Panhandle PBS - Technical Operations Manager

Summary

At Amarillo College, our mission is: Transforming our community and economy through learning, innovation, and achievement. Every team member, regardless of job title or duties, is responsible first and foremost, for assisting students in every way. This is an exciting time to work for Amarillo College! We are seeking our next Panhandle PBS - Technical Operations Manager who will be all-in on our mission and who manages all technical functions of Panhandle PBS, overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of broadcast engineering, production operations, studio management, programming support, equipment maintenance, and compliance. This position supervises a team of professional staff and student workers while ensuring technical excellence and innovation in content delivery across multiple platforms. The manager plays a pivotal leadership role in aligning technology operations with the strategic mission of Panhandle PBS and Amarillo College, including technical support for institutional events, digital transformation, and content innovation.

Qualifications

EDUCATION :
Required: Associate degree in Media Production, Communications, Journalism, English, or a closely related field.

Preferred: Bachelors degree in Media Production, Broadcast Technology, Communications, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE :
Required:

• Ten (10) years of professional experience in media production, broadcasting, or journalism or a related field; and
• Two (2) years of professional experience overseeing live content production, remote multi-media events, and broadcast/live streaming content, including planning, directing, and coordinating the technical and production aspects in a professional broadcast or media environment; and
• Two (2) years of experience collaborating across departments and disciplines to support cohesive and effective project execution; and
• Two (2) years of experience scheduling and managing crews for live video production and remote event production.

Preferred:

• Twelve (12) or more years of experience in broadcast engineering or production technology.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage operational workflows and procedures to ensure all technical deliverables are accurate, on-brand, and completed within established deadlines.
• Provide leadership and oversight to a multidisciplinary team of editors, videographers, engineers, and student employees, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Coordinate staff scheduling and manage timekeeping processes, including the review and approval of timesheets for full-time staff and student workers.
• Oversee logistics for studio and remote productions, including crew assignments, technical planning, and execution of live and recorded content.
• Act as the stations designated Chief Operator, maintaining full compliance with FCC regulations and ensuring accurate and timely broadcast log management.
• Evaluate technical needs and oversee procurement of production and broadcast equipment, ensuring system compatibility, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Manage day-to-day operations of studio facilities, including studio scheduling, equipment upkeep, and coordination of technical support for institutional and public events.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize mission-critical systems, including master control, network infrastructure, data center operations, and tower sites.
• Lead asset management efforts, including equipment inventory control, lifecycle planning, and digital asset archiving protocols.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), training guides, and instructional materials for staff and students.
• Collaborate with producers and creative teams to streamline workflows, adopt new technologies, and enhance production quality and efficiency.
• Provide strategic audio-visual support for high-visibility campus and community events, ensuring seamless integration of technology and event objectives.
• Research, evaluate, and deploy emerging technologies in broadcasting, streaming, and digital media to improve viewer experience and operational performance.
• Contribute to long-term planning and strategic initiatives, supporting the mission and growth of Panhandle PBS and Amarillo College through innovation and technical leadership.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
• As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring striving to serve students, peers and the community by embracing the AC Core Values: Wow, Family, Fun, Innovation, and Yes!

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to lead teams to accomplish long-range plans and producing professional level content packages.
• Advanced knowledge of broadcast engineering, signal flow, IP video, and audio/visual systems.
• Proficient in media production software and hardware (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Avid, Tricaster, Ross, Blackmagic, etc.).
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, especially in coaching student employees.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities in high-pressure production environments.
• Experience with technical documentation, SOP development, and quality assurance protocols.
• Ability to plan, budget, and evaluate technology and operational needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on industry trends.

Salary: Amarillo College follows a lag pay strategy, with starting offers typically between the minimum and midpoint of the pay grade, rarely reaching the maximum to support long-term growth within each position. Pay grade 13 Amarillo College Pay Grades (salary is determined by Human Resources based on education, work experience and internal comparisons).

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to travel between offices and buildings, and requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and/or maneuver office supplies as needed.

Working Conditions: Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (days, nights, weekends, holidays, and varying events if necessary). Overtime hours and comp time must be approved by supervisor and/or cabinet member prior to work.

Work Environment: This position operates in a professional office environment, routinely uses standard office equipment (i.e. computers, phones, copy and fax machines, filing cabinets) and is in a high traffic area with continual interruptions. Software commonly used includes Microsoft Office, Colleague, and various other educational applications. Work may also be performed outside of the office and with little to no supervision.