Director of Technology, Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Manhattan Neighborhood Network is seeking a dynamic technology innovator to lead the nation’s largest community media center in a new era of digital media making and distribution, combining traditional broadcast engineering skills with IT and online video distribution savvy. Cablecasting more than 13,000 hours of original, locally-produced content every year, and actively serving more than 1,500 local producers annually, MNN supports and manages participatory media platforms and formats that aim to inform, enrich, and inspire.

Overall Responsibilities

MNN’s Director of Technology & Broadcasting is a leadership position, managing and defining MNN’s broadcast technology architecture with a core team of engineering, IT, and broadcast operations staff. The Director of Technology & Broadcasting ensures that MNN’s technical operations and digital production and distribution systems produce and deliver cost-effective, high-quality video streams across multiple platforms.

• Oversee MNN technical and broadcast operations, including master control play-out systems and servers, HD studios, edit suites, remote equipment, video streaming, database, IT network, and other MNN technology systems and platforms.
• Supervise engineering, IT and broadcast operations staff.
• Maintain engineering, broadcast and IT procedures and documentation, including SOPs, up-to-date technical drawings and service contracts.
• Implement accountable systems for both routine and emergency maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment, and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure broadcast and IT network administration and the troubleshooting of hardware, software and network connections.
• Maintain accurate inventory database of capital equipment and provide regular reports on state of facilities.
• Oversee, maintain and update as necessary Drupal database and Drupal web site maintenance.
• Participate in the design and implementation of new technology initiatives at MNN, and advise Executive Director regarding new technology opportunities.
• Ensure technical support and training for staff as needed.
• Oversee management and planning of special projects as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Degree in engineering, broadcasting, radio/TV communications, computer science, or related field, or equivalent.
• Minimum 10+ years experience, 5+ years in technical management position, in broadcast engineering and/or video production or equivalent, including HD and IT-based systems in the following areas: Broadcast play-out and automation systems and workflow; HD multi-camera studios production, including sets and green screen stages, robotics, audio, lighting, CG and motion graphics systems and live and non live digital workflow; Remotes and field production for single camera and multi-camera shoots, including setting up and operating remote audio, video production equipment; Post-production, including Final Cut Pro, After Effects, and related; Online video distribution
• Expertise with CMS’s, IT systems and IT network administration, including Macintosh OS X and/or file-based facilities, back up systems, website and databases.
• Expertise in metadata, video codecs and how to encode and transfer files.
• Experience with scripting languages and web development environments (PHP/MYSQL/HTML/CSS).

Other Job Requirements

• Commitment to the mission and goals of community media.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: ability to organize and present ideas clearly and persuasively, and communicate effectively with a diverse staff and public.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain composure under stressful situations and make clear judgment calls.
• Initiative in solving problems and capacity to troubleshoot and make recommendations.
• Good judgment and discretion to represent MNN in a highly professional manner.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials and communications.
• Bi-lingual, Spanish/English a plus.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits.

To Apply

Application deadline is November 10, 2012. Send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. In cover letter, please address the following: 1) Why are you interested in the position? 2) What do you see as the key technological challenges facing traditional broadcasters and what are some solutions? Nonresponsive applications will not be considered. Due to the volume of applications, MNN may not be able to respond individually to each applicant. MNN will contact candidates for interviews on a rolling basis. No Phone Calls, Please.

About MNN

Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) is dedicated to the exercise of First Amendment rights through moving image media and creates opportunities for communication, education, artistic expression and other non-commercial uses of video facilities. Founded in 1992, MNN administers four Public Access channels on the RCN, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS cable systems reaching 620,000 Manhattan cable subscribers, streams programs on the Internet reaching global audiences, and offers training in video production, editing, and broadcasting to Manhattan residents who wish to become certified producers for MNN. Manhattan Neighborhood Network is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.