Lead Audiovisual Coordinator

Posted On: October 24, 2024

Hours: Full Time

Description:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead Audiovisual Coordinator is responsible for the oversight of the 5th-floor video and animation labs, including key support for the daily operations of the audiovisual technical area. This includes managing staff scheduling, overseeing equipment and software updates, and coordinating purchases. Additionally, this role supports audiovisual presentations and installations, facilitates equipment loans, and provides technical guidance and hands-on assistance for student presentations. The Lead Audiovisual Coordinator collaborates with faculty and technical staff to ensure the audiovisual technical areas meet high standards and effectively support curriculum needs.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage and oversee video and animation labs
  • Supervise and assist students using the computer labs and ensure facilities are properly maintained and serviced as needed. This primarily includes the computer editing facilities and equipment. 
  • Orient new faculty members to the technical labs, including policies and broadly act as a liaison to new and current faculty with general questions related to these facilities. 
  • Work with the IT department on all necessary software updates and related support. 
  • Manage and oversee support for audiovisual presentations and installations 
  • Provide equipment loans and individual instruction on proper use of equipment, including hands-on assistance as needed. 
  • Provide technical assistance and guidance on student work presentations outside of the classroom, such as student shows. 
  • Work collaboratively with technical staff to schedule and delegate hands-on support for installations. 
  • Support the curriculum through technical assistance.
  • Provide general technical support and guidance on equipment and processes for relevant courses and Foundation as needed. 
  • Provide technical assistance to students and faculty for in-class presentations.
  • Work collaboratively with the faculty and technical staff to understand and support curricular goals, provide recommendations on relevant updates and equipment purchasing, and generally contribute to a productive work environment.
  • Provide key support for the day-to-day operation of the technical facilities. 
  • In tandem with the School of Art office, oversee hiring new technical staff, including interviewing and training.
  • Work collaboratively with technical staff on scheduling to ensure adequate coverage of all area labs and offices.  This includes confirming payroll for the School of Art office. 
  • Oversee and train work-study students including scheduling and payroll
  • Submit purchase requests for equipment acquisitions and repairs, instructional materials for classes, and general lab maintenance.
  • Maintain clear communication with the School of Art office to anticipate and respond to needs of the evolving curriculum.  This includes submitting capital requests for upgrades to the labs and equipment. 
  • Act as the point person for the Facilities department for general maintenance of all area labs and offices, such as HVAC and electrical issues. 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AS NEEDED:

  • Provide technical assistance and advice on related special projects, such as senior presentations, student shows, and the End of Year Show. 
  • Act as a point person to other members of the college seeking relevant technical advice. 

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstration of proficiency and specializing in one or more of the following areas:  film and video and/or sound and/or animation (production and presentation).  Preferred technical knowledge includes:
  • Proficiency with Mac computers and operating systems.
  • Strong working knowledge of software such as Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder, Pro Tools, and Reaper.
  • Experience with video and sound installations, including file encoding, synchronized playback, and the physical installation and connection of projectors, monitors, DVD & media players, amps, speakers, etc.
  • Proven ability to work effectively as a team leader with an emphasis on fostering consensus and collaboration.      Demonstrates the ability to maintain composure under pressure throughout decision-making processes and contributing to a positive and constructive work environment.
  • Ability and aptitude for hands-on problem-solving. 
  • Needs to be flexible and willing to learn and adapt to the existing educational environment and its needs and schedule.
  • Excellent oral and written skills, communication skills, collegial, capacity to work both independently and collectively, and comfortable working in a busy environment.
  • Strong ability to work with a diverse community of students.
  • Experience in a professional or educational setting

EDUCATION:

  • BA/BFA in visual arts or related field.  

Rate: $34/hour

 

This is a unionized position.

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email materials to: hr@cooper.edu

 

 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.