Regional Director of Technology and Engineering

The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) is seeking a Regional Director of Technology and Engineering for our Broadcast Operations at our Dubai, UAE office. MBN is a non-profit grantee of the federal government that directly communicates with the people of the Middle East and North Africa through television, radio, and digital media. MBN's mission is to provide objective, accurate, and relevant news and information to the people of the Middle East about the region, the world, and the United States in support of U.S. public diplomacy.

I. PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Director of Technology and Operations is responsible for managing the information technology and engineering department in accordance with organizational policies and goals in all overseas offices. Incumbent will identify and work to implement effective and cost-efficient innovative technologies as needed in support of MBN’s enterprise and broadcast activities. Candidate will function as the Technical Project Manager for multiple projects, delegating tasks, and manage the productivity of the Engineering, IT and Technical Operations Center (TOC) teams. They will work closely with MBN’s Director of Engineering and IT to ensure global consistency in MBN’s Broadcast Engineering and IT Infrastructure.

• DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential Functions: Duties and responsibilities noted with bullets are considered to be the essential functions of the job).
• Provides strategic direction and administrative and technical oversight of all overseas offices Broadcast Engineering and Enterprise IT infrastructure staff and activities.
• Work with MBN senior management and leadership to develop and implement MBN’s strategic roadmap and plans for both Broadcast Engineering and Enterprise IT needs.
• Builds, schedules and manages a team of Broadcast Engineers. Enterprise IT and TOC professionals to support Broadcast and Enterprise IT operations. Interview and hire staff members when needed.
• Ensures staff development at all levels; provides guidance, communicates goals and objectives effectively; manages team performance and provides timely performance feedback.
• Demonstrates understanding of all necessary Broadcast Engineering, Enterprise IT and TOC systems and ability to use them as necessary to improve operations.
• Ensures all internal processes and procedures are followed.
• Provides Senior Technical Resource expertise on systems, processes and procedures.
• Be available as required to provide guidance and answer questions or to escalate issues as necessary.
• Tracks and trends all appropriate internal data to enable proper metrics management.
• Identifies best practices for team in regards to quality issues in their daily work.
• Can act decisively and solve department staffing or equipment-related problems.
• Documents quality standards, system anomalies, operational procedures, reference materials and project work.
• Ensures compliance with all Department and MBN policies and procedures.
• Manages Broadcast Engineering and Enterprise IT financial and personnel resources efficiently and effectively.
• Identify and implement the most cost-effective upgrade and redesign strategies for MBN’s Broadcast Engineering and Enterprise IT Infrastructure.
• Identify, implement, maintain, upgrade and deploy cloud solutions and systems to support MBN Broadcast and Enterprise needs.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices and determine when applicable to MBN.
• Act as the Technical Project Manager for multiple projects, delegating technical tasks, and managing the productivity of the Broadcast Engineering and IT team.
• Inventory and maintain all maintenance, support and warranty agreements for all MBN IT, telecommunications and telephony hardware and software.
• Supervise all third-party vendor relationships in support of MBN Engineering and IT
• Point of contact for all internal and external audits of MBN’s Overseas Broadcast Engineering, Enterprise IT and TOC infrastructure and activities.
• Alerts senior management in a timely manner to existing and emerging challenges, resource, or staff issues; provides recommendations for issue resolution succinctly and comprehensively.
• Prepare and deliver statistical reports to the Chief Broadcast Operations Officer on a monthly and annual basis.
• Willingness to work flexible duty hours as and when required by business needs.
  
  

II. OTHER DUTIES:

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties and take on other responsibilities as dictated by events and circumstances.

III. QUALIFICATION/EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or equivalent experience. Minimum 5-7 years experience in user support, customer service, or other relevant fields.
• Requires a minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible management experience.
• Must have the ability to identify, analyze and innovatively solve problems.
• Excellent management skills, a confident demeanor and excellent rapport when interacting with all levels of staff, outside vendors, and third-party engineering vendors.
• Solid understanding of Traditional and Emerging Broadcast Engineering and Enterprise Information Technology standards and industry acumen.
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing and solving complex technical problems and an interest in developing new strategies.
• Ability to read and understand electronic schematic and system diagrams.
• Knowledge of SMPTE based standards relating to IP Media Transport and Studio IP workflows and knowledge of bonded cellular technology and systems preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team, including mentoring, performance management, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to keep calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to travel internationally if needed.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills.
• The ability to adapt to changing requirements and high-pressure situations.
• Candidate must have a commitment to excellence, ongoing education, and to the mastery of their craft.
• Experience or familiarity with the use of AutoCAD software is desired.
• Arabic language skills and cultural knowledge are desirable.
  
  

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity