Technical Operations Manager

Weather Group Television LLC•Atlanta, GA

15h

About The Position

As The Weather Channel television network, we have a heightened focus on innovation, first-class production and presentation of severe weather coverage and hyper-localized weather information available through our various content platforms including: The Weather Channel, WeatherScan, Local Now, Pattrn and The Weather Channel en Español - as well as numerous partners. For more than 30 years, The Weather Channel has inspired viewers to explore, investigate and appreciate the experience of weather in all its forms. We are one of the most widely-viewed television network platforms and the leader in severe weather coverage, providing the most comprehensive real-time programming of any media outlet, with trusted meteorologists who analyze, forecast and report the weather. Weather is inherently fascinating, and we share our passion through the stories we tell to our audiences through our programming. The more our viewers engage with us, the more our stories illuminate how weather impacts almost everything.

Requirements

10+ years Broadcast or Cable TV Production Experience as Director and Technical Director.
Extensive knowledge of Grass Valley production systems (Kayenne, IgNite, etc.)
In-depth experience with Newsroom systems (Dalet, iNews)
Must have excellent working knowledge of the video production/broadcast environment.
Demonstrated strong technical knowledge of all traditional control room, studio and field production systems with the ability to understand, troubleshoot and resolve technical operations issues to minimize production impact.
Excellent multi-tasking, time management, organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work well with other people in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to work on assigned projects with little to no supervision.
Ability to make smart decisions and adapt to changes, especially under fast paced, stressful conditions.
Strong computer skills, including operation and programming of Microsoft Office Suite,Google Business software, or similar software.
Demonstrated can-do attitude to accomplish tasks.
Ability to operate, troubleshoot and train others on newsroom systems (Dalet, iNews), as well as work with vendors to explore new features and implementation.

Nice To Haves

Team leadership experience preferred.
Degree in Communications or Broadcasting related field preferred.
Some knowledge of software development is a plus.

Responsibilities

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.
Manages training plans as to ensure staff receives training to ensure staff develops and maintains applicable technical skills and knowledge.
Responsible for developing new ideas and initiatives, teaming with Broadcast, IT, and Weather Graphics Engineering teams to champion technologies for the network.
This candidate will also be a member of the Innovations Team, participating in research and development of new technologies for all of Allen Media.
Responsible for creating and maintaining online forms and scope documents for day-to-day implementation within the department.
Must have broad experience with Grass Valley Video Switchers, particularly the Kayenne and Ignite systems, to program, troubleshoot, and be the liaison to the Engineering Department(s) for repairs and upgrades.
Requires an extensive knowledge of newsroom systems (ENPS, Dalet, etc), with the ability to train others in their operation and development.
Should also be an experienced director/TD that has live production experience with a large market station, (inter)national broadcaster or (inter)national cable facility, along with demonstrated experience developing and leading teams.
Occasionally Direct or TD a live or recorded show, and will partner with Show Producers, Executive Producers, Talent, Production, Marketing and Design teams to develop and sculpt show ideas, show segments, promotional pieces, marketing initiatives and special projects; planning execution logistics and pursuing ways to enhance and improve the production value of assigned projects or shows.
Must have excellent communication skills with the proven ability to call a show in a clear, efficient manner that can be followed by all, and have the demonstrated ability to maintain control of the production team and the show during stressful times.
Manage the technical directing teams by developing their skills and team building.
Handle scheduling assignments, vacation requests, time approval and yearly reviews.
For assigned projects across Allen Media, assist with establishing technical requirements and SOP documents, coordinating resources, and acting as liaison between departments to align technologies within the group.
Work closely with production operations teams to define production needs and assign resources.
Be a member of The Weather Group Innovations Team to explore, test and implement new technologies.
Be able to communicate effectively to all departments to troubleshoot technical issues.
Be available as the first point of contact to address technical production issues that arise.
Participate in development of ideas and implementation of process improvements for Technical Directors.
Direct and/or Technical Direct live and taped productions, as well as pre-production and post-production sessions from a Production Control Room or post suite, delivering high production value with Network-Level results for on-air programming, or for assigned projects across WGT.
Review program rundowns prior to productions with Executive Producers, Producers, Talent, On-Camera Meteorologists and Production team, communicating rundown changes, show needs, script changes, crew performance expectations, etc.
Block camera shots to meet the demands of the production, demonstrating a progressive approach via the blocking to add value to on air presentation.
Be able to Direct/Technical Direct all production elements taking full advantage of the capabilities of video production switchers, along with available graphic production devices, enhanced audio production capabilities, state-of-the-art live remote capabilities and augmented reality systems.
Be able to identify, critique and assist in the creation of high production value, Network-level lighting and sound design.
Act as technical and operations lead for the current newsroom system (ENPS, Dalet, Etc.), able to operate, troubleshoot and train others, including accessing and marking rundowns, scripts, and communicating changes to the production team.
Provide pre and post-production performance feedback and critiques for talent and production teams as needed.
Report outcome of show via Director Show Report after every show, and work with teams to resolve any identified issues.
Provide performance feedback on Production Technology team members to the Operations Manager.
Report equipment problems and discrepancies to the Operations Manager and to the Engineering Department via in-house reporting system.
Complete special projects as assigned by Senior Director, including live and recorded Allen Media/Weather Group production initiatives.
Work with the Design team in studio development, graphics projects and on-air presentation.
Evaluate technology options and help to set the company technology focus in the right direction.
Determine technology solutions as needed for Allen Media/Weather Group projects.
Collaborate with Broadcast Engineering and IT teams to create best solutions for technical challenges.
Consult on and define technology SOPs as needed.
Will be responsible for other duties as required and/or assigned.