Audio Visual Lead

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Audio Visual Lead is responsible for coordinating a range of advanced technical functions related to the setup, implementation, and design of media equipment and productions, including complex designs and large-scale events. The role includes supporting all learning formats by verifying the functionality of AV technology and ensuring that all users are trained and comfortable with its operation. Operating with little to no supervision, this position requires strong prioritization skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple conflicting deadlines.  

This position directly serves Division of Continuing Education (DCE) students, faculty and administrators for classrooms and events. It closely coordinates and consults with Academic Technology Support, Distance Education Production, Academic Services. Other groups that involve regular communication, updates and event management are the Professional & Executive Development Programs (P&ED) and Harvard Institute of Learning in Retirement (HILR). On complex projects, this position must work closely with the DCE Innovation & Technology Team, Distance Education Production, contractors, independent AV consultants, DCE Facilities and administrators.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

The role excels in proactive planning and management, both independently and interdepartmentally, for day-to-day operations and projects of varying scales. It is instrumental in developing innovative technical solutions for courses, programs and high-profile events, as well as maintaining the DCE AV systems, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and that all users are trained and comfortable with their operation. The position manages the construction and renovation of classrooms and is aware of the trends in AV technology. 

• Act as the primary resource person within the department, coordinating and consulting with clients on media production projects and major events, including the design of new systems or multimedia facilities 
• Schedule, prepare, stage, and troubleshoot AV events, delegating tasks ranging from minimal to moderate complexity 
• Develop technical solutions for all learning formats and events, providing support and event facilitation as needed, with on-call availability on weekends to address unplanned AV issues 
• Perform regular AV/Media equipment maintenance, escalating to service work when necessary. Develop, update, and maintain an inventory of equipment, schedules, and records. Prepare status reports to ensure smooth operation 
• Oversee and maintain various media equipment, including video, film, photographic, and audio systems, with a focus on complex equipment like multimedia, computer projection, and videoconferencing systems 
• Train, develop and supervise all AV staff (including temporary staff). Train instructors, speakers, and presenters on the use of AV technology. Create and update standard operating procedures as well as AV documentation 
• Act as an AV construction and renovation representative between all stakeholders and experts. Communicate needs, coordinate order of work and manage timeline constraints. Stay current on new and emerging technologies (hardware/software/cloud platforms) and recommend solutions 
• Provide expert consultation services, including the development of budgets for projects, new facilities, events, or systems 
• Coordinate with outside vendors for equipment purchases, installation, and repair. May prepare, compile, and monitor department or sub-department budgets as needed 
• Provides information and advice to a diverse University public on technically complex matters. Respond skillfully and promptly to a high volume of customer inquiries 
• Coordinate closely with IT, Academic Technology Support, and Distance Education Production, P&ED teams - support/event facilitation and management of tickets, research software and technology compatibility  
• May serve as coordinator or lead technician in a multi-functional control room or studio

Working Conditions:

Additional support outside of regularly scheduled hours including early mornings, nights, and weekends, and holiday breaks may occasionally be required. Working on weekends and off hours may be required to respond to unplanned AV issues. Overtime policy will apply as this is an overtime-eligible position.

This position will be in person, and it is based in Cambridge, MA. This is considered an “On-Campus Critical Position”: The employee is required to report to campus to their normal work location. An employee serving in an on-campus critical position may have to report to work even if there is a campus emergency closure. Schedule may change based on business needs and is subject to change with appropriate advanced notice  

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting equipment and going to multiple classroom/convening spaces.
• Walking moderate distances between classroom buildings.
• Ability to lift 30-50 lbs, climb ladders and swiftly transport equipment across campus.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 2 years’ experience in audiovisual support

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Three to five years of relevant experience, with thorough knowledge of media equipment and system design, and the ability to educate and communicate with a diverse customer base about complex technology applications 
• AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification is preferred 
• Previous leadership and supervisory experience are helpful 
• Demonstrated technical expertise in an area/s of audio visual and multimedia, web conferencing platforms 
• Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment. Basic knowledge of network topology, equipment and capabilities in an AV systems environment 
• Strong commitment to customer support, leadership and communication skills 
• Self-motivated and have the ability to work on independent projects 
• Experience with customer service, web development and help desk support are a plus

• Appointment End Date: N/A
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm)
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): N/A
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Criminal
• Other Information:
  • We will not provide visa sponsorship for this position 
  • A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration 
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. 

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.