Sr. Program Associate

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

Job summary

PBS is seeking a Sr. Program Associate in Arlington, VA to join the Programming Operations & Engagement team.

You will manage post-production delivery and ensure adherence to packaging and deliverable guidelines across General Audience, PLUS, and Fundraising content. You will coordinate with producers, GA Programming, and internal stakeholders, maintaining materials from acceptance through the rights period, and support Directors in obtaining project deliverables while addressing standards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field; public broadcasting experience preferred.
• 2–4 years’ experience in television production and programming.
• Experience with PBS operations and procedures desirable.
• Experience with public television programming guidelines and practices preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage program delivery and oversee post-acceptance process to ensure guidelines are met.
• Oversee completion of programming and operations paperwork via Producer Portals (format, webtags, production credits, etc.).
• Support Assistant Directors in obtaining and managing project deliverables.
• Screen programs for standards compliance and create flag reports for producers and internal departments.
• Identify issues from repackaging and coordinate with Assistant Directors to implement solutions.
• Address issues from late arriving broadcast masters and other deliverables.
• Review repeat programming to ensure current packaging and content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Editing skills

Microsoft Word

Excel

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

Producer Portals

Database programming

Microsoft Word

Excel

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 will include, but are not limited to:

• Manage program delivery. 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 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 the subject of 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
• You display a 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

The base pay range for this position at the beginning of employment is expected to be between $55,000 and $65,000/year. The actual base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will also include other elements for eligible employees, including: (i) eligibility for discretionary bonuses; (ii) various insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, hearing, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability, and business travel accident insurance; (iii) identity protection program; (iv) employee assistance program; (v) financial and retirement savings benefits including the PBS Retirement Plan 403(b); (vi) 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). Details of these benefit plans will be provided upon request. The application window for this position is expected to close on 7/31/2026.

If hired, the employee will be in an “at-will position,” and the Company reserves the right to modify the base hourly rate/salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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