Executive Director Cable Commission

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and principal staff member of the Quad Cities Cable Communications Commission and QCTV. This role provides strategic, operational, fiscal, and community leadership for a multi-city public media organization responsible for local government programming, community television operations, cable franchise administration, and public engagement.

The Executive Director works closely with the Commission, elected officials, municipal staff, community partners, and the public to ensure QCTV’s long-term sustainability, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and relevance as a trusted local media resource. This position balances governance support, media operations, fiscal stewardship, legislative awareness, and visible community leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational & Strategic Leadership

• Serve as principal staff to the Commission and implement Commission-adopted policies, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead organizational strategic planning, performance measurement, and implementation.
• Provide regular operational, financial, and policy reports to the Commission.
• Ensure compliance with Commission policies, joint powers agreement, and applicable federal and state laws.

Franchise & Public Right-of-Way Management

• Administer and enforce cable franchise agreements on behalf of member cities.
• Monitor cable operator compliance, reporting, and right-of-way obligations.
• Track, analyze, and report franchise fee revenues and PEG-related funding.

Legislative & Government Relations

• Monitor federal, state, and local telecommunications legislation.
• Advise the Commission on legislative impacts and policy considerations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, city administrators, and city staff.
• Support municipal election coverage and government transparency initiatives.

Fiscal Management & Sustainable Revenue

• Develop, administer, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee operational budgeting and long-term capital equipment investment planning.
• Manage investments, insurance coverage, and risk management practices.
• Identify and implement innovative funding streams and sustainable revenue development strategies.
• Oversee contract negotiations, vendor management, and professional services agreements.

Community Media & News Operations

• Oversee local community television and news operations, including programming, production standards, and distribution.
• Ensure high-quality coverage of government meetings, community events, and local sports.
• Support innovation across broadcast, streaming, digital, and on-demand platforms.
• Serve as an on-camera representative and public spokesperson.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and sustain strong relationships with community organizations, schools, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits.
• Represent QCTV in community forums, professional associations, and regional collaborations.
• Promote public awareness of QCTV services and community value.
• Foster inclusive community engagement.

Board Relations & Governance Support

• Support effective Commission operations through agenda preparation, policy development, and governance best practices.
• Maintain transparent communication and collaborative relationships with Commissioners.
• Provide research, analysis, and recommendations to inform Commission decision-making.

Human Resources & Staff Development

• Recruit, supervise, coach, and evaluate staff.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Oversee HR administration including benefits management, policy development, and compliance.
• Support professional development, training, and succession planning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public administration, business administration, media management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership or management experience in community media, public-sector organizations, nonprofit administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, fiscal oversight, and operational management.
• Proven ability to work effectively with governing boards and elected officials.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PEG access television operations and cable franchise administration.
• Knowledge of municipal government operations and intergovernmental relations.
• Demonstrated success developing innovative funding streams and sustainable revenue.
• Experience in local news operations and/or community journalism.
• Background in contract negotiation and capital equipment planning.
• Advanced degree in a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Franchise and public right-of-way management
• Legislative competence and policy analysis
• Fiscal management and operational budgeting
• Innovative funding and revenue development
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Community engagement and public relations
• Board relations and governance support
• City government and municipal election processes
• Local news and community television management
• Contract negotiation and vendor oversight
• Supervision, coaching, and staff development
• HR benefits administration and policy implementation
• Investment and insurance oversight
• Public speaking and on-camera presentation
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills