Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Programming Director, the Assistant Programming Director assists in planning and managing NJ PBS's broadcast and streaming schedule. The Assistant Programming Director is responsible for day-to-day scheduling, program acquisition coordination, traffic operations, and liaising with PBS national programming. This position ensures the programming grid reflects NJ PBS's editorial priorities and public service mission.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the development and commissioning of locally produced content, with particular focus on representing underserved New Jersey communities and partnering with the state’s business, art, educational and creator communities.
• Ensure programming reflects New Jersey's geographic, cultural, and linguistic diversity, including content for non-English-speaking audiences.
• Work with the programming director to develop and implement a programming strategy balancing national PBS content with locally produced and acquired programming.
• Assist in building and maintaining the broadcast and streaming program schedule.
• Coordinate with PBS national programming and other vendors for clearances and scheduling.
• Manage traffic operations, including program logs and commercial/underwriting placement.
• Fulfill log requests regularly for NJ PBA.
• Track program rights windows and clearance deadlines.
• Liaise with production staff to schedule locally produced content.
• Maintain programming database and scheduling software.
• Research and evaluate programs for acquisition.
• Assist in producing program guides and on-air promotion schedules.
• Coordinate closed captioning and accessibility requirements for all programming.
• Support the Programming Director in special programming events and pledge drives.
• Handle scheduling adjustments for breaking news preemptions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field related to the position.
• A minimum of three years of experience working in a media, marketing or content management organization.
• Demonstrated experience in broadcast programming, scheduling, or traffic operations.
• Familiarity with broadcast scheduling software and program log management.

PREFERRED:

• Experience at a PBS affiliate with knowledge of national programming clearance processes.
• Familiarity with FCC programming requirements.
• Experience with Nielsen audience data and broadcast scheduling analytics.