Audio Visual Lead

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 Additional 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 Position Description

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 EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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

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

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.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive.
We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers. Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits.
Most coverage begins as of your start date. Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more. Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service. Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions. Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more. Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.)
and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston. Work Format Details

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

About Us

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) comprises four academic units serving about 30,000 domestic and international students annually, which allow Harvard to meet the learning needs of intellectually curious and highly motivated students from high school through retirement.
Established in 1910, the Harvard Extension School (HES) offers access to Harvard faculty for a diverse community of adult learners, enrolling about 15,000 students.
HES offers over 1,000 open enrollment courses - 85 percent of which are accessible online - and provides flexibility through noncredit, undergraduate, and graduate courses, including degrees, certificates, and a premedical program.
The Harvard Summer School, founded in 1871, offers around 450 credit and noncredit courses both on the Harvard Campus and online, catering to 10,000 high school, college, and adult learners.
Additionally, it offers more than 15 international study abroad programs, hosting up to 300 students each summer.
Harvard DCE Professional & Executive Development delivers over 140 noncredit programs annually, reaching more than 3,600 participants through online platforms and its executive development center in Cambridge.
The Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement offers about 140 peer-taught courses to approximately 550 active members.