Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Under limited supervision, ensure the smooth functioning of technical operations at the Case Western Reserve University Maltz Performing Arts Center. Provide operational, technical and pedagogical support for the divisions other operations including technology enhanced classrooms and meeting rooms, video conferencing, lecture capture, streaming media production, general video production and various information technology related tasks in running rehearsals for university and outside groups, coordinating the work of vendors, contractors, and external organizations that support the space, and managing live productions, leading the day-of delivery for all performances, speakers, and events at the center.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Implement stage set up and tear down of all systems, including furniture, lighting, audio, video, and other technical elements. Perform intermediate-level service functions as needed to maintain full operational status of technology. This includes evaluation of issues escalated from remote support personnel, replacing audiovisual equipment, conducting signal flow analysis, testing cables, testing audiovisual systems, documenting system changes, repairing classroom technology hardware. Apply configuration updates and control file updates to audiovisual systems. (30%)
Act as the performance technician for all events. Liaise with the production manager to ensure that all technical and performance elements are appropriate. Control audio, video, and lighting systems and performs other duties as assigned by the production manager. Orient and facilitate unfamiliar individuals with the use of the space. (30%)
Document technical troubleshooting procedures and resolutions for support issues using the incident management tool. Work closely with student employees and outside contractors to ensure the timely delivery of requisite facilities for multiple back-to-back events. Identify and pursue the most efficient use of resources. Clearly and articulately explain complicated tasks and sequences of events to large groups of individuals. Facilitate rehearsals in the space, communicates client needs to requisite parties, and ensures functionality of all systems. Quickly understand and address problems that could hinder operations. (20%)
Maintain accurate inventory and maintenance of all equipment for audio, video, and lighting. Responsible for pulling, setting, usage, and storage of all equipment. Maintain signal infrastructure for audio and video systems and initiate troubleshooting and repairs under the direction of production manager. (20%)
Supervise 5 to 10 student employees who perform a myriad of jobs and tasks at the venue. Oversee their scheduling, set daily and weekly expectations, audit, and ensure that work has been completed, lead their development in technical theater competency and ability. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Assist the production manager in managing all relationships with outside vendors and contractors. Direct the day-to-day work of all external individuals in the space. (4%)
Perform installation duties during audiovisual upgrade projects. This includes installing and decommissioning equipment and components. (3%)
Serve as A/V subject matter expert. (2%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor regarding project status, daily operations, operational and audio-visual services issues, advise supervisor(s) of existing problems or situations which affect (or could affect) the daily operations of the center. Daily contact with other center staff regarding project assignments, providing and obtaining technical assistance, service coordination.
University: Frequent contact with university administration, faculty, and staff to discuss and coordinate upcoming needs for audio-visual services. Occasional contact with [U]Tech staff regarding daily operations, assignments, operational issues.
External: Contact with technical contacts, clients, and service providers to coordinate satellite downlinks, videoconferences, and other distance learning events. Contact with external contractors providing supplemental or outsourced services. Contact with external clients on matters regarding audio visual services department projects. Contact with peer professional organizations that support information technology and communications.
Students: Regular contact with student employees to provide supervision. Occasional contact with students and student groups in the delivery of services that support various student activities or special events.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervision. Supervise 5 to 10 student employees who perform a myriad of jobs and tasks at the venue. Oversees their scheduling, sets daily and weekly expectations, audits and ensures that work has been completed, leads their development in technical theater competency and ability.
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 2 years of related experience in performing arts space required. Experience with audio networking systems, digital mixing consoles, lighting systems, recording equipment, multi-track audio and video recording systems, broadcasting setups, video presentation and projection.
Education: High school education required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Strong working knowledge of media communications theory, including video, audio and projection standards, practices, protocols, and procedures.
Strong working knowledge of installing and operating of audio, video, projection and data projection equipment.
Ability to interface portable computer systems with modern audio-visual equipment.
Knowledge of technical theater operations, various types of stage plots.
Familiarity with a wide range of event types: orchestral, choral, theatrical, lecture, banquet, ceremony, etc.
Ability to calmly and confidently provide instruction and training to a wide variety of clients.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Excellent communication skills. Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Talking to others to convey information effectively. Ability to actively listen and be responsive to verbal and non-verbal clues.
Ability to develop networks and use them to strengthen internal and external support. Ability to identify opportunities and take action to build strategic relationships between University Technology and other university areas, teams, departments, etc., to help achieve business goals.
Ability to respond to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintain good working relationships among internal and external customers. The ability to recognize awkward or potentially embarrassing situations that sometimes arise. Always aware of tone and careful choice of words, while at the same time ensuring that the intended message is clear, polite and readily understood.
Ability to look at situations from multiple perspectives, break problems into component parts, and look for underlying causes and think through the consequences of different courses of action.
Ability to optimize the use of time and resources to achieve the desired results; effectively plan and organize work to minimize crises; prioritize appropriately.
Ability to identify various types of problems, as well as opportunities for increased efficiency and improvement, along with the creation of workable solutions. Requires the identification and analysis of problems, evaluation of alternatives, and provision of solutions.
Ability to develop in-depth understanding of client needs in order to be more helpful. The ability to consider how different audiences are likely to respond and choose the best method of communicating the message to each audience.
Consistently models high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness and respect for the individual.
Experience working with various populations.
Ability to recognize the importance of certain tasks and responsibilities and the ability to prioritize to ensure that deadlines are met.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Higher than normal working pressure due to tight deadlines and interaction with all levels of administration, faculty, staff, parents, students, public, and contractors. There are periods of high stress situations such as meeting project deadlines, the audio-visual services of special events and at the beginning of and end of the academic year. The employee may be required to attend university events, meetings/ functions outside normal working hours including weekends. Overtime may be required.
Performing arts and stage environment. The employee will be required to perform a high degree of physical ability and agility. Job tasks involve carrying tools and equipment while climbing ladders, maneuvering through tunnels, attics, catwalks and other physically hard to reach locations. Due to the nature of the position, employees are exposed to any number of physical injuries, which can result from lifting heavy equipment, working on ladders and in high places, working with power tools, working with high power electrical equipment, etc. Standing through the completion of a special event operator jobs is often required. The employee may be exposed to animals, bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and radioactive materials. The employee will need to be able to lift up to 49 lbs., balance, bend/stoop.
Requirements
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 2 years of related experience in performing arts space required. Experience with audio networking systems, digital mixing consoles, lighting systems, recording equipment, multi-track audio and video recording systems, broadcasting setups, video presentation and projection.
Education: High school education required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
