Director, Technology

Nexstar Media Group Inc.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexstar Media Inc. is seeking a Director of Technology for WJW FOX 8 and WBNX TV in Cleveland to lead technical infrastructure, broadcast engineering and digital distribution.

You will bridge RF/studio engineering with cloud-based production, manage a 60-person team, oversee two transmitter sites and vendor contracts, and ensure FCC/EAS compliance while driving future-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years experience in broadcast operations, technology or IT management.
• Experience working with live News and Programming staff to solve problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical staff.
• Experience working in a union environment including labor negotiations and contract interpretation.
• Ability to mentor and lead a diverse staff of approximately 60 people in a 24-7 live environment.
• Knowledge of broadcast technology systems such as Ross Overdrive, Xpression, ENPS, BitCentral, DeJero, Florical automation, Harmonic encoders, Dante, Utah router, Sony ENG cameras and PC based editing systems.
• Deep technical proficiency with IT networking, fiber, RF signals, switches, patch panels, IP based workflows.
• Experience with a Hub-Spoke master control system and how automation system operates.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines and finish assigned projects without delay.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and working safely in studios, racks, and rooftop environments.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work across all station departments including Sales, News, Digital and Programming.

Responsibilities

• Set technology strategy with guidance from corporate partners.
• Formulate and manage CAPEX and OPEX budgets including approved vendors.
• Participate in a three year CAPEX planning process and submission for stations.
• Oversee engineering staff with operations including equipment integration, preventative maintenance, studios, production control rooms and transmission for all live programming 24/7.
• Oversee expanding digital streaming platforms, digital production for multi-platform distribution for on demand video services across web, mobile, OTT and connected TV (CTV) applications.
• Oversee maintenance and compliance for two transmitter sites, microwave links STL-TSL, and fiber networks.
• Manage vendor contracts including facility maintenance, security, janitorial and vending services.
• Lead workflow improvements including project planning and project management for station wide initiatives.
• Ensure all broadcast signals/operations comply fully with FCC regulations, EAS standards and FAA tower requirements.
• Manage staffing requirements including schedules, training, employment interviews and performance reviews, while working with Human Resources.
• Support and direct the other members of the engineering dept. management staff including News Operations, Assistant Chief Engineer, IT Manager and building maintenance engineer.
• Understand and oversee various vendor leases for broadcast towers and ENG sites in NE Ohio.
• Ensure that all engineering designs and operations comply with local, state and federal codes.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

FCC compliance

Vendor management

Staff mentoring

Broadcast tech

IT networking

Tools

Ross Overdrive

Xpression

ENPS

BitCentral

DeJero

Florical automation

Harmonic encoders

Dante

UTAH router

Sony ENG cameras

PC editing systems

Job description

WJW FOX 8 & WBNX TV, the Nexstar duopoly in Cleveland

We are seeking a visionary, experienced Director of Technology to lead our stations and digital platforms technical infrastructure, broadcast engineering and digital distribution platforms. In this role, you will bridge the gap between the traditional RF/studio engineering and modern cloud based digital production environments. We are looking for a proven leader with strong leadership skills, effective communication skills, technical judgement and an understanding of the future technology needs of the industry.

Responsibilities

• Manage short and long term technology strategy with guidance from corporate partners.
• Formulate and manage capital (CAPEX) and operating (OPEX) engineering budgets including approved vendors.
• Participate in a three year capital (CAPEX) planning process and submission for stations.
• Oversee engineering staff with operations including equipment integration, preventative maintenance, studios, production control rooms and transmission for all live programming 24/7.
• Oversee expanding digital streaming platforms, digital production for multi-platform distribution for on demand video services across web, mobile, OTT and connected TV (CTV) applications.
• Oversee maintenance and compliance for two transmitter sites, microwave links STL-TSL, and fiber networks.
• Manage vendor contracts including facility maintenance, security, janitorial and vending services.
• Lead workflow improvements including project planning and project management for station wide initiatives.
• Ensure all broadcast signals/operations comply fully with FCC regulations, EAS standards and FAA tower requirements.
• Manage staffing requirements including schedules, training, employment interviews and performance reviews, while working with Human Resources.
• Support and direct the other members of the engineering dept. management staff including News Operations, Assistant Chief Engineer, IT Manager and building maintenance engineer.
• Understand and oversee various vendor leases for broadcast towers and ENG sites in NE Ohio.
• Ensure that all engineering designs and operations comply with local, state and federal codes.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years experience in broadcast operations, technology or IT related management role.
• Strong customer service skills with emphasis to work with live News and Programming staff to solve problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical staff.
• Experience working in a union environment including labor negotiations and contract interpretation.
• Ability to mentor and lead a diverse staff of approximately 60 people in a 24-7 live environment.
• Knowledge of broadcast technology systems such as Ross Overdrive, Xpression, ENPS, BitCentral, DeJero, Florical automation, Harmonic encoders, Dante, Utah router, Sony ENG cameras and PC based editing systems.
• Deep technical proficiency with IT networking, fiber, RF signals, switches, patch panels, IP based workflows.
• Experience with a Hub-Spoke master control system and how automation system operates.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines and finish assigned projects without delay.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and working safely in studios, racks, and rooftop environments.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work flexible hours and be on call as needed for operations.
• Ability to work across all station departments including Sales, News, Digital and Programming.

About the Employer

Nexstar Media Inc. is America's largest local television/media company with 197 full power stations (including partner stations) in 115 markets addressing nearly 63% of US television households and a growing digital media. Nexstar’s platform delivers exceptional local content/network programming to inform/entertain viewers, while providing premium, local advertising across all screens/devices. Learn more at nexstar.tv.

Salary range of $120k to $140k WJW TV is an EOE employer #LI-Onsite.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST) is a leading diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms, including more than 310,000 hours of programming produced annually by its business units. Nexstar owns America's largest local television broadcasting group comprised of top network affiliates, with 200 owned or partner stations in 116 US markets reaching 220 million people. Nexstar’s national television properties include The CW, America's fifth major broadcast network, NewsNation, our national news network providing "News for All America," popular entertainment multicast networks Antenna TV and Rewind TV, and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network. The Company's portfolio of digital assets, including its local TV station websites, The Hill and NewsNationNow.com, are collectively a Top 10 US digital news and information property.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.