Director Of Studio Operations Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest college at the University of Delaware, comprising 22 academic departments, 2 academic centers, and 37 interdisciplinary centers, programs, and institutes across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.,  CAS plays a central role in the University's academic mission, providing foundational coursework for all UD students and serving more than  8,400 undergraduate and graduate majors.  CAS is home to over 520 full-time faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized scholars and innovative teachers.  With annual sponsored research expenditures exceeding $40 million, the College supports significant interdisciplinary research and maintains outstanding teaching and research facilities.  Supported by over 425 staff members and 45 postdoctoral fellows and researchers, CAS operates with annual expenditures of over $152 million and serves as a hub for interdisciplinary engagement, connecting the University with local, national, and global communities through research, creative activity, and public service.

The Department of Communication is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences and offers nationally recognized graduate and undergraduate programs.  The department currently consists of 20  faculty members, 4 administrative staff, approximately 800 undergraduate students, 25 in-person graduate students, 55 graduate students in the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program, and 1 postdoctoral researcher.  Annual departmental research expenditures total approximately $700,000 per year, with a total departmental budget of over $7 million per year.  The Department is also home to the Center for Political Communication (CPC) and the Center for Health Communication (CHC).  The Department teaches over 80 class sections and over 5,750 students each year. 

Under the direction of the Department of Communication Chairperson and in coordination with the department Business Administrator and department faculty, the Studio/Station Manager is responsible for the daily operations, upkeep, and overseeing the usage of all TV studio equipment owned and operated by the Department of Communication. In consultation with the Department Chairperson, the Business Administrator, and other faculty, the Studio/Station Manager is responsible for recommendations for the purchasing of new equipment when replacements are necessary due to damage or technological upgrades. The Studio/Station Manager is the instructor of record for two courses in the areas of studio or field production each academic year, typically one in each of the fall and spring semesters. The Studio/Station Manager partners with the Student Television Network, a Registered Student Organization (RSO), and provides guidance on student productions, all of which are livestreamed and/or made to the general public via online platforms.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Support

• Maintain all media studios in Communication Department production spaces, including all audio and video equipment therein.  This includes the facilities of the Student Television Network (STN). Make recommendations for technology replacements when items are damaged beyond repair or to keep up with new technological innovations. Contract outsourcing for installation of new equipment when necessary.
• Develop and implement studio/station budgetary plans, in consultation with the Department of Communication's Chairperson and Business Administrator.
• Oversee all student media productions that occur in Department of Communication studio space including those livestreamed and those recorded for later uploading to online platforms to ensure professional-level quality standards.
• Produce, write, edit, and direct various television productions including entertainment programming, documentaries, news, recruitment videos, advertisements, and other video types.

Instructional and Student Support

• Teach two Department of Communication production courses (studio or field) each academic year, typically one per semester.
• Train students who use the Department of Communication production spaces in the correct usage of all equipment (control room, studio, field), emphasizing best practices in production quality.
• Advise the STN as a Department of Communication co-curricular program, including the mentoring of its 80+ student members.
• Head committee and administer awards and STN scholarship fund for students.
• Meet with prospective students and parents interested in STN and broadcast media.  Provide tour support during Blue & Golden Days and Admitted Student Days, in addition to other tours throughout the year.

Management Support and Other Duties

• Recruit and supervise studio and station students who are both paid and members of the resident student organization (RSO).  Act as advisor to the RSO.
• Represent the department with vendors, other education institutions, alumni, and government agencies.
• Stay up to date on legal, ethical, and procedural issues pertaining to student media.  Develop policies and ethics manuals.  Monitor required licenses.
• Participate in the development and implementation of special initiatives and projects.
• Attend department faculty meetings and provide updates on media studios and student activities.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, media production, or related field and five years of experience with all forms of digital media equipment, including studio and field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excited to advance and share in the success of highly successful programs.
• Technological knowledge and ability to make general repairs to video and audio equipment as well as to understand new technological innovations that emerge.
• Experience instructing and leading a group of individuals in the use of digital media equipment.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift heavy objects and move equipment with or without assistance.
• Availability to work some nights and weekends.