Technical Operations Manager

Leadership Responsibilities

Manage the technical directing teams by developing their skills and team building. Handle scheduling assignments, vacation requests, time approval and yearly reviews. For assigned projects across Allen Media, assist with establishing technical requirements and SOP documents, coordinating resources, and acting as liaison between departments to align technologies within the group. Work closely with production operations teams to define production needs and assign resources.

Director, Technical Lead Responsibilities

• Direct and/or Technical Direct live and taped productions, as well as pre-production and post-production sessions from a Production Control Room or post suite, delivering high production value with Network-Level results for on-air programming, or for assigned projects across WGT.
• Review program rundowns prior to productions with Executive Producers, Producers, Talent, On-Camera Meteorologists and Production team, communicating rundown changes, show needs, script changes, crew performance expectations, etc.
• Block camera shots to meet the demands of the production, demonstrating a progressive approach via the blocking to add value to on air presentation.
• Be able to Direct/Technical Direct all production elements taking full advantage of the capabilities of video production switchers, along with available graphic production devices, enhanced audio production capabilities, state-of-the-art live remote capabilities and augmented reality systems.
• Be able to Identify, critique and assist in the creation of high production value, Network-level lighting and sound design.
• Act as technical and operations lead for the current newsroom system (ENPS, Dalet, Etc.), able to operate, troubleshoot and train others, including accessing and marking rundowns, scripts, and communicating changes to the production team.
• Provide pre and post-production performance feedback and critiques for talent and production teams as needed.
• Report outcome of show via Director Show Report after every show, and work with teams to resolve any identified issues.
• Provide performance feedback on Production Technology team members to the Operations Manager.
• Report equipment problems and discrepancies to the Operations Manager and to the Engineering Department via in-house reporting system.
• Complete special projects as assigned by Senior Director, including live and recorded Allen Media/Weather Group production initiatives.
• Work with the Design team in studio development, graphics projects and on-air presentation.
• Evaluate technology options and help to set the company technology focus in the right direction.
• Determine technology solutions as needed for Allen Media/Weather Group projects.
• Collaborate with Broadcast Engineering and IT teams to create best solutions for technical challenges.
• Consult on and define technology SOPs as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• 10+ years Broadcast or Cable TV Production Experience as Director and Technical Director.
• Extensive knowledge of Grass Valley production systems (Kayenne, IgNite, etc.).
• In-depth experience with Newsroom systems (Dalet, iNews).
• Team leadership experience preferred.
• Degree in Communications or Broadcasting related field preferred.
• Some knowledge of software development is a plus.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have excellent working knowledge of the video production/broadcast environment.
• Demonstrated strong technical knowledge of all traditional control room, studio and field production systems with the ability to understand, troubleshoot and resolve technical operations issues to minimize production impact.
• Excellent multi-tasking, time management, organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work well with other people in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work on assigned projects with little to no supervision.
• Ability to make smart decisions and adapt to changes, especially under fast paced, stressful conditions.
• Strong computer skills, including operation and programming of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Business software, or similar software.
• Demonstrated can-do attitude to accomplish tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Will be required to sit in a chair from 2 – 4 hours at a time.
• Will be required to wear a headset and listen to multiple audio sources during on-air show production.
• Will be required to type on a keyboard for a period of 2 – 3 hours during pre-production and for 2 - 4 hours during program production.
• Will be required to look at a computer monitor and other monitors for a period of 2 – 3 hours during pre-productions and for 2 - 4 hours during program production.
• Some monitors could be as close as 2 ft and as far as 12 ft away.
• Demonstrated visual acuity and ability to differentiate colors.