Manager, Broadcast IT Systems (16774)

Summary/Objective

The Manager, Broadcast IT Systems oversees the digital media production systems, audio routing, and control systems unique to a media production environment. This position is the bridge between the IT discipline and what is often seen as the “traditional” broadcast engineering discipline. The focus of this position is the management and evolution of the audio playout, content management, audio-over-IP routing (AoIP / Axia and Pathfinder), network infrastructure, streaming audio infrastructure, and video production infrastructure. The position is responsible for implementing and maintaining the systems used to create and manage audio/video content, facilitate newsgathering and production, and curate content to ensure that the content producers of WAMU have the digital tools they need to produce content in a modern multiplatform world. This position plays a key role in the implementation of modern control and distribution systems used to manage and connect transmitter sites, multimedia systems used for performance and presentation spaces, as well as support for content gathering systems used in the field. This position reports to the Director of Broadcast Engineering and works as part of a broad strategy to provide service excellence to WAMU.

Essential Functions

1. Broadcast Systems Management: Building, testing, troubleshooting, maintaining, upgrading, and installing Broadcast IT systems and devices. This will include but not be limited to: audio playout and automation (DAVID, Wide Orbit); Web stream encoders and monitors; Electronic Newsgathering, production, and content management (KLZ Newsroom, Burli); field audio production (Adobe Creative Cloud); field and network content contribution (Comrex, Tieline, Burli, Content Depot); audio routing and control (Axia, Pathfinder); facility monitoring and control (Burk, SNMP), video production (Blackmagic, Tricaster), presentation management (AMX Crestron, Christie), digital signage, and associated systems. Works closely with the Broadcast & Live Sound Engineer to support systems on which WAMU relies.

2. Operations and IT Helpdesk: Troubleshoots system anomalies and corrects directly or assigns to coworkers. Performs user training on media production and management systems. Supports the production needs of special internal or external events and remote broadcasts. Provides WAMU staff-facing customer support as an active member of the helpdesk team. Responds to calls for help and acts on trouble tickets promptly. Work will occur at DC facilities and potentially offsite at various field broadcasts.

3. Project Implementation: Works with other members of technology team and stakeholders throughout WAMU to design and identify systems and platforms responsive to the content production, playout, and facilities control needs of the organization. Provides support to the Director of Engineering on projects. Identifies vendors and products to become key components of the WAMU production suite. Designs and leads training programs for end-users and plays a leadership role in assessing the efficacy of every IP-based system in use in the organization (examples include: content creation / management, audio routing, field production, program transport, web streaming, network storage). In collaboration with the Director of Engineering, deploys strategies to exceed 99.999% uptime of the WAMU broadcast signals and production systems on an annual basis.

4. Initiative Support: Works with other station departments to support technical requirements of on-air membership drives, special events, breaking news, and everyday needs. Ensures the department always meets the operational needs of the station.

Work Environment

This is a hands-on role that requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, differentiate colors, climb ladders, hear sound and distinguish audio quality, type on a QWERTY keyboard or touch screen, read schematics and fine text, and effectively communicate with others using both written and spoken word. The incumbent must also be able to follow broadcast industry standard safety guidelines for working with electricity and Radio-Frequency generating equipment, periodically work in confined spaces, and communicate safety information to others

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full time
• Project Leader/Advisor B
• Non-Exempt

Position’s Required Presence (subject to change due to the University’s operating status)

• Require Partial Presence On Campus (mix of on-campus and remote work)

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field or demonstrated success in similar positions that establishes the necessary skills and abilities required for the job.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent
• 5-8 years of relevant experience--

-Five years of broadcast and IT experience including administration of a broadcast automation and/or newsroom production system, as well as computer networking systems

-Experience in managing a digital audio routing and distribution system (AoIP with Pathfinder, Ravenna, Dante, or TDM)

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of analog and digital audio equipment, contribution links, and satellite systems
• Willingness and ability to communicate effectively across the organization
• Ability to be a mentor and teacher to technical staff and coach of non-technical staff
• Ability to develop training programs from time-to-time and ensure effective implementation of systems through training
• Knowledge of FM transmitters and Studio-to-Transmitter links a plus
• Familiarity with National Public Radio, its satellite system, and public broadcasting in general is a plus
• Cisco, A+, or SBE certifications a plus
• Preferably, passionate about WAMU and the mission of public media
• Must have a reliable method for getting to all WAMU worksites, including the studio and DC area transmitter facilities, within a reasonable amount of time (typically within 2 hours of notification)

Benefits

• Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options

Other Duties

• This is an essential role at WAMU that will frequently be on-call 24-7
• Must be able to work remotely in the event assistance is required after-hours or during inclement weather

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