CURRENT JOB OPENING

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Job Summary

The Student Television Network (STN) is looking for a Program Director to help lead the next chapter of our programs and experiences. As a national nonprofit supporting middle and high school broadcast journalism and film programs, everything we do is centered around empowering students to tell great stories and helping teachers build strong, creative programs.

This role plays a key part in shaping what STN programming looks and feels like each year. The Program Director brings both creativity and organization to the table, helping design engaging experiences while making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

We are looking for someone who enjoys thinking big, working collaboratively, and turning ideas into tangible opportunities for students and teachers. If you understand student media and storytelling and get excited about building something meaningful, this role is a great fit.

Key Responsibilities

Program Vision & Strategy

• Lead the vision, design, and continuous improvement of all STN programs to ensure they remain innovative, relevant, and impactful

• Evaluate program effectiveness through feedback, participation data, and industry trends

• Develop new program ideas, formats, and storytelling opportunities that engage students and teachers

• Ensure alignment of all programs with STN’s mission and long-term strategic goals

Contests

• Oversee all STN contests, structure, timelines, and execution

• Design creative, engaging, and educational contest prompts that reflect current media trends and student storytelling

• Ensure contest systems, workflows, and judging processes are efficient, fair, and scalable

• Enforce contest rules, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines

• Maintain organized systems for contest data, results, and archives

• Review and resolve contest-related disputes and integrity concerns

• Develop and maintain judging systems, rubrics, and evaluation standards across all contests

• Ensure consistency and quality in judging outcomes through clear criteria and structure

• Evaluate judging data and feedback to improve scoring reliability and participant experience

• Monitor judging timelines, particularly during high-volume periods

• Ensure awards are designed, ordered and shipped in a timely manner

Convention

• Support the planning and overall experience design of the annual STN Convention

• Lead the planning and execution of all convention contests, including structure, schedules, and workflows

• Coordinate with staff and volunteers to manage contest operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

• Oversee real-time problem solving to maintain fairness and efficiency during contests

Workshops & Events

• Partner with the Education Coordinator to plan and execute summer workshops and educational programming

• Lead the development of regional contests, workshops, and events to expand STN

• Work with vendors, partners, and internal staff to ensure seamless program delivery

Program Materials & Documentation

• Develop and maintain program materials, including contest descriptions, handbooks, rubrics, and guidelines

• Ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment across all program documentation

• Update materials annually based on feedback, data, and program evolution

Community & Network Development

• Help design and grow STN’s alumni network, mentor programs, and regional ambassador initiatives

• Build pathways for student leadership, mentorship, and continued engagement beyond the convention and contests

• Foster relationships with teachers, industry professionals, and partners to strengthen STN’s community

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with the Executive Director and staff to align programming with branding, communications, and organizational goals

• Support cross-functional planning, ensuring programs integrate with marketing, sponsorships, and operations

• Mentor interns, student leaders, and others involved in programs and content creation

• Contribute to a collaborative, creative, and mission-driven team culture

• Collaborate with technical partners to support program-related needs and improvements

Operations & Program Management

• Maintain and manage detailed program timelines and workflows, including overlapping deadlines during peak seasons

• Assist with logistics, communication, and execution across all program areas

• Support data tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in media, communications, education, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 3+ years of experience in program management, media, education, events, or creative leadership

• Strong understanding of student media, storytelling, broadcast, or film production

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills

• Creative thinker with the ability to develop engaging program concepts and prompts

• Tech-savvy with experience using digital platforms, submission systems, and collaborative tools

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with teachers, students, and partners

• Ability to balance big-picture vision with detailed execution

• Experience with events, contests, or educational programming is highly preferred

Work Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time, 40 hours/week

• Occasional evenings and weekends required during events and deadlines

• Travel required for major STN events (1-3 times annually)

• Salary range starting at $55,000, based on experience

• Flexible remote work environment with paid time off

Reporting Structure

• Reports to Executive Director

• Works closely with other STN staff and contractors

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a central role in shaping the experiences that define STN. The Program Director ensures that every contest, workshop, and initiative not only runs smoothly, but inspires creativity, elevates student voices, and reflects the future of media and storytelling.