Senior Administrator, Broadcast IT Systems

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Broadcast Engineering

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Full On Campus Presence

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Senior Administrator, 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 IP discipline. The focus of this position is the management and evolution of the audio play-out, content management, audio-over-IP routing (AoIP / Axia and Pathfinder Core Pro), 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 news gathering 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 multi-platform 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.

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Colombia, Maryland and Virginia

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the 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 (Burli); field audio production (Zoom recorders, Adobe Creative Cloud); field and network content contribution (Comrex, Tieline, Burli, Content Depot); audio routing and control (Axia, Pathfinder Core Pro); facility monitoring and control (Burk, SNMP), video production (Blackmagic, Tricaster), presentation management (AMX Crestron, Christie), digital signage, and associated systems.
  
  
• Works closely with the [new role – “Manager, Broadcast Engineering Systems”] to support systems on which WAMU relies.
  
  
• This role coordinates closely with the Director of IT and other IT staff on the implementation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Broadcast IT systems.
  
  

2. Operations Training and Support:

• Troubleshoots system anomalies related to Broadcast Operations and corrects directly or assigns to appropriate employee.
  
  
• Performs user training on media production and management systems like Burli, Wide Orbit, and Adobe Audition.
  
  
• Supports the production needs of special internal or external events and remote broadcasts.
  
  
• Provides WAMU content creators direct support as an active member of the Broadcast Operations 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:

• Collaborates 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, back-end servers and similar systems, 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:

• Collaborates 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 broadcast operational needs of the station.
  
  

5. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Championing Customer Needs.
  
  
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
  
  
• Developing Plans.
  
  
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
  
  
• Building and Supporting Teams.
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.
  
  
• 35 hours/week.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Required to monitor and reply to essential email after-hours.
  
  
• After-hours work required for scheduled and unscheduled broadcast IT systems maintenance, special broadcasts and emergency repair.
  
  

Salary:

• $90,000 - $108,430 annually, commensurate with experience.
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree or equivalent.
  
  
• Associates degree in Computer Science, 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:

• Associate's degree.
  
  
• 4-6 years of relevant experience.
  
  
• Two 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 Core Pro, Livewire Wheatnet, 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 patient teacher of non-technical staff.
  
  
• Ability to develop training programs as needed 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).
  
  
• 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.
  
  

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  
  
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  
  
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  
  
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
  
  

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.