The cost of living in San Francisco is high, but the region offers a wide range of housing options and neighborhoods to suit different budgets and preferences

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 organizationโ€™s on-site culture while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.

๐Ÿ’ผ Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
  • In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with the Hiring Manager and other department heads
  • Final interview with the Vice President of Content
  • Background check and reference check
  • Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and leadership skills
  • Experience in television programming, production, and distribution
  • Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions
  • Strong communication and diplomatic negotiation skills
  • Familiarity with PBS and FCC rules and regulations
  • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with television programming, production, and distribution, as well as your strategic leadership and management skills
  • Research KQEDโ€™s programming and distribution strategies, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their continued success
  • Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the organizationโ€™s priorities

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 candidateโ€™s strategic thinking, leadership skills, and experience in television programming, production, and distribution. Demonstrating a strong understanding of KQEDโ€™s programming and distribution strategies will also be important.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Tools & Technologies

  • ProTrack and Mediator scheduling systems
  • Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office Suite applications
  • Database software
  • Video editing and production software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)

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.

๐Ÿ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
  • Accountability
  • Excellence

Work Style:

  • Dynamic and fast-paced
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Data-driven and strategic
  • Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you approach strategic planning and decision making in a dynamic, collaborative environment?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully negotiated a contract or managed a budget in a television programming or production context?
  • How do you balance the need for data-driven decision making with the importance of maintaining a strong connection to the creative process?

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 KQEDโ€™s mission and values, will be essential for success in this role.

โš ๏ธ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a complex and dynamic programming schedule across multiple platforms
  • Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including content creators, distributors, and audience members
  • Adapting to changes in the television landscape and viewer behavior
  • Working effectively with a hybrid team, balancing on-site and remote collaboration

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for an experienced television professional to drive strategic change and enhance KQEDโ€™s programming and distribution strategies. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique in its focus on strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration within the television programming, production, and distribution ecosystem
  • Similar roles may include Director of Programming, Vice President of Content, or General Manager of a television station, but this role offers a more specialized focus on the acquisition, curation, scheduling, production, and distribution of content across multiple platforms
  • Career paths for this role may include advancement within the Content department or exploration of other leadership roles within the organization

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.

๐Ÿ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a new programming strategy to drive audience growth and enhance KQEDโ€™s brand
  • Negotiating contracts with external content providers to secure high-quality programming at competitive rates
  • Overseeing the production of a new KQED TV series, from concept development to post-production and distribution

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.

โ“ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the organizationโ€™s priorities for television programming and distribution in the next 1-3 years, and how this role fits into those plans?
  • How does the organization support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in leadership roles?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when the organization successfully navigated a significant change in the television landscape, and what role did this position play in that process?
  • How does the organization balance the need for data-driven decision making with the importance of maintaining a strong connection to the creative process?
  • What are the most important qualities and skills you look for in a candidate for this role, and how do you see those qualities manifesting in the ideal candidateโ€™s background and experiences?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help the candidate better understand the organizationโ€™s priorities, culture, and expectations for this role. Demonstrating a strong understanding of KQEDโ€™s programming and distribution strategies, as well as a commitment to the organizationโ€™s mission and values, will be essential for success in the interview process.

๐Ÿ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the following link: https://kqed.applytojob.com/apply/KliihVrBO3/Executive-Director-TV-Programming-Video-Production-And-Distribution
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for phone or video screens and behavioral interviews by practicing your responses to common interview questions and researching KQEDโ€™s programming and distribution strategies
  • Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the organizationโ€™s priorities
  • Follow up with the hiring manager after each interview to express your continued interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

โš ๏ธ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.