Sr. Program Associate

PBS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonuses

Health insurance

Job summary

PBS in Arlington, VA, seeks a Sr. Program Associate to facilitate post‑production and delivery for General Audience, PLUS, and Fundraising content.

The role acts as a liaison among producers, GA Programming, and internal stakeholders from acceptance through the rights period. Responsibilities include managing delivery, completing paperwork in Producer Portals, supporting directors, and ensuring compliance with packaging guidelines.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years’ experience in television production and programming.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field or equivalent.
• Experience with PBS operations and procedures is desirable.
• Experience with public television programming and guidelines preferred.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Word & Excel; familiarity with databases.

Responsibilities

• Manage program delivery and oversee post‑acceptance process to ensure adherence to guidelines.
• Oversee completion of paperwork via Producer Portals (format, webtags, production credits).
• Support Assistant Directors in obtaining and managing deliverables.
• Screen programs for Standards compliance and create flag reports for producers.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Attention to detail

Writing and editing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database programming

Job description

Position Title: Sr. Program Associate

Department: Programming Operations & Engagement

Corporate Area: General Audience Programming

Status: Regular, Full time Exempt

Manager Title: Sr. Director, Programming & Operations

Position Overview

The Senior Program Associate in General Audience Programming is a key member of the Programming & Operations team, responsible for facilitating the post‑production and delivery process of General Audience, PLUS, and Fundraising content. This individual is an important liaison among producers, GA Programming, and internal stakeholders, and must maintain and update program material from acceptance through the duration of the project’s rights period.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage program delivery and oversee the post‑acceptance process to ensure adherence to programming, packaging and deliverable guidelines.
• Oversee the completion of Programming and Operations paperwork for incoming programs via Producer Portals (including format, webtags, production credits, and other program documentation).
• Support Assistant Director(s) in obtaining and managing project deliverables.
• Screen programs in production for Standards compliance issues and create flag reports for communication to producers and internal departments.
• Identify issues arising from program repackaging and coordinate with Assistant Director(s) to develop and implement solutions.
• Deal with issues arising from late arriving broadcast masters and other deliverables.
• Act as a source of information for internal concerns/queries.
• Review repeat programming to ensure content and packaging is up‑to‑date or if repackaging is needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements for Success

• 2 to 4 years’ experience in television production and programming.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field with experience in a public broadcasting environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in film/video production and post‑production capacities.
• Experience with PBS operations and procedures is desirable.
• Experience with public television programming, guidelines and practices preferred.
• Experience negotiating with producers on deliverables and other matters related to broadcast preferred.
• Ability to identify and evaluate sensitive or problematic material in programs.
• Ability to pre‑screen programs prior to air to ensure that they meet all PBS packaging guidelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel and a familiarity with database programming.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills – working with multiple projects in numerous stages of development.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through proactively on projects until completion.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under stressful circumstances, react to change productively, and handle other essential duties as assigned.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – diplomacy a must.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work as a team player in a team environment.
• Analytical skills with respect to program material.

Compensation and Benefits

The base pay range for this position at the beginning of employment is expected to be between $55,000 and $65,000 per year. The total compensation package for this position will also include eligibility for discretionary bonuses; various insurance options (medical, dental, vision, hearing, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability, and business travel accident insurance); identity protection program; employee assistance program; financial and retirement savings benefits including the PBS Retirement Plan 403(b); paid time off (17 days per year), paid sick time benefits (12 days per year), paid parental leave (60 days / 12 weeks), and paid holidays (12 days per year).

When hired, the employee will be in an at‑will position, and the Company reserves the right to modify the base salary at any time.

PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the EEOC and the Commonwealth of Virginia.