Television Production Manager, Milwaukee Public Broadcasting Station

Milwaukee Area Technical College - Milwaukee, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Milwaukee, WI

Educational Services

About the position

The Television Production Manager at Milwaukee Public Broadcasting Station (MPBS) plays a crucial role in overseeing the production staff and managing the logistics of various projects. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, this position is responsible for scheduling and facilitating training for both studio and field production staff. The manager will also handle project logistics, ensuring that client services are scheduled effectively while monitoring revenue and expenses to align with annual goals. Transparency in project information is essential, and the manager must utilize independent judgment and analytical skills to achieve specific objectives through a variety of procedures. The role demands a high level of organization to track multiple projects simultaneously. In addition to staff oversight, the Television Production Manager provides technical support and guidance to production staff, advising on techniques and styles while ensuring safety and maintenance of equipment. The manager coordinates the day-to-day operations of the production department, which includes both studio and field activities. Budget management is another critical aspect of the role, as the manager assists in developing production budgets, maintains expense ledgers, tracks costs, and identifies opportunities for cost-saving measures without compromising quality. Collaboration with the Administrative Business Manager is necessary for invoicing external clients for services rendered. The position also involves contract negotiation and oversight, where the manager assists in negotiating contracts with organizations, talent, and producers, while tracking contracts and service maintenance agreements. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with internal teams and external vendors is vital for successful collaboration. Leadership and supervision are key components, as the manager is responsible for developing a high-performing team, focusing on quality service delivery, and managing staff through hiring, coaching, performance management, and progressive discipline as needed. Continuous learning and professional development are encouraged, with the manager expected to stay updated on best practices in television production and actively participate in relevant workgroups, trainings, and professional associations. Other duties may arise as needed to support the efficient operation of the division and institutional objectives.

Responsibilities

• Assign and schedule production staff and student workers to projects.
• Coordinate activities of production staff engaged in writing, directing, editing, and producing local programming and special client services projects.
• Provide technical support and guidance to production staff, including advice on techniques and style.
• Train production staff in safety matters and maintenance of equipment.
• Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day operation of the production department, including studio and field activities.
• Assist in the development of program production budgets in conjunction with the Chief Content Officer.
• Maintain expense ledgers for all productions and track costs, identifying opportunities for cost-saving measures.
• Collaborate with the Administrative Business Manager to invoice external clients for services.
• Assist in negotiations of contracts with organizations, talent, and producers, and track contracts and service maintenance agreements.
• Establish and maintain positive work relationships with internal teams and external vendors and clients.
• Develop and manage a high-performing team focused on quality and value-added services, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices and standards in television production and participate in relevant professional development activities.
• Perform other related duties as required for the efficient operation of the division.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Television Broadcasting and/or Engineering or related field.
• Seven years of experience in television production, with a minimum of three years in a supervisory role at a major market television station.
• Knowledge and ability in the production and direction of television programs.
• Working knowledge of current production technology and methods, equipment, and materials related to program video and digital production.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work accurately, problem-solve production-related issues, and plan for production changes and objectives.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means.
• Ability to use functions of current word processing and spreadsheet software, including Google Suite and Microsoft Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree with an emphasis in Television Broadcasting and/or Engineering or related field.
• Four years of experience with a minimum of two years in a supervisory role at a major market television station.
• FCC General Radiotelephone License or SBE Certification.