Lead AV Technician

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity. The AV Solutions Department provides subject expertise and delivers trusted and functional engineered audiovisual solutions across the museum’s many platforms and spaces — performances, gallery installations, digital displays, and events, both live and virtual. Our team is proactive, courteous, and collaborative while providing clear and efficient communication in support of our colleagues, partners, and the audiovisual solutions our team integrates.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Lead AV Technician will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at the museum to fulfill all technical audiovisual requirements for documenting live or virtual produced events as well as assist in the installation of various audiovisual elements in locations across the museum campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Audio Visual Events and Installations: In collaboration with the Director of AVS, the AVS Systems Manager, and AVS Operations Manager, will deliver, setup, and operate audio, lighting, and visual projection systems and video content capture equipment to support all live or virtual events and performances, and assist in the installation of integrated audiovisual elements in galleries, classrooms, and meeting spaces.
• Facilitate postproduction on live event captures: Using postproduction applications, will provide client or event requester with recorded media documentation, and assist in the export, uploading, and digital archiving of all formats of recorded material, both audio and video.
• Install and Maintain audiovisual systems: Assist in the installation and maintenance of audiovisual equipment and systems in lecture halls, exhibition spaces, galleries, and conference rooms.
• Coordinate and communicate with event stakeholders: Provide consultation, technically orient and assist, as well as, interact professionally with departments, clients, external and event representatives.
• Research, analyze, and procure AV equipment. Maintain an understanding of current and new audiovisual technology and research developing technology as it pertains to our greater departmental role at the museum.
• Fluency with all Institutional systems, and best practices: Will be expected to achieve proficiency in all installation and events systems on the museum campus.
• Leading, orienting and training parttime staff: Leads teams of freelance AV Technicians during events and installations. In conjunction with the Director of AVS, AVS Operations Manager, and AVS Systems Manager, participates in the orientation and technical training of freelance technicians by conducting technical tours of the facilities, operation, and configuration of existing audiovisual systems and equipment.
• Please note that, due to the nature of events, this job will require night and weekend hours, as determined by the scheduling manager.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods standing and sitting occur; must be able to stand up to 90% of the duration of an integration and sit in a stationary position 75% of the time during administrative and postproduction related duties.
• Frequently moves audiovisual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus for various auditoriums, classrooms and events needs.
• Frequently ascends/descends ladders, scaffolding and/or lifts to adjust lighting and audiovisual equipment.
• Frequently positions self to maintain audiovisual equipment, including under counters and in or behind racks in audiovisual closets.
• Frequently operates a computer and other audiovisual equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with colleagues about audiovisual equipment and exhibition details. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Expertise/fluency in past and current audiovisual technology and software.
• Background in live and recorded multitrack sound mixing.
• Background in installation of TV’s, projectors, and speakers, including integrated, networked control systems.
• Experience using BlackMagic ATEM switchers and remotecontrolled PTZ cameras.
• Knowledge of event capture systems and post production applications such as video editing and audio mixing for outputting deliverables, with a focus on Adobe Premiere Pro, Davinci Resolve, Pro Tools, and Izotope RX.
• Understanding of camera fundamentals (ISO, frame rate, shutter speed, lenses, etc.)
• Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, SmartSheets, Zoom, and Jira.
• Minimum 3 years experience in live events and/or audiovisual services in the live arts, higher education, and/or a museum setting with knowledge of contemporary art practices using media and/or audiovisual technology.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills required. Direct experience working with a formal communications or project management system preferred.
• A sensitivity to working with art and artists.

This position is salary grade 6.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.