Vice President, Local Content & Pubic Affairs

Twin Cities PBS (TPT) is one of the most innovative public media organizations in the country. Every day, TPT uses the power of media to advance the arts, spur engagement and learning, help young people succeed and support adults aging vitally. We are excited to announce that we are hiring a Vice President of Local Content & Public Affairs.

This role will be a strong creative force and thought leader on the Content Team during a time of transition and expansion of TPT’s two local media units, Public Affairs and Minnesota Media. Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, they will have senior-level oversight of diverse content development, production, and multi-platform distribution as well as long and short-form local programming to maximize TPT’s audience, brand impact and community service.

The Vice President provides strategic, well-formulated, and proactive approaches to all phases of the development and production process, offering editorial oversight and ensuring the creation of content aligns with TPT's Content Strategy, diversity priorities, and our Strategic Plan. They will challenge key business assumptions along with providing the data to support new and innovative ways of funding and making content. This person will work collaboratively with other senior leaders across Marketing, Communications, Revenue, Finance, Education and Community Engagement to ensure the creation of content delivers on creative, brand, ratings, funding, budget, and revenue goals.

The ideal candidate will lead with the utmost journalistic integrity and have live television production experience. They will have strong relationships in the Minnesota creative community and the industry. Twin Cities PBS is committed to increasing our diversity so that the communities we serve will also see they are represented and valued within our organization.

**Salary Range: $148,000 - $170,000 (depending on qualifications).

**This position is eligible for incentive compensation based on individual and organizational performance.

** HYBRID Workplace - candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to the Twin Cities Metro Area.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Public Affairs Department Leader (30% of time)

  • High-level management of the long running statewide, weekly live public affairs series, Almanac and Almanac at the Capitol.
  • Manage the evolution of the Almanac series in service of growing its audience to include a younger and more diverse audience while maintaining its current loyal and devoted audience.
  • Create and implement the vision for the expansion of TPT’s Public Affairs department into new platforms and the development of new series and specials.
  • Partner with key stakeholders across the organization to identify funding and revenue opportunities for Public Affairs content and staff.
  • Ability to step in and live produce Almanac or Almanac at the Capitol.

MN Media Department Leader (30% of time)

  • Editorial oversight of all content creation across multiple platforms including Streaming, Broadcast, YouTube, TikTok, etc.
  • Manage the day-to-day creative development pipeline for all local content across all platforms, and inspire, educate and coach individuals through the development process.
  • Lead the charge in sourcing ideas from current and historical events, pop culture, and other avenues with an emphasis on long and short form documentary, performance, docu & lifestyle series, and How To/DIY/educational series.
  • Oversight of the management and procurement of funding for local content across all platforms
  • Partner with Education & Community Engagement Teams to create a 360-degree approach to TPT’s local programming from initial inception through execution and distribution.

Leadership & Staff Management (20% of time)

  • Manage and mentor the two leaders overseeing the day-to-day operations of the local History, Arts & Culture, and Digital & Emerging Media Departments.
  • Oversight of the Public Affairs Supervising Producer.
  • Lead, mentor, inspire, educate, guide, and develop team and staff members within MN Media and Public Affairs throughout their TPT careers.
  • Oversee the hiring, staffing, evaluation, overall management and training of staff.
  • Coach and mentor team members through ambitious goals and support for professional development.
  • Cultivate a fun, engaging, and balanced work environment.
  • Strong focus on the hiring and development of on-camera talent for Public Affairs and Almanac. 

External Relationship Maintenance and Creation (15% of time)

  • Manage, maintain and build productive relationships with external organizations, funders, producers, and talent within the community and across the state in service of the creation of community informed content.
  • Identify innovative ways to partner to create multi-platform content and initiatives that entertain, educate, and empower audiences while adhering to PBS Editorial Standards & Practices.

Other duties as assigned (5% of time)

  • Participate as an active member of the Content Team and Department Leaders Team.
  • Contribute to shared goals and collaborate with colleagues on achievement of priorities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Experience

  • 10 years live television, documentary, multi-platform non-fiction and journalism experience.
  • 7 years of experience managing and developing content teams.
  • Resident of, or willing to move to the Greater Twin Cities Metro. 

Preferred Experience

  • 15+ years of live television, documentary, multi-platform non-fiction and journalism experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in managing and developing content teams.
  • Public speaking and meeting facilitation experience.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Passion for the mission of Twin Cities PBS with a strong focus on audience and end user needs.
  • Champion and cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and ambitious culture that seeks out diverse viewpoints, encourages risk-taking and learning, and rewards great teamwork.
  • Experience sharing roadmap and decisions widely across the company to ensure understanding and awareness in all functions and levels.
  • High degree of emotional intelligence and ability to flourish under pressure.
  • Ability to adapt individually and to pivot/flex team to be agile amongst a changing environment and shifting business priorities.
  • Willing to expand knowledge relating to industry drivers and trends, foster a mindset of continuous learning.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communications skills. Able to adapt and tailor communication to meet audience needs.
  • Commitment to advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) priorities within the organization.
  • Must have strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines for time sensitive assignments.
  • Commitment to ethical business practices and high standards of editorial integrity consistent with the brand of TPT and public media.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with all team members. 
  • Enthusiasm for hearing and considering diverse points of view, and comfort with making decisions when surrounded by divergent opinions.
  • Ability to travel to locations in the greater metro area on a frequent basis. Occasional travel out of the state with a valid driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation.

We know that engaging, building trust, and making a difference relies on the collective wisdom and strength of a truly diverse organization. With this in mind, and as an equal opportunity employer, we encourage and strongly welcome candidates of all identities, lived experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

For more details and to apply, click here.