KPBS Chief Technology Officer

CSU Careers•San Diego, CA

3d•$185,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

At KPBS, we inform, enlighten, and empower our community through trusted news, inspiring storytelling, and meaningful public service. As San Diego’s public media station, KPBS serves more than one million people each week across television, radio, and digital platforms. We are deeply committed to journalistic integrity, community connection, and financial transparency in everything we do. The KPBS Chief Technology Officer is responsible for the station’s technology vision, infrastructure, and operations. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the CTO oversees Engineering, IT, and Production, ensuring that KPBS’s technology ecosystem is reliable, secure, accessible, and future-ready. The CTO plays a critical role in aligning technology strategy with KPBS’s mission of public service, the operational frameworks of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF). This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight in a fast-evolving media and technology environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, telecommunications, digital engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum of 10 years of experience managing mission-critical technical infrastructure, including management of technical teams.
Experience in modernizing broadcast or media production and distribution workflows.
Understanding of FCC regulations and relevant industry standards.
Proven ability to lead complex technology organizations in fast-changing environments.
Strong understanding of broadcast engineering, IT systems, cybersecurity, and digital media platforms.
Experience integrating systems across the full media lifecycle, from production through distribution.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
Demonstrated success in project, change, and vendor management.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Commitment to accessibility, inclusive design, and public service values.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
Valid California Driver’s License and ability to travel locally for station business.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and strategic direction for all KPBS technology operations, including broadcast engineering, IT systems, production technologies, digital platforms, cybersecurity, data governance, and cloud-based infrastructure.
Develop and operationalize a forward-looking technology strategy that supports current operations while preparing KPBS for future platforms, workflows, and audience expectations.
Lead and unify Engineering, IT, and Production teams, modernizing enterprise systems and creating seamless, end-to-end workflows across content creation and delivery.
Guide organizational leaders in the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, automation, and new digital distribution models.
Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, CSU and campus policies, and federal and state laws, while strengthening disaster recovery, emergency response, and business continuity plans.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the General Manager and Management Council on technology investments, risks, and opportunities.
Build and manage vendor and supplier relationships, licensing agreements, and service contracts to ensure high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Lead technology-related facilities and infrastructure planning, including transmission sites and major building systems, in partnership with SDSU and SDSURF.
Foster a culture of inclusion, accessibility, collaboration, and continuous learning across all technology teams.

Benefits

Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

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