Simons Foundation

Audio Visual Technician

162 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY Full time

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the AV Manager, the AV Technician’s role is to operate, support and maintain in-house audio-visual equipment in auditoriums, conference rooms, and offices. In this role, the Tech will work closely with colleagues and other departments to schedule, plan, and run various in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. The AV Tech will troubleshoot technical problems, identify solutions, and provide real-time assistance as required. They will also train staff in the use of AV equipment.

The AV Team’s goal is to help foundation colleagues, as well as visitors and guests, maximize their ability to collaborate and communicate through the effective use of technology. The AV Technician provides this day-to-day service and support to our colleagues.

This is a full-time position based on-site at the Simons Foundation’s New York City offices. Visit the Simons Foundation career page to learn more.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborate with in-house events team and organizers (internal and external) to define AV needs/requirements for events

  • Preparation of presentations and testing to troubleshoot any problems in advance

  • Operation of equipment during events

  • Post-event editing, management, and distribution of video files

  • Monitor the department’s help desk ticket system

  • Investigate reported issues and perform hands-on troubleshooting if necessary

  • Teach administrators to use AV equipment and run meetings - the ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical user is essential

  • Handle various administrative duties, such as monitoring emails, calendars, and room-reservation software

  • Assist in developing long-term strategies for meeting future AV equipment and corporate technology needs

  • Follow and enforce proper AV practices and procedures

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AV equipment and software

  • Program and maintain digital signage

  • Capture and log footage of needed lectures

  • Install and set up AV equipment

  • Provide routine maintenance and storage of microphones, cameras, projectors, and lighting and sound equipment.

  • Assist guests with Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Other AV projects and responsibilities when assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience

  • 2–4 years of experience in the field or in a related area

  • Familiarity with industry standard equipment, software, concepts, practices and procedures

  • Experience in academic settings is a plus

RELATED SKILLS & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

  • Active learner

  • A naturally calm and empathetic demeanor under pressure

  • Ability to concurrently solve multiple issues in real-time

  • Service-oriented team player

  • Willing to perform a variety of tasks with diverse participants/users

  • Effective time management skills

  • Working knowledge of:

    • Video conferencing systems (Poly/Polycom, Neat, DTEN)

    • AV signal flow and troubleshooting

    • Control systems (Crestron)

    • PC & Mac OS

    • Final Cut Pro

    • Video conferencing software (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams)

  • Proficient with Dropbox, G-Suite, MS Office suite, Keynote, Adobe, and help desk ticketing systems

  • Must be willing to work long hours on event days and occasionally on weekends

Physical Requirements

  • Lifting and moving supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

  • Moving throughout several office buildings and event spaces (onsite and offsite)

  • Occasionally using ladders and scaffolding to access equipment

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

  • Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • The full-time annual compensation range is $74,000 - $84,000 depending on experience.

  • In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.