Programming Director

Montclair State University; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Montclair State University, reporting through NJ PBS, seeks a Programming Director to shape the strategic programming vision across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. The role prioritizes locally produced, community-driven content and strong partnerships with PBS and national content providers.

The position oversees scheduling, compliance with FCC rules, and budget management for the programming department, with emphasis on representing New Jersey’s diverse communities and languages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in the communications, media, or related industry.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and creating video-based content.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and commissioning of locally produced content focusing on underserved New Jersey communities.
• Ensure programming reflects New Jersey’s diversity, including non-English-speaking audiences.
• Develop and implement a programming strategy balancing national PBS content with local programming.
• Plan and manage broadcast and streaming schedules across prime time, daytime, and overnight blocks.
• Serve as primary liaison to PBS National for acquisitions, underwriting, and editorial compliance.

Skills

Content curation

Video production

Audience research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the General Manager, the Programming Director is responsible for the strategic programming vision of NJ PBS across all platforms, including broadcast television, streaming, and digital channels. This role curates and schedules content that reflects the full diversity of New Jersey's communities, maintains the station's relationship with PBS and national content partners, and ensures that locally produced, community-driven programming remains central to the station's public service mission.

NOTE: Hiring is contingent upon the execution of the contract between the State of New Jersey and Montclair State University.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and commissioning of locally produced content, with particular focus on representing underserved New Jersey communities and partnering with the state’s business, art, educational and creator communities.
• Ensure programming reflects New Jersey's geographic, cultural, and linguistic diversity, including content for non-English-speaking audiences.
• Develop and implement a programming strategy balancing national PBS content with locally produced and acquired programming.
• Plan and manage the station's broadcast and streaming schedules, including prime time, daytime, and overnight blocks.
• Serve as the primary station liaison to PBS National for programming acquisitions, underwriting content, and compliance with PBS editorial standards.
• Serve as the primary station liaison to other national programming services, including PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), American Public Television (APT), and the National Education Telecommunications Association (NETA).
• Use ratings data, audience research, and community feedback to evaluate programming performance and guide scheduling decisions.
• Coordinate all programming for multiple platforms, including on-demand libraries, streaming channels, and YouTube presences.
• Manage the programming department budget, including content acquisition, licensing fees, and production underwriting.
• Supervise programming staff.
• Ensure all programming meets FCC content requirements, including E/I mandates and closed-captioning standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

Qualifications Required

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in the communications, media, or related industry.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and creating video-based content.

Preferred

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience at a PBS affiliate or public television station.
• Knowledge of PBS national programming catalog and clearance processes.
• Familiarity with FCC programming requirements.
• Experience with broadcast programming management, scheduling, or traffic operations.
• Experience with Nielsen ratings and broadcast audience data analysis.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range $145,000.00-$160,000.00 Annually. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/ Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer. Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Position Information

Department: NJ PBS. Position Type: Administrative.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity. Additional information can be found on the website at www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/.

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/

About Us

Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools. Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions. Montclair State University is proud to be committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in its recruitment and employment practices. The University is an inclusive, richly diverse community that fosters mutual respect, tolerance and understanding among all students and employees.