Director of Technology

Job Title: Director of Technology
Location: WGN-TV, Chicago
The Director of Technology oversees the day-to-day operations of the Engineering/IT Department and is responsible for ensuring proper operation and maintenance of all technology for top-rated Chicago broadcast station WGN-TV, national multicast networks AntennaTV & RewindTV. In addition, the Director of Technology will have support duties over national cable news network, NewsNation. This leadership position reports directly to the WGN-TV VP/GM.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

1. Manages all aspects of the Engineering Department.
2. Plans and manages staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the Engineering Department.
3. Makes decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion and termination of employees.
4. Maintains all broadcast technology and equipment for the facility.
5. Ensures station compliance with FCC rules and regulations, as well as all local, state and federal regulations applicable to the broadcast and transmission facility.
6. Works with corporate leadership to develop and implement new technologies and technical infrastructure for the facility.
7. Manages a large staff of Engineering technicians who are primarily union members.
8. Manages the information technology staff and systems.
9. Assigns projects to staff and verifies deadlines are being met.
10. Works with corporate leadership to manage engineering and facility capital projects to the established budgets.
11. Manages facility operations and security staff.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Skills:

1. Technical degree in Digital Electronics, Broadcasting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
2. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
3. Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
4. A minimum of five years' experience working as an engineer at a broadcast facility, with a minimum of three years’ experience in a leadership/management role.
5. A successful record of employee development and mentorship.
6. Experience establishing long-range goals and objectives therefore specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
7. Proficiency with common office equipment and software (Microsoft Office applications, Windows operating systems, etc.).
8. Experience with remote broadcast productions, studio operations and equipment and common broadcast infrastructure technology.
9. Experience with broadcast transmitters, microwave equipment, two-way radio technology and applicable FCC rules and regulations.
10. Significant experience evaluating, selecting, installing, servicing and maintaining broadcast equipment and information technology systems.
11. Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
12. Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays and respond to issues 24/7.
13. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
14. Must possess excellent troubleshooting skills, a can-do attitude and be able to solve problems creatively under pressure.

The Chicago facility originates three national television networks and WGN-TV/Channel 9.