Director of Engineering
Ideastream Public Media, a Cleveland-based media organization and home to Ohio’s largest NPR, PBS, and classical radio stations, serving 22 counties in Northeast Ohio with its trusted, in-depth, high-quality local news and information service, seeks a Director of Engineering who combines deep technical expertise with thoughtful leadership to oversee the team responsible for keeping our broadcast television and production systems running reliably and at the highest quality. We eagerly welcome individuals with diverse lived experiences and perspectives to enrich our work and bring fresh ideas into our organization.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Technology, the Director of Engineering leads a team of eight engineers and technicians responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of broadcast television and production systems across Ideastream’s facilities. This role requires someone equally comfortable in a studio control room, in the Technical Operations Center, or in a planning session with organizational leadership.
What You Will Do
Systems and Infrastructure — Provide strategic direction and hands-on technical guidance for all broadcast television and production systems. Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of equipment to ensure reliable, high-quality performance that meets industry standards and FCC regulatory requirements. Manage vendor and contractor relationships and oversee budget planning and expenditure for engineering operations and capital projects. Collaborate with Ideastream’s radio engineering team on shared infrastructure and cross-functional technical initiatives.
Production Support — Lead the technical planning and execution of studio and remote productions, ensuring that every broadcast meets the highest quality standards. Serve as the primary technical liaison to organizational partners including Playhouse Square, The City Club, and others, coordinating live-event and television productions in these distinctive venues.
Team Leadership — Hire, develop, and manage a team of eight engineers and technicians. Foster a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Coordinate closely with the IT team on converged broadcast/IP systems and shared infrastructure.
What You Will Bring
- A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, and ten or more years of experience in television broadcasting and engineering — or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing a team of engineers and technicians.
- Knowledge of FCC regulations and broadcast industry standards.
- Experience operating television broadcast equipment and transmission systems.
- Proven ability to design and configure complex broadcast systems and facilities from initial planning through commissioning and ongoing operation.
- Experience planning and coordinating studio and remote productions.
- Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Working knowledge of IT infrastructure, networking, and cybersecurity principles as they apply to broadcast and production environments.
- Familiarity with next-generation broadcast and IP production standards, including ATSC 3.0 and SMPTE ST 2110, is a plus.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $92,000 - $102,000 and is commensurate with experience. Ideastream offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage, a 403(b) plan with employer match, paid time off, a parking subsidy, a lunch delivery subsidy, and more.
This position is based on-site at Ideastream’s Cleveland facilities, with travel to transmitter sites, partner venues, and remote production locations. A valid Ohio driver’s license is required. Prior experience in public media is preferred.
Ideastream Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability.
