Job Description
SportsNet Pittsburgh, operated by NESN, is seeking an experienced Director of Production & Operations to lead and manage both the production and operations teams. As the regional sports home for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates, this role is crucial in ensuring high-quality broadcasts for all live games, studio productions, and digital content. The Director will oversee the Pittsburgh-based production facility and remote operations, while also serving as a key liaison with the broadcasting, digital, and communications leads for the Penguins and Pirates. This position reports directly to NESN's Chief Operating Officer and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Content, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Technology, and Engineering, to meet the network's strategic goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Production Oversight:
- Lead and manage live sports production, including pre-game, in-game, and post-game coverage for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Oversee studio productions, post production and all other original content (e.g., video-enabled podcasts), ensuring quality control across all live and recorded broadcasts.
- Supervise producers, on-air talent, and technical crew, maintaining the highest standards of production, storytelling, and viewer engagement.
- Foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and innovation within the production teams.
Operations Management:
- Manage day-to-day operations of SportsNet Pittsburgh’s production facility and remote studios.
- Provide operational oversight for live event operations, including game directors, technical directors, editors, audio personnel, and videographers.
- Ensure smooth operational workflows, focusing on efficiency, safety, and quality.
- Oversee vendor relationships and third-party service agreements, including truck providers, crewing companies, and other technical partners.
Cross-Department Collaboration:
- Work closely with the Content, Sales, Traffic, Digital, Technology, Marketing and Engineering teams to integrate operational and technical workflows into live and studio broadcasts.
- Serve as a key liaison with the broadcasting, digital, and communications leads for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates, ensuring alignment and smooth coordination for broadcasts and content production.
- Ensure seamless integration of sponsored content and advertising into live broadcasts, collaborating with sales teams to execute sponsorship goals.
Strategic Leadership:
- Lead initiatives to continuously improve production quality and operational efficiency, staying ahead of industry trends and technological advancements.
- Regularly review the business continuity plan and departmental SOPs to ensure operational readiness in the event of disruptions.
- Develop and manage the operational budget, optimizing resources without compromising quality.
- Safety & Compliance:
- Oversee safety protocols for the Pittsburgh facility and remote productions, ensuring compliance with industry standards, union regulations, and broadcast rules.
- Stay up to date with FCC regulations and broadcast compliance standards, ensuring that all production and operational activities are in full compliance.
We believe in the potential within every individual. If you’re passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.
Qualifications:
- 10-15 years of experience in broadcast production and operations, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role.
- Strong understanding of live sports production, including technical workflows for both studio and field operations.
- Proven experience leading large cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, live production environment.
- Expertise in vendor management and contract negotiations.
- Deep knowledge of sports broadcasting, particularly professional leagues like the NHL and MLB, with a focus on innovative content production.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of fostering strong cross-departmental partnerships.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (Broadcast Production, Engineering, Operations Management, or Media). Advanced degrees are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with digital content production and distribution platforms (OTT, FAST, streaming).
- Familiarity with media rights, licensing, and sponsorship integration.
- Knowledge of union regulations and compliance standards in sports broadcasting.
- This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead production and operations at SportsNet Pittsburgh, delivering top-tier sports content for fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates across multiple platforms.
We believe that when team members feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and innovative. If you're looking for a workplace that celebrates people and their personal and professional growth, you've come to the right place.
Some of the benefits we provide include:
- Medical and Dental plans which are currently funded by NESN at approximately 85%
- Pre-Tax HSA, FSA and Dependent Care Account
- 401(k) plan with employer match of 100% up to the first 6% of compensation, 3% contribution through Safe Harbor and discretionary profit sharing of up to 6%.
- Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability which are currently 100% funded by NESN
- Paid parental leave
- Time Off Benefits - Eligible NESN Employees accrue Paid Time Off equaling 160 hours or 20 days for the full year
- Team Store Discounts - Employees will receive a discount of 50% at the Red Sox Team Store and 25% off at the Bruins Pro Shop with a valid NESN Employee ID
- Paid Volunteerism - NESN provides eligible employees with up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid time to participate in NESN Connects events.
- Tuition Reimbursement - NESN provides a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program to assist employees who aspire to further their education to learn & grow within their careers.
- LinkedIn Learning Courses - Eligible employees receive a free membership to LinkedIn Learning which provides on-demand learning to thousands of courses anytime, anywhere from your computer to your mobile device.
- MBTA Reimbursement - Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $100 per month for the use of Mass Transit if it is their primary mode of transportation to & from work
- Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
- Estate Guidance - The Hartford helps employees protect their family’s future by creating a customized and legally binding will online using a simple but comprehensive online questionnaire.
- Additional Perks & Employee Discounts - As a NESN employee, you are eligible for other discounts & perks such as pet insurance, tickets, travel, dry cleaning, mobile phones, and much more!
Who We Are
NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins among other holdings, and Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins. NESN is delivered throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.
As of Fall 2023, NESN manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a newly branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates games, as well as local college sports, original content and more in PA, WV, and portions of MD, OH and NY.
Our professional environment is passionate, adaptable, creative, and filled with aspiring individuals who are driven to grow with our company. Our core values are at the heart of who we are. We have a spontaneous and vibrant culture, and we truly believe in team spirit and collaboration.
NESN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.
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