The Urban Institute
AudioVisual Specialist (Office of Technology and Data Science) (Creative Design)
About the Urban Institute:
At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.
Our Mission
To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.
Our Values
Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity
For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.
The Opportunity:
The Office of Technology and Data Science (Tech and Data) is looking for a talented AudioVisual (AV) Specialist with expertise managing and operating live events and related AV systems.
Tech and Data is a team of outstanding technology and data science professionals who provide Urban with solutions that employ state of the art technologies as well as project/product management practices including Lean, Agile, and Design Thinking.
The AV Specialist will work with Tech and Data colleagues and with Urban's Events team to contribute to the operations, support, and continuing development of event AV and meeting room systems and technologies. Work will be primarily on-site with some opportunities for remote work.
The AV Specialist will report to the Lead AV Engineer.
What You'll Do:
Responsibilities include:
Serve as a primary system operator for Urban live events using its integrated presentation and related AV systems.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot Urban's integrated AV systems for in-person, hybrid, and virtual event and meeting use cases.
Prepare for and execute live event technical productions, including “day of” oversite of live event operators.
Define technical requirements for events, in partnership with internal stakeholders including Events team, Tech teammates, and program organizers.
Interface with AV integrator partners to coordinate maintenance, repair, and similar work.
Project management support for design and build projects with AV integrator partners.
Provide support and training on meeting rooms, AV systems, and tools to people with varying levels of technical proficiency such as staff, Events teammates, Tech support staff, and event technical operators.
Develop, document, and refine event and technology related best practices and effectively communicate them to stakeholders.
Maintain, refine, and create AV systems documentation.
Support the continued development of Urban's AV systems in alignment with Event and Tech & Data strategy, including evaluation of new products, technologies, and solutions, and contribute system design ideas.
Who You Are:
The successful applicant will have:
Three to five years of experience as a staff or freelance AV technician or technical manager, or comparable role.
Demonstrated history as a live event system operator with in-depth experience using presentation audio, video, and control systems.
Audio: Proficiency with live event audio operation and engineering, including both wired and wireless systems.
Video: Experience with live event graphics operation and video engineering.
Livestreaming: Experience operating multi-camera streaming productions.
Proficiency in AV signal flow and systematic troubleshooting methods to efficiently identify root cause and resolve issues.
Experience in setting up and striking AV equipment and knowledge of related best practices for installed and portable systems.
Proficiency using videoconferencing tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or similar, for live events and interactive meetings.
High production quality standards and a demonstrated commitment to delivering superior customer service and a great event experience.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to distill and communicate technical information to stakeholders of varying technical proficiency, ranging from non-technical to experienced system integrators and operators.
The ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
An innovative and entrepreneurial mindset to generate creative and new ideas or improve work processes.
The following are welcome but not requirements:
Relevant certifications
Live broadcast event production experience
Project management experience
AV system installation experience
IP network audio systems experience (such as Dante)
Administration experience with enterprise videoconferencing tools
What You'll Experience:
No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. And whether you call the Washington, DC area or elsewhere home, you can expect to be part of a welcoming and hybrid workplace. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity.
Urban's greatest asset is our people.
The salary range for this position is Min $ 65,600 – Mid $ 86,070 – Max $ 105,086 . Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute's total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff's physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you're hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You'll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Urban is committed to supporting our staff's physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you're hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You'll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
All Urban Institute employees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and comply with masking and distancing requirements, regardless of responsibilities or work location. New hires must also be fully vaccinated before starting work. Employees may request exemption from vaccination against COVID-19 based on either a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss with each employee potential accommodation.
The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees' Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
The Urban Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis
The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.
The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.