Salary : $99,964.80 - $142,355.20 Annually
Location : Johnston - 50131 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00525
Agency: 285 Iowa PBS
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact:
To Apply: Click the Apply button at the top of the page. Please attach your resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and vision for the role to your application.

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Director of Content
Position Overview:

Iowa PBS is searching for a visionary and accomplished Director of Content to lead content planning and development for local and statewide programming. This critical leadership role manages all broadcast and streaming content, ensuring our programming educates, informs, enriches, and inspires Iowans. As a member of the leadership team under the direction of the General Manager, the Director of Content will oversee approximately 35 staff members and play a vital role in the organization's strategic planning process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of local and statewide programming from initial concept through completion.
• Ensure editorial integrity across all Iowa PBS content including broadcast, streaming, and social media. Manage budgets, monitor production processes across the network, and meet project objectives.
• Work closely with the Iowa PBS Foundation and collaborate with internal departments to create cohesive content and distribution plans for new platforms.
• Supervise and evaluate programming, production, master control, and operations staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and strengthen community partnerships and collaborations to enhance Iowa PBS programming.
• Research and implement best practices in operational processes, audience research, program evaluation, technology, and public broadcasting trends.
• Engage with national network representatives to share insights and learn from colleagues across the country.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to journalistic standards and editorial integrity.
• Broad experience in managing programming and production for both broadcast and streaming media, including studio-based and remote multi-camera productions, digital shorts, and major documentaries.
• Proven leadership and management skills, particularly in supervising creative staff and managing budgets.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in public media production and programming.
• Ability to understand and consistently leverage local programming that varies from public affairs, culture, sports, music, and history.
• Successful track record of building internal collaborations for effective program production and distribution.
• Ability to drive collaborative efforts between Iowa PBS and content partners.
• Expertise in strategic planning and data-driven decision-making to effectively serve Iowans.
• Innovative mindset to explore and implement new production models that best serve the community.

Benefits:

The State of Iowa is committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, paid holidays, and unlimited sick leave accrual.
• Health Coverage: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance coverage.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our

Join Us!

At Iowa PBS, you'll have the chance to shape the future of our programming and production while working with a passionate and talented team. If you are enthusiastic about public broadcasting and have the expertise to lead our programming and production efforts, we invite you to apply. Help us create inspiring content that makes a difference in the lives of Iowans.
Visit our careers page to learn more about our organization.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to six years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.
2) Ten years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.
3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Six years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
4) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Four years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1 or comparable specific management-level position.
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