VP of Programming & Distribution

Vice President of Programming & Distribution

WQED is seeking a dynamic executive to manage and expand a portfolio of content projects that demonstrate our organization’s value to communities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. The Vice President of Programming and Distribution will guide the evolution of WQED’s content strategy across platforms. This is a “player-coach” role for an experienced creative leader with a demonstrated track record of creating highly engaging multi-platform content.
 

Responsibilities for this new, full-time position will include, but are not limited to:

Programming Strategy. Develop and execute comprehensive programming strategies that leverage WQED’s brand, original content, historical programs, and raw footage to strengthen audience connection and increase engagement. Pilot original content across formats—audio, video, digital, live events—and across platforms, from broadcast to streaming to social.

Community Storytelling. Manage multidisciplinary content teams as well as community contributors, overseeing content “Produced By,” “Created For,” and “Presented By” WQED. The VP will be accountable for integrating those three categories in compelling ways, building partnerships with diverse creators, developing talent succession pipelines, and ensuring that WQED becomes known as an accessible platform for community voices.
 

Expand Distribution. Materially evolve the scale of WQED’s content distribution efforts, building new partnerships and reaching broader audiences through emerging formats and technologies. Secure distribution agreements for THE 412 with streaming platforms and smart TV manufacturers. Develop incremental revenue streams by licensing WQED’s original content.
 

Program Optimization. The VP will be accountable for: optimizing content offerings across channels and platforms; planning and evolving compelling schedules that consistently grow audiences; reallocating resources to align with strategic objectives; maximizing value from WQED’s distributor affiliations; and adapting to changes in national program availability.
 

Experimentation. Promote a culture of disciplined experimentation by inspiring, mentoring, and leading cross-functional teams to explore, test, and scale new ideas. Emphasize collaboration, accountability, performance, and speed as core cultural values.
 

Candidates should be solution-focused problem-solvers with a bias toward action—an inspiring mentor who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. They should have a deep understanding of customer-centric product design and be passionate about the future of local media.

In addition to the specific objectives and focus areas above, this position will also supervise individuals and teams responsible for:

• original storytelling (content created by WQED staff);
• production operations (evolving workflows for capturing content, managing media, and the post-production process); and
• programming operations (traffic, logs, listings schedules); and
• archive management (preserving and making WQED’s historical collections broadly accessible).

This position will report directly to WQED’s President and CEO as part of the Executive Office.

Qualifications include but are not limited to:

• 15 years of progressive multi-platform content leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success developing high-impact content across formats and platforms, specifically including new television program and channel development.
• Experience optimizing broadcast and digital production and distribution pipelines.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of complex projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of media production processes and equipment.
• Understanding of archival best practices and digital preservation efforts.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience leading and inspiring creative teams.
• Excellent communication, project management, and negotiation skills.
• Experience cultivating a data-informed approach to programming decisions. 
• Familiarity with the Pittsburgh media landscape and local content creators is helpful.

Equal Employment Opportunity
WQED Multimedia is a fair and equal employer, providing access and opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, self-expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law and as directed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. WQED Multimedia provides equitable consideration for employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements. Qualified applicants with a disability or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply (as a result of their disability) have the right to request reasonable accommodation by emailing careers@wqed.org.