Media Technology Specialist, Lead

Section 1: Identifying Information

Position Title: Media Technology Specialist, Lead
Department IT Media Services
Status: Full Time - 12 months
Supervisor: Director, Media Services
Date: July 2021

Section 2: Position Summary

The Lead Media Technology Specialist plays a broad and essential role in the operations of Media Services. The position will serve as the deputy to the Director, Media Services & LEDS. The general objective of the position is to manage the installation, modernization, and continuous maintenance of the audiovisual infrastructure across the Skidmore campus. As such, this position requires a high degree of competence in both audiovisual and information technology. Additionally, this individual must possess strong interpersonal communication, conflict management, and technical writing skills.

Section 3: Primary Job Duties

1. Technical Leadership
   1. Maintains a high-level understanding of the diverse technologies supported by the department. Ensures the ongoing professional development and mentoring of team members, including general knowledge about the field and current practices in their various areas of expertise.
   2. Keeps abreast of trends and developments in multimedia classroom technology and equipment.
   3. Serves as deputy to the Director.
   4. Maintains a thorough understanding of networking principles as they pertain to audiovisual equipment and presentation technologies.
2. Technical Systems Management
   1. Responsible for the day to day Audio Visual operations of the college including the performance of preventative maintenance, installation of new hardware, and end-user support for multimedia classrooms, labs, conference rooms, study spaces, and auditoria.
   2. Helps determine and communicates the objectives, goals, and performance expectations of the department.
   3. Designs and codes custom touch screen graphical user interfaces for sophisticated AV control systems.
   4. Programs touch screen GUIs as well as push-button AV controllers with a wide range of room control functions.
   5. Validates complex control systems in a variety of AV environments using acquired knowledge of installation, configuration, and commissioning principles.
3. Strategic Planning
   1. Continuously identifies and remains aware of the College's Media Services needs by providing end-user support, attending and participating in meetings, managing IT projects, serving on committees, surveying, etc. Meets with a variety of College constituencies to improve institutional efficiency and/or quality, and enhance the use of audio-video technology. Works with the director to allocate resources strategically to pursue those opportunities.
   2. Continuously researches and explores new technology and its application (e.g., by benchmarking best-practices; reviewing blogs, journals, and industry publications; participating in professional organizations; attending industry-related conferences).
   3. Recommends audiovisual upgrades/changes when needed to build, maintain and improve IT operations and meet constituents' needs.
4. IT Department and Skidmore Liaison
   1. Communicates and collaborates with various College constituents to identify and meet their academic, pedagogical, and other IT user needs, and to explore ways to enhance services.
   2. Provides constituents instruction and consultation in the effective use of audiovisual technology (e.g., by conducting one-on-one training or AV-sponsored workshop, orienting new faculty to the use of AV, developing and delivering customized training to meet specific AV user needs).
   3. Assesses constituents' needs and investigates technologies that will help them achieve their goals.
5. Event Support
   1. Interacts with and provides technical and event support for faculty, staff, students, and guests of the college.
   2. Quickly adapts to the specific needs of presenters, problem solves, and maintains composure under highly stressful and time intensive conditions.
   3. Assures the proper operation of audiovisual equipment used for campus events.
6. Production Services
   1. Maintains the technical skills necessary to process audio and/or video content.
   2. Facilitates the proper conversion and/or transfer of media between various formats.
   3. Assists with the printing of digital images and posters.
   4. Collaborates with clients and staff to determine and manage the expected outcomes of production projects.
7. Project Management
   1. Leads Media Services project planning sessions
   2. Provides guidance to the organization on Media Services infrastructure decisions
   3. Participates in tender process, i.e. design, submission, and review.
   4. Manages project progress and adapt work as required to ensure that projects meet deadlines.
   5. Optimizes and improves processes and the overall approach where necessary.

Section 4: Judgment, Discretion, and Complexity

This position requires a high level of technical competency. It requires an understanding of and familiarity with audiovisual technology and the latest trends and best practices. Knowledge of Extron systems as it applies to auditoria is desired. The ability to analyze audiovisual problems and devise technical solutions is required. The individual must have an aptitude for various operating systems, media presentation equipment including hardware and software, and popular applications used for video editing and photo productions in the Apple and Windows environments. The person in this position must have extensive knowledge of audiovisual and sound systems, projection systems, videoconferencing technologies, and video and audio recording. They must be able to apply their extensive knowledge and experience in the design of effective multimedia instructional facilities to assist with the renovation of older classrooms and the implementation of new instructional technology learning spaces.
In addition to technical expertise, this position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills as this individual will provide guidance for the activities of the student and staff technicians. This position will take the lead in technical matters that are not expressly articulated by the director. This position has the authority to allocate resources, i.e. equipment, technicians, etc., to implement a fix.

Section 5: Relationships and Resource Management

This position entails routine interactions with all users within the campus community. The Media Services department works very closely with many types of users for a variety of services. The ability to effectively plan installations and maintenance activities so as to minimize disruptions to classes and college events is a must. The position will manage the technical activities of a department that works directly with users to resolve technical challenges. As such, dedication to maintaining customer service both during and outside of standard business hours is required. An extremely high level of commitment and results-orientation is required to ensure the best outcomes and to maintain the confidence of internal stakeholders.

Section 6: Qualifications and Competencies

Education: An Associate’s Degree in IT or a related field from a regionally accredited institution is preferred. Certification in IT service and with Audio Visual technology desired.

Experience:

• A high degree of technical knowledge of desktop hardware and software required
• A high degree of technical knowledge of AV hardware and software is required
• Knowledge of, competency in, and familiarity with Extron or similar AV control systems is highly desired
• Experience configuring AV control systems is highly desired
• Experience working on IT projects and working with AV integrators is highly desired
• Demonstrated ability to be technically innovative
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest AV technology and trends
• Minimum three (3) years of experience with technology required
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in Media Services related field required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required
• Experience in providing excellent customer service
• Demonstrated initiative, and flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Knowledge of AV industry standards and practices
• Experience with ticketing systems
• Experience with video editing and a variety of multimedia file formats
• Capacity to manage high-stress situations
• Ability to multi-task and manage various project elements simultaneously
• Big-picture thinking and vision

Section 7: Physical Work Environment

This position can be highly physical. It requires the ability to work in crawl spaces and lift at least 50 pounds. Walking across campus is a regular part of this job but most work will be done indoors.

EEO Statement:

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.