Job Description

The Manager of DC Field Operations is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day technical and operational management of the Versant Media DC Field Operations Team along with DC bureau responsibilities. Reporting to the Director of Field Production & Operations, this position ensures seamless coordination between technical resources, editorial teams, and production staff to deliver high-quality, live television news coverage from the nation’s capital.

This role requires a strategic thinker, strong communicator, and hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic news environment, with the ability to lead through breaking news, special events, and politically sensitive coverage.

What You’ll Do:

· Serve as the primary liaison between the bureau chief, news desk, internal technical teams, as well as external service providers.

· Coordinate with the network transmission department for day-of-air needs and production support.

· Make rapid, informed decisions regarding the allocation of technical resources in support of live programming, breaking news, special events, and studio operations.

· Maintain availability during early mornings, evenings, and weekends to manage last-minute schedule and operational changes.

· Collaborate with editorial and technical staff to identify and resolve production issues affecting the on-air product.

· Manage daily live shot operations from the field locations and adjust staffing levels as needed in a highly fluid news environment.

· Oversee technical staffing, including hiring, scheduling, handling sick calls, managing freelance needs, and conducting performance evaluations.

· Assist in planning and managing bureau budgets, including staff and freelance labor costs.

· Work collaboratively with other Versant units (e.g., News Desk, CNBC, MSNBC) to protect network interests and maximize crew and resource efficiency.

· Partner with EHS to enforce safety protocols for all studio operations.

· Ensure bureau staff are properly trained and up to date on equipment and studio operations; provide training and development opportunities as needed.

· Ensure all technical resources, facilities, and equipment are properly maintained, operational, and prepared for live production demands including talent home studios and location cameras.

· Collaborate with engineering, IT, and facilities teams to maintain equipment and implement future technical advancements.

· Work with the DC Bureau Chief on emergency planning and disaster recovery protocols.

· Monitor and manage budgets related to staff labor, freelance support, and operational expenses.

· Independently lead and manage special projects such as multi-camera remote productions, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.

· Maintain compliance with safety protocols, company policies, and applicable regulations.

· Stay current on emerging technologies and workflows to continuously improve field operations efficiency and quality.

· Valid passport and driver’s license with a clean driving record; ability to drive company vehicles and manage logistics for remote events.

Qualifications

What You Must Have:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Broadcast Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

· Minimum of 10 years of technical experience in a television studio or broadcast environment.

· 3 years of direct experience in live news production and control room operations.

· Strong technical knowledge of broadcast production equipment, live transmission workflows, bonded cellular technology, satellite systems, and field logistics.

· Demonstrated ability to manage technical teams and coordinate resources effectively under tight deadlines.

· Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

· Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

· Flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as required.

· Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

What Would Make You a Stand-out:

· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and broadcast standards.

· Experience working in a news bureau or politically sensitive news environment

Additional Information

Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from a designated worksite.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary: $140,000- $160,000 (bonus eligible)

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.