Programming Manager, RMPBS and RMPBS+

Programming Manager, RMPBS and RMPBS+

Denver, CO

Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. (RMPM) is the parent company of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop. Over a million Coloradans turn to Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop to discover provocative and inspiring local, national, and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities every month.

The Programming Manager leads day-to-day execution of programming strategy across Rocky Mountain PBS (RMPBS) linear channels and the RMPBS+ streaming platform - managing scheduling, curation, acquisition support, and operational communications so our friends across Colorado always have great public media content to watch. This role works closely with Membership, Underwriting, Technology, Digital, Journalism, Marketing, Traffic, Production, Local Public, and PBS partners to carry out programming priorities.

This role focuses on daily execution: the Director of RMPBS Programming and Original Productions sets overall programming strategy, leads acquisition negotiations, and owns original-production partnerships. This role reports to the Director of RMPBS Programming and Original Productions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Programming Strategy, Curation & Acquisition

• Build and execute monthly broadcast schedules and long-term programming plans for RMPBS linear channels and RMPBS+, including thematic programming and content rotation.
• Curate and prioritize PBS, syndicated, and local content - including RMPBS+ placements such as HERO features, carousels, and collections - to grow engagement with our friends and support organizational goals.
• Identify and recommend acquisition opportunities across linear and streaming platforms, bringing analysis and options to the Director for final decisions.
• Liaise with PBS programmers and The Programming Service (TPS) to track long-lead calendars and align national programming, pledge content, and special blocks with station priorities.
• Monitor RMPBS+ performance and flag opportunities to improve discoverability, partnering with Local Public on platform enhancements and best practices.
• Maintain programming archives and curation documentation to support long-term planning and promotional strategy.

Scheduling & Operational Communications

• Develop and distribute weekly communications on programming schedules, technical requirements, live feeds, pledge programming, and schedule changes.
• Coordinate programming details across Traffic, Master Control, Production, and Technology to keep operations running smoothly.

Local Content & Journalism Coordination

• Partner with the Journalism team to align local productions, documentaries, and special projects - including Colorado Experience - with the schedule and promotional plan.
• Maintain workflows that support timely delivery of programming assets, metadata, and promotional materials.

Promotion & Audience Engagement

• Develop monthly programming highlights and promotional priorities for Marketing, Digital, Underwriting, and Audience Relations.
• Partner with Membership, Marketing, and Digital on Passport Picks, RMPBS+ communications, and social campaigns that keep our friends engaged with the content they love.
• Review promotional materials and audience communications for accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment.

Compliance & Reporting

• Manage journalism-related content reporting for quarterly FCC compliance filings.
• Ensure programming activities comply with FCC requirements, PBS standards, and organizational policy; maintain SOPs for consistency.

Team Support

• Support the Assistant Manager of Programming and Technical Programming Specialist in day-to-day execution of departmental priorities.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience at a PBS affiliate or PBS program supplier strongly preferred. Highly motivated, detail-oriented, with excellent people skills; familiarity with PBS programming.
• 3–5 years of experience in television programming, traffic operations, content strategy, media operations, streaming platforms, or related fields.
• Proficiency in metadata management and programming system administration (ProTrack), with experience in MasterControl operations, vendor coordination, and technical workflows.
• Strong knowledge of public media programming, scheduling, content acquisition, and audience engagement strategies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate across departments, and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and aptitude for detailed, process-driven work and accurate data entry.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and/or people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every qualification. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce. If you're excited about this role, feel a passion for our mission, this feels like it could be your dream job, but your previous experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply!

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:

Persons interested in this position must apply at www.rmpbs.org/jobs. Please submit the following items:

1. A cover letter detailing how the applicant's qualifications fit the needs of RMPM and information on how the applicant found out about the job opening.
2. A resume detailing education, training, and employment experience.

Position will be posted at www.rmpbs.org/jobs until filled. No phone calls please. KRMA-TV/KTSC-TV/KRMJ-TV/KRMU-TV/KRMZ-TV and KUVO-FM/KVJZ-FM are licensed to and operated by Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. as non-commercial public television and radio.

EEO Statement

Rocky Mountain Public Media embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As such, Rocky Mountain Public Media does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.