Assistant Director, Content Scheduling & Operations

Job Description

Assistant Director, Content Scheduling & Operations (Hybrid)

Department: Distribution

Corporate Area: PBS KIDS

Status: Full time/Regular/Exempt

Supervisor: Senior Director & Head, PBS KIDS Distribution

Position Overview:

The Assistant Director, Content Scheduling & Operations, PBS KIDS Distribution manages content operations for PBS KIDS, overseeing the delivery of series, serving as the day-to-day producer contact throughout post-production process, and implementing scheduling for broadcast channels and digital linear streaming services. Specifically, they are responsible for the scheduling of PBS KIDS content to the National Programming Service (NPS), 24/7 channel and live stream, and digital linear streams on the PBS KIDS Video app, Samsung TV+, YouTube TV, and up-and-coming Free-Ad Supported TV services (FAST) (i.e., The Roku Channel, Pluto, Tubi).

The Assistant Director, Content Scheduling & Operations will work closely with PBS KIDS Content, Business Development, Products & Technology, Marketing & Brand Engagement, Business Intelligence Group, Program Operations, Content Packaging & Screening, and various external partners to ensure linear broadcast and digital streaming channels are optimally performing and achieving key distribution deliverables and outcomes. This position requires the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time, extreme attention-to-detail as well as an interest in the digital TV landscape and children's entertainment.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Scheduling:
• Create, update, and maintain PBS KIDS long form and short form video schedules across all current and future linear and digital platforms.

• Coordinate daily feed schedules and broadcast/linear rollout strategy, including series launches, promo priorities, marathons, and the PBS KIDS Family Night block.

• Serve as primary contact and resource for Program Operations team to ensure the linear schedule is implemented for the NPS and 24/7 channels.

• Coordinate with the Distribution team and YouTube vendors to align and execute cross-platform distribution strategies.

• Attend planning and strategy meetings to discuss content rollouts, series and promotional performance metrics and pivot, accordingly, based on audience needs and viewing habits.

Content operations:
• Manage all programming and scheduling deadlines ensuring that deliveries are on track and all key stakeholders are kept informed of any changes.

• Manage program delivery. Work closely with producers throughout the post-production process to ensure adherence to programming, packaging, and deliverable guidelines.

• Oversee the maintenance of the on-air PBS KIDS catalog, ensuring program material remains relevant and accurate throughout the duration of the rights period.

• Oversee the completion of producer paperwork for incoming programs via ORION, Packaging Forms, RightsLine, and CAS, including Program Acceptance Agreements, formats, web tags, and media inventories.

• Source, create or cutdown descriptive logline metadata associated with all schedules above and manage metadata within internal systems and departments.

• Serve as the primary department contact for the PBS Content Services, Program Operations, Underwriting Policy, and PBS KIDS Promotions teams.

• Update department documentation (windowing plans, presentations, competitive analysis) as needed.

Product operations:
• Work closely with the PBS Product Development team to ensure digital live streams (i.e., PBS KIDS 24/7 live stream, interstitials) are executed properly, support station needs, and are discoverable across digital platforms.

• Work closely with the Station Relations team to ensure communication for any service disruptions or schedule changes on the digital livestream is sent to PBS stations in a timely manner.

• Work closely with the PBS Product Development and Business Development teams to establish workflows, capacity, and scheduling needs to launch a PBS KIDS FAST channel.

Additional responsibilities:
• Support the PBS KIDS Distribution team in their communications with internal and external stakeholders. Produce presentation materials and coordinate media for monthly NPS Teleconferences, station webinars, and meetings with programmers and producers.

• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements for success:
• Experience in media, broadcast, streaming, production, or post-production.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Familiarity with digital linear livestreams on Free-Ad supported TV services (FAST) including The Roku Channel, Pluto, Tubi, and YouTubeTV.

• Familiarity with PBS KIDS content, products, and knowledge of the children's media landscape.

• Experience with PBS or member station operations and procedures desirable.

• Excellent project management and organizational skills – working with multiple projects in numerous stages of development and completion.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Passion for children's media and early childhood learning.

• Ability to pre-screen programs prior to air to ensure that they meet all PBS packaging guidelines.

• Ability to identify and evaluate sensitive or problematic material in programs.

• Proficiency with database programming.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – diplomacy a must.

• Sound judgment, professional maturity, and integrity.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-departmental teams.

• Ability to work under stressful circumstances, meet deadlines, and react to change productively.

• A curious person with a high energy level and strong work ethic.

• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required.

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

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rjwbq0-3-144-187-103-42 in your application.