18-Dec-2024
Chief Engineer
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
67637BR
Job Summary
The Chief Engineer is essential to the successful operation of the 50 Church Street and Hauser studios and the services and products the Media Production team provides to Harvard departments, faculty, and their students to support pedagogy and outreach. The work of the team presents, documents, and assists in the creation of the scholarship and activities of the Harvard community that reflect Harvard out to the world.
Reporting to the Manager of Media Production, this position supports the operations of a team that works directly with constituents across the University. This position interacts with VIP faculty, administrators, alumni, students and publicly known visitors from the worlds of education, politics, the arts, and entertainment on a weekly basis.
Position Description
The Chief Engineer is responsible for smooth operations and maintenance of all AV and IT technology, both mobile equipment deployed for field events as well as the various studio spaces in the ESS portfolio across the FAS campus. This includes equipment maintenance and management at the Event and Media Production Studios at 50 Church Street, a highly complex network-based audio and video facility employing advanced technologies that will provide services to the Harvard community, including faculty, students, and administrative and academic departments. This position also maintains and manages equipment at the Hauser Studio and mobile equipment deployed from 50 Church to campus venues.
The Chief Engineer ensures that technology, equipment, and systems are configured and optimized for all activities and is essential to the successful operation of the Studios and success of Harvard activities supported by the MP team. In doing so, the Chief Engineer provides guidance to team members on the configuration and use of technology, equipment, and systems.
The Chief Engineer:
- Manages and leads complex technical design, installation and operations including high-profile studio and field productions. This includes configuration of AV packages for field productions across the FAS campus as well as configuration of equipment in ESS studio spaces.
- Ensures that technology, equipment, and systems are configured and optimized for all activities and is essential to the successful operation of the Studios and success of Harvard activities supported by the MP team.
- Creates, designs, teaches, establishes and implements policies and procedures and standards for all field and studio technology components.
- Ensures conformance with HUIT technical and security standards and policies. Oversees digital asset management.
- Follows security standards (viruses, confidentiality) and ensures devices are registered. (HUIT Networking Team)
- When systems malfunction, works with team members to reproduce malfunction, troubleshoot, and repair/replace system components as needed. Manages vendor relationships and services to maintain studio and field assets.
- Provides guidance and training to team members and assists them with systems configuration, use, and best practices.
- Socializes technology platforms to increase user adoption.
- Supervises and supports faculty, students, and external clients in the use of the studio.
- Documents systems and maintains inventory and service records of studio and mobile equipment.
- Tracks metrics and provides reports on use of facility and equipment status.
- Budgets for replacements/refreshing of equipment.
- Researches and stays abreast of developments in audio and media.
- Professionally active in the industry, including participation in conferences/seminars and membership in professional societies.
- Reports to studio manager and leadership on operations and advises on strategic investments in technology.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- 5+ years of relevant experience in audio and video production equipment management
Additional Qualifications and Skills
The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated technical expertise in an area/s of multimedia or audio-visual essential
- Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software, and equipment
- Demonstrated project management skills
- Degree or certificate in electronics, audio, or media production preferred
- Experience working in a networked audio and media environment
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Working Conditions
This position will be based in Cambridge, MA (Event and Media Production Studios at 50 Church Street, Hauser Studio, campus performance venues and other campus locations).
Some night and weekend work may be required.
Additional Information
We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
Work Format Details
This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). 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.
About Us
Education Support Services (ESS) provides world-class audiovisual and instructional support, event and media production, training, and consulting services to faculty, staff, and students in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). The team supports the school’s mission by delivering premium technology offerings that enhance and creatively advance the teaching & learning environment. ESS is comprised of five service groups: Teaching & Learning Support, Integrated Audiovisual Services, Event & Media Production, Language Center, and Assistive Technology Center.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function
Technical
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
399057 Technical, Other
Work Format
On-Site
Sub-Unit
Administration and Finance
Salary Grade
057
Department
Education Support Services
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity
Schedule
35 hrs/week - M-F, 9am-5pm
Some night and weekend work may be required.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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