Description
Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) seeks a creative and strategic Programming Director to lead the development, acquisition, and scheduling of broadcast and digital content across MPB Television and streaming platforms. This position ensures MPB’s programming reflects the diversity, culture, and educational mission of Mississippi while engaging audiences with content that informs, inspires, and connects communities statewide. Responsibilities Develop and manage MPB’s overall programming strategy for television and digital platforms. Acquire, schedule, and evaluate national and local programs that align with MPB’s mission and audience needs. This includes films, series, documentaries, news/ public affairs programs, and public service announcements. Serves as liaison with master control and traffic to manage programming and traffic schedules, which include television programs, promotions, underwriting, and agency messages. Collaborate with MPB’s television, education, and communications teams to promote and distribute original Mississippi-based content. Oversee programming budgets, acquisitions, and rights management. Analyze audience research, ratings, and feedback to guide programming and scheduling decisions. Maintain compliance with FCC, PBS, and CPB standards and reporting requirements. Serve as MPB’s primary liaison to PBS, APT, NETA, and other public media distributors. Partner with the development and marketing teams to support fundraising and underwriting initiatives through strategic programming choices. Supervise programming staff and foster an environment of innovation, teamwork, and accountability. Produce quarterly pledge drives. Produce monthly reports for executive and development team for broadcast and digital performance trends, and analytics. Maintain television schedule accuracy and consistency on television program listings across various broadcast providers, the MPB website, and MPB print and digital Fine-Tuning guides. Manage on air and digital promo creation and workflows across departments. Works with post-production supervisor to maintain quality check/ quality assurance standards to content according to PBS Production Guidelines.
What you'll need to be Successful:
- Demonstrated knowledge of PBS programming and the mission of public media.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, timelines, and multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and data analysis skills.
- Familiarity with local production development, community partnerships, and cross-platform content strategies.
- Proficient with creating spreadsheets, presentations, and file sharing using Microsoft tools and similar products.
Requirements
Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4-7 years of experience. Agency preferred qualifications:
- Experience with PBS Content Online, Nielsen and other audience measurement tools, television traffic scheduling systems and software such as Protrack.
- Leadership experience in a collaborative, mission-driven organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, broadcasting, media management, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in television programming, content acquisition, or media leadership.
