Chief Technology Officer (San Diego)

KPBS is seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the station’s technology strategy and innovation efforts. As a key member of the executive leadership team reporting directly to the General Manager, the CTO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of KPBS by driving technological excellence across all platforms.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader with a deep understanding of the intersection between technology, media, and public service. The CTO will guide a talented team across Digital Technology, Engineering, IT, and Production, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

In this role, you will:

• Set and execute a forward-thinking technology vision that supports the mission and strategic goals of KPBS.
• Lead and inspire cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment between technology initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Navigate and respond to the evolving media and technology landscape, positioning KPBS as a leader in public media innovation.
• Serve as a vital connector between KPBS, the University and Research Foundation, managing facilities and tech infrastructure to support long-term growth and sustainability.

We’re looking for a leader who combines technical expertise with business acumen, thrives in a fast-changing environment, and brings a passion for public media and its role in serving diverse communities.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus The individual hired into this role will work on campus at KPBS/SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and web programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University (SDSU), KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience. It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

For more information regarding KPBS, click here .

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $175,000-$200,000 annually.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, telecommunications, digital engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent, quantifiable experience.
• Minimum of ten years managing critical technical infrastructures.
• Minimum of eight years leadership experience, including technical teams.

Key Qualifications

• Experience modernizing the traditional television production and distribution workflow.
• Understanding of FCC regulations and other industry standards.
• Past experience directly managing IT or supervising IT professionals and knowledge of addressing data privacy and cyber security needs as well as demonstrated interest in applying new technologies such as AI.
• Experience building and integrating systems for the full lifecycle of media distribution – from pre-production to digital download platforms.
• Working knowledge of the broadcast and technology systems and protocols.

Licenses and Certifications Required

Driver’s License and ability to drive personal vehicle for station business is required.