A/V Technology Support

Job Description

Job DescriptionCompany Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Audiovisual (A/V) Technology Operations, the A/V Technology Support assists in facilitating support for academic classrooms, staff conference rooms and web conferences. The primary focus of this position is to perform day-to-day A/V support with a team leader and assist A/V assistants with all events, projects, and inventory maintenance. Must exercise judgement or work independently in determining when to refer a problem to the next level of support.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

This role directly serves the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) students, faculty, staff, and administrators for classrooms and events. Excels in proactive planning and management, both independently and interdepartmentally, for day-to-day operations and projects of varying scales. This role requires strong prioritization skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple conflicting deadlines.

Classroom and Event Technology Support

• Support the launch and usage of technology tools at the start of classes (projectors, computers, software, monitors, and peripherals).
• Ensure the functionality of A/V technology across all learning formats and spaces.
• Manually set up A/V systems for staff meetings and special events.
• Work with faculty to determine optimal technology integration in classroom settings and provide walkthroughs for specific setups.
• Verify and assist with the set-up of computers and web conferencing tools.
• Monitor classes remotely and respond to last-minute A/V or technology support requests.
• Communicate with instructors, organizers and staff to ensure A/V needs for classes and events are met.

Team Collaboration and Coordination

• Collaborate with a team leader to plan, manage, and oversee daily classroom technology operations.
• Participate in the coordination and scheduling of monthly classroom technology maintenance.
• Work closely with the IT Team to ensure all necessary applications are installed to support faculty needs.
• Consult with team leaders, managers, and end users regarding new system upgrades and technology improvements.

User Support/Training

• Ensure all technology users (faculty, staff, students) are trained and comfortable with equipment operation.
• Assist or train users in the use of classroom equipment and AV/media technology.
• Act as a departmental resource, coordinating and consulting with clients on media production projects and major events.
• Create, update, and maintain manuals and training documents.

Technical Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and cleaning of all AV/media equipment.
• Develop, update and maintain documentation for maintenance logs, equipment inventory, schedules, and records.
• Responsible for firmware upgrades and software installation/upgrades for all media equipment.
• Assist with imaging, upgrading, and installing software for AV/media systems.
• Maintain, recommend removal, and upgrade equipment as needed.
• Work with A/V vendors to resolve issues and improve room functionality.

Media Production and Content Management

• Assist with camera setup, lighting, shooting, producing, editing, and post-production of media content, including high-end video editing for classes.
• Set up wireless microphones, audio mixes, and sound systems.
• Provide audio consultation, support audio equipment purchasing decisions, and research new A/V technology and equipment.
• Coordinate uploading of video files to platforms such as Canvas.

Emerging Technology and Professional Development

• Stay current on new and emerging A/V and IT technologies (hardware, software, cloud platforms).
• Participate in ongoing training programs and professional development initiatives.

Working Conditions:

This position will be in person, and it is based in Cambridge, MA. This is considered an “On-Campus Critical Position”: The employee is required to report to campus to their normal work location. An employee serving in an on-campus critical position may have to report to work even if there is a campus emergency closure. Schedule may change based on business needs and is subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.

Additional support outside of regularly scheduled hours including early mornings, nights, and weekends, and holiday breaks may occasionally be required. Working on weekends and off hours may be required to respond to unplanned A/V issues. Overtime policy will apply as this is an overtime-eligible position.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting equipment and going to multiple classroom/convening spaces.
• Walking moderate distances between classroom buildings.
• Climb ladders and swiftly transport equipment across campus.
• Ability to lift 30-50 lbs., climb ladders and swiftly transport equipment across campus.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum 2 years’ experience in audiovisual support.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of media equipment.
• Ability to educate and communicate with a diverse customer base.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in the area(s) of A/V and multimedia, web conferencing platforms.
• Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software, and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of network topology, equipment and capabilities in A/V systems environments.
• Self-motivated and the ability to work independently.
• Experience with customer service and help desk support.
• Familiarity with Crestron system, lighting, and camera operation.
• Strong multi-tasking skills.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 6 month-term position
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week (Sunday, 8am-4pm; Monday-Thursday, 2pm-10pm)
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): N/A
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  • This is a 6-month term position with the possibility of extension.
  • We will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration.
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.