"KPBS Chief Technology Officer"

KPBS Chief Technology Officer

Job No: 554167
Work Type: Management (MPP)
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: MPP, Appointment Type: At-Will, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Information Systems & Technology, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): On-site (work in-person at business location)

Join Our Team as Chief Technology Officer - KPBS
At KPBS, we inform, enlighten, and empower our community through trusted news, inspiring storytelling, and meaningful public service. As San Diego's public media station, KPBS serves more than one million people each week across television, radio, and digital platforms. We are deeply committed to journalistic integrity, community connection, and financial transparency in everything we do.

The KPBS Chief Technology Officer is responsible for the station's technology vision, infrastructure, and operations. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the CTO oversees Engineering, IT, and Production, ensuring that KPBS's technology ecosystem is reliable, secure, accessible, and future-ready.

The CTO plays a critical role in aligning technology strategy with KPBS's mission of public service, the operational frameworks of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF). This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight in a fast-evolving media and technology environment.

As Chief Technology Officer, you will:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for all KPBS technology operations, including broadcast engineering, IT systems, production technologies, digital platforms, cybersecurity, data governance, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Develop and operationalize a forward-looking technology strategy that supports current operations while preparing KPBS for future platforms, workflows, and audience expectations.
• Lead and unify Engineering, IT, and Production teams, modernizing enterprise systems and creating seamless, end-to-end workflows across content creation and delivery.
• Guide organizational leaders in the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, automation, and new digital distribution models.
• Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, CSU and campus policies, and federal and state laws, while strengthening disaster recovery, emergency response, and business continuity plans.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the General Manager and Management Council on technology investments, risks, and opportunities.
• Build and manage vendor and supplier relationships, licensing agreements, and service contracts to ensure high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
• Lead technology-related facilities and infrastructure planning, including transmission sites and major building systems, in partnership with SDSU and SDSURF.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, accessibility, collaboration, and continuous learning across all technology teams.

Why You'll Love Working at KPBS

• Mission-Driven Impact: Your work directly supports trusted journalism and educational programming that serves the San Diego community.
• Innovation with Purpose: Lead technology strategy at a station embracing digital transformation, new platforms, and emerging tools, while staying grounded in public service values.
• Collaborative Leadership: Partner with talented professionals across media, operations, and development in a culture that values transparency, teamwork, and shared success.
• Life in San Diego: Enjoy working in one of the nation's most dynamic regions, known for its creativity, diversity, and quality of life.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at KPBS/SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary
KPBS Public Media is San Diego's trusted PBS and NPR station, bringing award-winning news, in-depth investigations, educational programming, and cultural storytelling to the region for more than 60 years. Anchored on the campus of San Diego State University, KPBS connects, reflects, and serves all of our communities by delivering media that informs, inspires, and drives meaningful dialogue.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, telecommunications, digital engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing mission-critical technical infrastructure, including management of technical teams.
• Experience in modernizing broadcast or media production and distribution workflows.
• Understanding of FCC regulations and relevant industry standards.

Key Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead complex technology organizations in fast-changing environments.
• Strong understanding of broadcast engineering, IT systems, cybersecurity, and digital media platforms.
• Experience integrating systems across the full media lifecycle, from production through distribution.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Demonstrated success in project, change, and vendor management.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusive design, and public service values.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.

Licenses and Certifications Required
Valid California Driver's License and ability to travel locally for station business.

Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $185,000 to $200,000 annually.