Careers at Kansas City PBS
At Kansas City PBS, we strive to educate, inform, and enrich our community with quality programming and services. Our committed team of professionals works every day to fulfill this mission and we are always looking for talented people to add to our team.
Kansas City PBS and its fellow brands 90.9 The Bridge and Flatland offer a range of professional opportunities. From nonprofit development to multimedia journalism to music discovery, there is something for everybody.
Whether you are a seasoned professional in the field or a newbie with innovative ideas, please take a moment to check out the various job opportunities currently available at our station. If you have questions or if your organization would like to be notified of future job vacancies at Kansas City PBS, please email our team at humanresources@kansascitypbs.org.
Film Fellowship Program Manager
The Film Fellowship Program Manager will oversee the strategic coordination of a year-long film fellowship program designed for early-career filmmakers. This part-time role supports the development of the two Media Production Fellows by managing program logistics, coordinating workshops, and providing feedback and mentorship during remote and studio shoots. The Program Manager also plays a key role in ensuring the success of each fellow’s capstone project and the overall impact of the program.
Part-Time, Temporary
JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinate and manage the fellows’ calendar, including monthly workshops, production schedules, and key deadlines.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for fellows, providing guidance, mentorship, and feedback throughout the program.
- Support fellows in the planning and execution of their 26:46 capstone documentary projects.
- Assist in the development and review of promotional and underwriting content created by fellows.
- Track fellow progress ensuring strict adherence to schedules and deadlines.
- Support grant reporting and storytelling related to the fellowship program’s outcomes and impact.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Comfort working in collaborative, cross-functional environments.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends for events or productions.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered):
- Bachelor’s degree in film, media production, communications, education, or a related field or equivalent professional experience in film/media production, education, or nonprofit program management.
- Experience coordinating educational or creative programs, internships, or fellowships preferred.
- Familiarity with film and video production workflows, including pre-production, shooting, and post-production.
- Experience mentoring or supervising early-career creatives or students.
- Background in documentary filmmaking is a plus
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to humanresources@kansascitypbs.org. Please include in your cover letter how you learned about this position.
Kansas City PBS is an E-Verify, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Media Production Fellow
The Filmmaking Fellow will take part in a one-year, full-time program that introduces early-career filmmakers to interdisciplinary best practices in media production, including technical, creative, and strategic aspects of the field. In addition to participating in monthly workshops and completing a capstone project, the Fellow will participate in monthly workshops, shadow/support members of the production team in-studio, during remote productions, and in underwriting and project awareness efforts and have the opportunity to attend a nation PBS conference for networking and skill-building. This role offers hands-on experience across various stages of the production process and includes opportunities for professional development and networking within the broader PBS station system.
Full-Time, Temporary
JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Plan, produce, and complete a 26:46 capstone film project over the course of the fellowship, exploring a significant aspect of Kansas City’s history, a current issue, or a notable achievement by community members.
- Shadow and assist members of the production team in various capacities during In-studio productions and remote productions.
- Support the creation of basic underwriting and awareness spots, including scripting, shooting, and editing short-form content.
- Apply PBS Editorial Standards and Practices as well as PBS Digital Studios Production Guidebook to comply with FCC guidelines and best practices.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:
- Access to structured learning sessions led by experienced professionals.
- Knowledge of lighting techniques for studio and field production.
- Editing best practices using industry-standard software.
- Understanding of marketing strategies for film and digital content.
- Understanding of digital distribution methods and audience engagement strategies for project promotion.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Strong interest in visual storytelling and documentary filmmaking.
- Willingness to explore diverse perspectives and community voices.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting.
- Comfort receiving and incorporating feedback from mentors and peers.
- Dependability, time management, and attention to detail.
- Ability to work outside of normal business hours, flexing time to meet deadlines and attend station events as needed.
- Ability to lift at least 30 lbs.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered):
- Basic Familiarity with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve).
- Basic familiarity of audio recording and mixing fundamentals.
- Understanding of media files management, organizing footage, and maintaining project workflows.
- Familiarity with remote production techniques (e.g., virtual interviews, mobile shooting setups).
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college, university, or technical program in film, media production, communications, journalism, or a related field or equivalent field experience in film or video production.
- Experience working on collaborative creative projects or in production environments (e.g., school media teams, internships, freelance work).
- Experience operating cameras, editing video, or assisting on film sets (academic, personal, or professional projects) preferred.
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to humanresources@kansascitypbs.org. Please include in your cover letter how you learned about this position.
Kansas City PBS is an E-Verify, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Communications & Engagement Manager
The Communications and Engagement Manager is a strategic communicator and creative leader responsible for enhancing the visibility and impact of Kansas City PBS and its digital journalism platform, Flatland, through compelling storytelling across print, digital, and spoken platforms. This marketing role oversees the production of the monthly program guide, manages earned media, leads promotional copywriting, and drives community engagement through events and strategic outreach. The position also supervises the Events Coordinator, ensuring seamless planning and execution of station-hosted events that connect with and grow audiences.
Salary Range: $72,100-$74,200
JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Lead the editorial planning, writing, and production of the monthly program guide, coordinating with internal teams and contributors to ensure timely, mission-aligned content.
- Lead strategy for the station's earned media, writing and distributing press releases and media pitches, maintaining relationships with outside media partners and serving as main point of contact for media coverage.
- Lead the development and execution of crisis communication strategies, ensuring cohesive messaging across channels and supporting organizational resilience and risk management.
- Manage the Events Coordinator, overseeing the planning and execution of community engagement events, screenings, and outreach initiatives.
- Represent the station at public events and cultivate partnerships with local organizations.
- Identify and pursue innovative opportunities within the events program to attract new audiences and deepen engagement with existing ones.
- Write compelling copy for on-air, digital, and print promotions, working strategically to ensure platform-specific best practices are utilized.
- Lead editorial planning, writing and production of annual reporting efforts.
- Coordinate key messaging/remarks for internal stakeholders to ensure alignment across all distribution channels.
- Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, cultural groups, and civic leaders to expand the station’s reach and relevance.
- Actively seek opportunities for the station to be represented at key community events, festivals, and forums across the metro area and surrounding regions.
- Serve as an ambassador for the station, ensuring a consistent and positive presence in the community that builds trust, visibility, and audience engagement.
- Other duties as assigned by the Chief Content Officer.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with demonstrated ability to write for an external audience in various applications.
- Ability to multi-task and oversee diverse projects simultaneously in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment.
- Ability to work outside of normal business hours, flexing time to meet deadlines and attend station events as needed.
- Strong interpersonal skills for managing internal and external stakeholder relationships.
- Public speaking skills, and the ability to represent Kansas City PBS as a responsible, informed ambassador.
- Knowledge of AP Style.
- Strong project management skills.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered):
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media, preferably in a nonprofit or media setting.
- Proven experience managing publications and media outreach.
- Management experience a plus.
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to humanresources@ kansascitypbs.org. Please include in your cover letter how you learned about this position.
Kansas City PBS is an E-Verify, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Engineer
Kansas City PBS is seeking a skilled Engineer to join our dynamic team. This position plays a critical role in the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a wide array of production and broadcast systems. From automation servers and audio consoles to cameras and satellite receivers, you’ll ensure our technical infrastructure supports the highest standards of broadcast quality.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set up and maintain router/switcher and asset management system components
- Ensure readiness and performance of all studio and broadcast equipment
- Configure and operate audio/video gear for both studio and remote productions
- Maintain broadcast signals in accordance with FCC regulations
- Perform FCC-mandated broadcast functions
- Align and configure video/audio inputs for seamless integration into production workflows
- Perform hardware/software troubleshooting and maintenance
- Install and terminate low-voltage wiring for production and broadcast systems
Skills & Qualifications:
- Strong technical and communication skills
- Ability to collaborate professionally with internal and external stakeholders
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend shifts
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Post-secondary technical education preferred
- Minimum 5 years of broadcast experience preferred
- FCC Radio Telephone General License or SBE Certification required
Why Join Us?
At Kansas City PBS, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to high-quality, community-centered programming. We offer a collaborative environment where your expertise is valued and your contributions make an impact every day.
Ready to Apply? If interested in this exciting opportunity, send cover letter and resume to humanresources@kansascitypbs.org. Please include in your cover letter how you learned about this position.
NOTE: This is an IBEW bargaining unit position.
KCPBS is an E-Verify, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer