Director of Content

Arizona State University • Phoenix, AZ

1d • $95,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Arizona PBS is seeking a Director of Content to translate its content strategy into storytelling across broadcast, digital and social platforms. Working closely with the Senior Director of Content, this leader guides experienced producers and content creators, oversees content planning and production and distribution workflows, identifies emerging opportunities, and uses audience insights to strengthen engagement and expand reach. The role sets standards for storytelling, develops producers, and ensures programming reflects the interests, needs and communities served by Arizona PBS while upholding editorial integrity and its public service mission.

The Director of Content leads editorial planning, content development, production, distribution, team management and production operations for local and national projects. The position oversees the content calendar and greenlight process; develops strategies for audience growth and engagement; and monitors audience data, platform performance and industry trends. The role directly supervises content producers and the Producer/Social Media Manager, collaborates across departments, manages production resources and budgets for review by the Senior Director of Content, and may produce content as needed, though production is not the primary function.

The position is based at ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, typically allowing up to two remote-work days per week. On-site attendance is expected for meetings, production and other in-person collaboration. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The role may require driving, and the employee must maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements. The position requires standing for varying lengths of time and walking moderate distances; physical demands may include stooping, bending, crawling under or around objects, reaching, lifting and pushing objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

The salary range is $95,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume or CV; the posting also requests links to relevant work samples demonstrating content, storytelling or production experience. ASU conducts pre-employment screening, including a criminal background check and fingerprint check; employment is contingent on successfully passing these checks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience appropriate to the assignment or field, including two years of managerial experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training demonstrating comparable knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate strategic priorities into effective execution.
• Ability to lead, coach, motivate and develop staff while fostering creativity, professional growth and accountability.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple projects, deadlines, team capacity, production workflows and budgets.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and communicate priorities and constructive feedback effectively.
• Ability to uphold editorial standards including accuracy, fairness, independence and integrity.
• Ability to support inclusive content and workplace practices that reflect the communities Arizona PBS serves.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment if driving is required.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success supervising, mentoring and developing creative or editorial staff.
• Strong understanding of public media standards, editorial independence and underwriting guidelines, including restrictions on pay-for-play arrangements.
• Experience in public media or broadcasting, including familiarity with PBS distribution and content delivery partners such as PBS, PBS Digital Studios (PBSd), NETA and APT, as applicable.
• Experience managing local, statewide, multi-organization or collaborative content initiatives.
• Knowledge of social media strategy, platform-specific storytelling and editorial standards for news and public affairs content.
• Experience developing or overseeing content for traditional broadcast and digital-first formats, including vertical video.
• Proven project management and budgeting skills, including production scheduling, expense tracking, invoice approval and vendor coordination.
• Experience using audience analytics and performance metrics to inform content strategy and distribution decisions.
• Experience contributing content data, impact reporting or other materials for grant applications and funding proposals.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Monday.com or comparable project management platforms, and professional video editing software such as Final Cut Pro.

Responsibilities

• Translate Arizona PBS’s content strategy into actionable plans for local storytelling across broadcast, digital and social platforms.
• Lead day-to-day planning, development, production and distribution of short-form and long-form content, aligning projects with organizational priorities and audience needs.
• Manage the content calendar and balance immediate programming needs with long-term editorial priorities, special initiatives and emerging opportunities.
• Oversee the content greenlight process, evaluating ideas for editorial merit, audience relevance, strategic alignment, feasibility and impact.
• Guide producers in developing distinctive stories and experimenting with new formats, platforms and storytelling approaches.
• Develop strategies to attract new audiences, deepen engagement with existing audiences and extend the reach and impact of Arizona PBS content.
• Analyze audience data, platform performance and industry trends to inform editorial decisions, refine distribution strategies and identify growth opportunities.
• Champion inclusive storytelling that reflects the experiences, perspectives and needs of communities throughout Arizona.
• Serve as a resource for editorial standards and practices, ensuring accuracy, fairness, independence and integrity.
• Monitor changes in public media, journalism, digital platforms and audience behavior, and recommend strategic adjustments.
• Directly supervise, mentor and develop content producers and the Producer/Social Media Manager; provide direction, feedback and professional growth opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, creative and accountable team environment and empower staff to take thoughtful risks and deliver high-quality work.
• Set priorities, delegate effectively and manage team capacity across competing projects, deadlines and organizational needs.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Content and leaders across production, news and public affairs, digital, marketing, development and other departments.
• Represent the content team in cross-departmental meetings, planning sessions and organizational initiatives.
• Explore and test digital experiences, distribution approaches and storytelling opportunities with colleagues across Arizona PBS.
• Lead day-to-day production operations for local and national projects, coordinating producing, editing and delivery workflows to meet schedules and approved budgets.
• Guide platform-specific social storytelling in line with the station’s social media and brand strategy.
• Supervise social media content planning and execution to support editorial priorities and audience engagement goals.
• Develop and monitor production budgets for review and approval by the Senior Director of Content.
• Coordinate freelance and contract hiring, vendor relationships and production resources as needed.
• Maintain project management systems, production schedules and communication practices to support efficient workflows and timely delivery.
• Ensure timely, professional responses to viewer inquiries and concerns related to local content.
• Ensure content performance data is available to support Development’s funding work.
• Produce content on an as-needed basis; this is not the role’s primary function.
• Model integrity, sound judgment, accountability and high standards of professional and editorial conduct.
• Connect day-to-day decisions to organizational goals, communicate priorities and feedback effectively, build productive relationships, adapt and innovate, manage priorities, and support inclusive workplace and content practices.

Benefits

• ASU comprehensive benefits package (details are provided through the ASU Compensation Estimator).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager