Head of Operations

WQED Multimedia seeks a results-driven business leader whose work will help accelerate the expansion of services we provide to communities across southwestern Pennsylvania.

This new position, reporting to WQED’s President and CEO, will focus on key administrative functions, including but not limited to: contract negotiation, vendor management, process improvement, facilities management, policy development, and tracking organizational performance. You will work closely with senior leadership and teams across the organization to streamline processes, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will be an empathetic servant leader who empowers individuals and teams through hands-on mentorship, upskilling opportunities, and a commitment to collective growth. You will be expected to help promote new ways of working—leading by example to foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence.

This is a hybrid role that’s expected to commute to and contribute from WQED’s offices in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh at least three days per week.

About WQED
WQED creates experiences that educate, entertain, and inspire our neighbors in Pittsburgh and across southwestern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1954 as an experiment in educational community-supported television, WQED was a forerunner to PBS. Our content creators produce impactful stories that delve into the rich mosaic of our region’s past, present, and future. We profile remarkable individuals and organizations who work to strengthen our communities. Our Learning Neighborhoods support children, in partnership with area schools and libraries, and extend to high school students exploring media careers. WQED’s classical music operations (via FM radio, live streams, and podcasts) amplifies our region’s vibrant and diverse cultural assets.

Compensation & Benefits
The annual compensation band for this full-time position is $120,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include Highmark BCBS health insurance with an employee deductible of $500/year. WQED pays 100% of the premiums for: dental insurance, vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, basic life insurance up to $150,000. After 12 months, WQED also contributes 5% of employees’ salary to a 403(b) retirement plan managed by TIAA-CREF.

About the Position
This senior role has four primary objectives:

1. Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and implement process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
2. Optimize the organization’s physical facilities, including maintenance, security, space planning, and capital improvements.
3. Lead the development, implementation, and regular review of internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations, industry best practices, and organizational objectives.
4. Help foster a culture of accountability and transparency.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading the negotiation and administration of contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers, service providers, and partners; resolving any issues related to service delivery or performance.
• Leading the implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics that track operational success and drive accountability.
• Driving continuous improvement in Information Technology.
• Preparing an enterprise-level risk management assessment.
• Creating and implementing an organization-wide records management strategy.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years’ relevant management experience, with at least three (3) years in a senior leadership role, preferably in a non-profit or complex environment.
• Strong understanding of organizational policies and procedures, process improvement methodologies, and records management practices.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with government regulations.
• Familiarity with building operations, maintenance, and space planning.
• Track record of driving organizational transformation and improving processes, particularly around cross-functional collaboration and delivering results at scale.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to persuasively influence and align stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or equivalent experience.