Director of Content

This is a non-merit, exempt position with the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

About the role

Iowa PBS is searching for a visionary and accomplished Director of Content to lead content planning and development for local and statewide programming. This critical leadership role manages all broadcast and streaming content, ensuring our programming educates, informs, enriches, and inspires Iowans. As a member of the leadership team under the direction of the General Manager, the Director of Content will oversee approximately 35 staff members and play a vital role in the organization’s strategic planning process.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of local and statewide programming from initial concept through completion.
• Ensure editorial integrity across all Iowa PBS content including broadcast, streaming, and social media.
• Manage budgets, monitor production processes across the network, and meet project objectives.
• Work closely with the Iowa PBS Foundation and collaborate with internal departments to create cohesive content and distribution plans for new platforms.
• Supervise and evaluate programming, production, master control, and operations staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and strengthen community partnerships and collaborations to enhance Iowa PBS programming.
• Research and implement best practices in operational processes, audience research, program evaluation, technology, and public broadcasting trends.
• Engage with national network representatives to share insights and learn from colleagues across the country.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to journalistic standards and editorial integrity.
• Broad experience in managing programming and production for both broadcast and streaming media, including studio-based and remote multi-camera productions, digital shorts, and major documentaries.
• Proven leadership and management skills, particularly in supervising creative staff and managing budgets.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in public media production and programming.
• Ability to understand and consistently leverage local programming that varies from public affairs, culture, sports, music, and history.
• Successful track record of building internal collaborations for effective program production and distribution.
• Ability to drive collaborative efforts between Iowa PBS and content partners.
• Expertise in strategic planning and data-driven decision-making to effectively serve Iowans.
• Innovative mindset to explore and implement new production models that best serve the community.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to six years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.
• Ten years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.
• All of the following (a and b):
  • Six years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and
  • A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
• All of the following (a, b, and c):
  • Four years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and
  • A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and
  • A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, paid holidays, and unlimited sick leave accrual.
• Health Coverage: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance coverage.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit the benefits webpage.