Chief Engineer, Director of Broadcast Technology

About the role

WHYY is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking technology leader to oversee the engineering and technical operations that power one of the nation’s leading public media organizations.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all technical operations supporting WHYY television, radio, streaming, and digital distribution services.
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of broadcast, production, transmission, and streaming systems.
• Direct maintenance and operational support of broadcast facilities, transmitters, towers, studios, master control, and related infrastructure.
• Oversee engineering support for live productions, remote broadcasts, special events, and content distribution.
• Maintain 24/7 operational readiness and coordinate response to technical emergencies and outages.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop engineering personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Carry out hiring, evaluations, coaching, disciplinary actions, and succession planning activities.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on supporting content creation and audience service.
• Administer applicable collective bargaining agreements and labor-management relationships.

Technology Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and implement a long-term technology roadmap aligned with organizational priorities.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement.
• Evaluate and implement technologies related to ATSC 3.0, cloud-based workflows, Audio over IP, Video over IP, streaming, automation, and content distribution.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership to align technology investments with strategic goals.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, EAS requirements, tower regulations, and all applicable federal, state, and industry standards.
• Oversee engineering documentation, inspections, filings, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain technical readiness for regulatory audits and inspections.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Budget & Capital Planning

• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend capital equipment purchases and infrastructure investments.
• Manage engineering-related grants and technology projects as assigned.
• Ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources.

Vendor & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary technical liaison with PBS, NPR, distribution partners, technology vendors, consultants, and industry organizations.
• Manage vendor contracts, service agreements, and technical partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with News, Radio, Television, Digital Studios, Production, and Administrative departments to support organizational objectives.