Television Director - Session Only

Senate; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Senate Media Services seeks two Television Directors to lead live production in control rooms for floor sessions, hearings, press conferences and events. You will direct crews, operate broadcast equipment, and troubleshoot as needed, ensuring high-quality coverage.

Requirements include a four-year degree in television production, two years in broadcast contexts, and familiarity with Ross and Grass Valley systems. The role demands non-partisan work and willingness to long hours during sessions.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree or equivalent experience with emphasis in television production
• Two years of experience in broadcast news, sports, cable TV, or industrial video production
• One year of experience as a Session Production Technician/Producer in Minnesota Senate Media department
• Strong familiarity with Ross Carbonite switchers, Ross Robotics systems, Ross Xpression Graphics, and Grass Valley Stratus
• Ability to communicate and guide production staff in the control room
• Ability to assist in training incoming session staff

Responsibilities

• Act as the leader of a production crew in a control room environment
• Operate a variety of television broadcast equipment (switchers, robotic cameras, graphics, recording and audio boards)
• Collaborate with permanent production staff to meet assignments and quality standards

Skills

Production leadership

Live directing

Camera operation

Communication

Training staff

Non-partisan

Education

Bachelor's degree in television production

Tools

Ross Carbonite switchers

Ross Robotics systems

Ross Xpression Graphics

Grass Valley Stratus

Job description

This posting will be used to fillTWOtemporary Television Director positions within Senate Media Services.

This is a non-partisan position, and the expectation is that the successful candidate will remain free from political party affiliation, bias, or designation the duration of the appointment.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified job seekers.

Salary: Minimum $29.48/hourly

Reports To: Director of Engineering and Operations

Appointment Duration: This position is a temporary position with an anticipated start of December 14, 2027 and will continue until the end of the 2027 legislative session, which is expected to end on or about May 17, 2027.

Appointment Type: Temporary

Status: Unclassified/At-will

Department: Senate Media Services

Reports to: Director of Engineering and Operations

Closing Date: Applications will be accepted through November 16, 2025 at 4pm.

Position Summary

The Television Director acts as a live director and switcher operator for television productions of Senate floor sessions, committee hearings, press conferences, and special events. The successful candidate will have the ability to lead the control room to which they are assigned. This includes communicating and working effectively with other crew members as well as assisting in equipment troubleshooting when necessary.

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the leader of a production crew in a control room environment
• Possess the ability to operate a variety of television broadcast equipment, including production switchers, robotic cameras, graphic systems, video recording equipment and audio mixing boards.
• Work closely with the permanent production staff to ensure that assignments and quality standards are being met.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four-year college degree, or equivalent education through experience, with emphasis in television production and visual communication
• Two (2) years of experience in broadcast news, sports, cable television, or industrial video production
• One (1) year of experience as a Session Production Technician or Session Producer within the Minnesota Senate Media department.
• Strong familiarity with Ross Carbonite switchers, Ross Robotics systems, Ross Xpression Graphics, and Grass Valley Stratus.
• Ability to effectively communicate and provide guidance to production staff assigned to the control room
• Ability to assist in training of other incoming session staff

In addition to the qualifications listed above, applicants must demonstrate:

• Ability to work in a non-partisan capacity, supporting all members and staff regardless of party affiliation or position.
• Ability to work long and/or unpredictable hours, under pressure, during the legislative session.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Senate Media team.
• Strong communication skills to effectively communicate among Senate staff and members.
• Ability to learn quickly and retain information.
• Ability to follow directions and perform assigned tasks.
• Experience with basic office computer software including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams
• Strong work ethic and ability to work under minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience directing live, multi-camera events, in a control room environment
• Experience shooting Electronic News Gathering (ENG) style video
• Experience in the technical and aesthetic production aspects of visual communication.

An Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer