Job Description

The Head of Programs is responsible for promoting and integrating the use of Artificial Intelligence across all stages of program production, including editorial preparation, research, execution, and post-production. This includes leveraging AI tools to enhance content development, production efficiency, workflow optimization, and creative output, while ensuring all AI applications are used in a responsible and editorially governed manner, in line with Sky News Arabia’s standards and values.

 The role oversees the development, production, and delivery of high-impact programs, documentaries, investigative reports, and special content, ensuring editorial excellence, consistency, and alignment with Sky News Arabia’s editorial standards and strategic objectives.

Working closely with the Head of News and senior editorial leadership, driving program innovation, strengthening cross-platform delivery, and ensuring efficient workflows across teams in a 24/7 broadcast environment

Key Responsibilities

1. Editorial Strategy & Leadership

• Define and lead the editorial vision and strategy for all programs output, across political and non-political content.

• Ensure all programs adhere to SNA editorial guidelines, accuracy standards and compliance requirements.

• Oversee the development of program concepts, formats, and long-term editorial planning.

• Provide senior editorial judgment on sensitive, complex, or high-profile program content.

2. Program Oversight & Production Management

• Oversee end-to-end production of programs, including documentaries, investigative reports, political shows, and non-political programs.

• Ensure consistent quality, tone, and storytelling standards across all programs.

• Work closely with Senior Executive Producers and Senior Program Producers to plan schedules, prioritize output, and allocate resources effectively.

• Monitor production timelines, budgets, and delivery against editorial priorities.

3. People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and manage the programs team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and editorial excellence.

• Support talent development, performance management, and succession planning within the Programs unit.

• Provide coaching, guidance, and feedback to strengthen editorial judgment and production capability.

4. Cross-Functional & Platform Collaboration

• Partner closely with Editorial, Digital, and AI / Innovation teams to ensure integrated and cross-platform program delivery.

• Drive collaboration between political and non-political program teams to ensure alignment and efficiency.

• Support innovative initiatives and new programs that enhance audience engagement across platforms.

5. Operational Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure robust editorial governance, compliance, and risk management across all programs output.

• Act as a senior escalation point for editorial issues and operational challenges related to SNA programs.

• Ensure programs teams operate effectively within a 24/7 newsroom environment, including coverage of major events and special programs.

Key Skills, Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Media Studies, or related discipline; postgraduate qualification is an advantage.

• Minimum 12–15 years’ experience in broadcast journalism or program production within a national or international news organization.

• Proven senior leadership experience overseeing programs, documentaries, investigative journalism, and political content.

• Strong editorial judgment with deep understanding of news ethics, compliance, and risk management.

• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure newsroom environment.

• Strong understanding of cross-platform content delivery (TV, digital, social).

• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder-management skills.