Lead Audio Visual Specialist

The Lead Audio Visual Specialist coordinates, operates, and manages all technical elements of event production across all Student Union-managed buildings, including lighting, sound, floor plan design, placement of furnishings and scenic elements, and identification of additional equipment requirements. This position is responsible for preparing facilities for conferences, banquets, University Mall events, and other complex events while ensuring life/safety and ADA compliance. The position supervises AV/Media Technicians and AV student employees.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Event Consultation and Coordination:

• Meets with customers to assist event planners with the planning of large or complex events, producing room setup floor plans and determining the facility's ability to meet customers' physical and technical requests while ensuring compliance with policies and codes.
• Coordinates with outside artists and production representatives and reads technical riders to determine event needs; assesses feasibility and makes recommendations for special staging, rental equipment, and other specialized requests.
• Coordinates the scheduling of vendors, contractors, facility turnarounds, and other required AV/technical services for events across all Student Union-managed buildings, particularly during high-demand periods (Family Weekend, Homecoming, Convocations, etc.).
• Develops and maintains standard venue floor plans and occupancy limits and verifies compliance with University Risk Management requirements.

Direction of Event Facilitation and AV Equipment Operation:

• Oversees the setup and operation of audiovisual systems of varying complexity to ensure seamless presentations by interfacing computer systems, operating equipment, adjusting lighting, and coordinating presentation materials (e.g., projectors, wireless microphones, screens, video/audio monitors, and switching equipment).
• Ensures staff complete event setups according to published floor plans and/or established setup protocols prior to events; notes and records any alterations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and policies.
• Performs on-site supervision and coordination for large events across Student Union-managed buildings to ensure technical production requirements are met.

AV Systems Design and Equipment Acquisition:

• Manages and designs Audio/Visual systems for multiple venues and event types.
• Authorizes the purchase of new and replacement equipment, maintains supply inventory, and places orders according to established departmental procedures.
• Participates in strategic long-term budget development and facilities planning by recommending budgetary needs for materials and equipment, including establishing a refresh/upgrade cycle for AV system components.
• Works with the Associate Director on the annual budget.

Equipment and Facility Upkeep:

• Ensures inspections and testing of audiovisual systems are performed regularly.
• Schedules necessary maintenance and repairs to ensure the safety of customers and employees.
• Oversees safety inspections of staging equipment and event venues, ensuring all safety guidelines are met.
• Coordinates with Room Scheduling to reserve rooms requiring equipment repairs.

Technical Lead & Supervisory Oversight:

• Supervises assigned AV team members and student workers, including participation in hiring, onboarding, training, and scheduling.
• Assigns daily work tasks, establishes technical performance expectations, and coordinates on-site staging schedules for Media Production Technicians and student AV crews.
• Provides subject matter expertise and technical guidance during live events and offers feedback to unit leadership regarding operational effectiveness and crew performance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Working knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of state-of-the-art multimedia instructional equipment, including related computer hardware and software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups and individuals.

Physical Requirement:

• Must
  be able to occasionally lift, move, and transport up to 50 pounds.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.