School Av Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary: The Audiovisual (AV) Performance Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end execution of technical production for school events, arts performances, and external rentals. This is a high-availability role requiring travel between two campuses and a flexible schedule to manage dynamic production needs, including the coordination of IT staff for concurrent events.  The Specialist ensures the seamless operation of sound, lighting, and video systems while providing expert support to the Visual and Performing Arts Departments, Auxiliary Services, and the IT team. Given the irregular nature of event production, this position is granted the professional autonomy to manage a flexible workweek-balancing evening and weekend demands with "flex-time" during standard school hours to maintain a sustainable workload.  As a key resource for the entire school community, the Specialist works with students across the full age spectrum-from our youngest learners in the Lower School to young adults in the Upper School. While collaborating most closely with the Arts departments, the Specialist provides professional AV support to all divisions and must maintain a positive, encouraging, and patient demeanor with every student and faculty member. Depending on the candidate's background and interest, this position may also include an instructional component (approx. 20%), teaching one or more sections of our 6-week elective courses: Audio Engineering 1, 2, and/or Technical Theatre at the Upper School (Grades 9 - 12) level. This is an on-site position in Charlottesville, VA.

Responsibilities:

• Live Performance Operation:  Serve as the primary lead technician responsible for running high-level commercial audio/lighting mixing boards, digital projectors, and webcasting equipment during dynamic, high-capacity events, ranging from choir and orchestra concerts to theatrical productions and formal school ceremonies.
• Production & Performance Execution: Attend all designated technical rehearsals-including theater "Tech Weeks," concert soundchecks, and final rehearsals for major school ceremonies (e.g., Lessons and Carols, Convocation, and Commencement). Supervise the technical mounting of each event, fine-tune audio/lighting cues, and provide real-time troubleshooting to ensure seamless execution.
• Technical Logistics: Manage all AV services for school functions and external rentals across both campuses. Coordinate and deploy IT staff resources when multiple events overlap to ensure full technical coverage.
• Broadcast & Digital Media Support: Support the technical setup, audio integration, and recording for single and/or multiple camera setups. Lead the production of school podcasts, including sound editing and post-production to ensure professional-grade audio output.

• Equipment Maintenance & Updates: Proactively manage the technical health of all AV systems. This includes executing regular firmware updates, software patches, and hardware refreshes to ensure all equipment remains secure, functional, and up to date.
• Asset Lifecycle Management: Maintain an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all AV assets across both campuses. Establish and execute rigorous preventative maintenance schedules for all theater, auditorium, and classroom AV equipment.
• Vendor & Repair Coordination: Troubleshoot complex technical failures and engage third-party vendor support for specialized repairs when appropriate.
• Multi-Campus Mobility: Maintain a high level of readiness to travel between campuses to address immediate technical needs, setup requirements, or concurrent event support.

Mentorship, Training & Policy

• Technical Guidance: Provide hands-on training for students and faculty during rehearsals and productions, translating complex technical concepts for novice users.
• Documentation: Create tutorials, "how-to" guides, and safety manuals for departmental systems, recording equipment, and auditorium usage.
• Facility Governance: Develop and manage safety and usage guidelines for production booths and auditoriums, fostering a secure environment for all users while prioritizing equipment preservation and performance readiness.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

• Capital Projects: Work closely with the Director of Information Technology to develop comprehensive capital project plans and budget justifications for equipment upgrades and new construction integration.
• Future Proofing: Research and recommend emerging technology trends to keep the school's AV and digital media capabilities competitive.

• Supplemental Helpdesk Support: Assist the IT Department by providing direct helpdesk support for faculty, staff, and students, resolving general hardware/software tickets as time permits around the performance and event schedule.

Instructional Responsibilities (Potential Component)

If the candidate possesses the requisite pedagogical and technical skills, they will lead the following:

• Curriculum Delivery: Instruct Audio Engineering 1, 2 or Technical Theatre courses, covering signal flow, multi-track recording, and spectral processing.
• Creative Studio Production: Act as the lead engineer for non-classroom recording projects. This includes recording and producing audiobooks or podcasts for World Language classes, capturing voice-overs for theatrical productions, and supporting other interdisciplinary digital media needs.
• Media Program Expansion: Collaborate with faculty to identify and execute new opportunities for studio-based content, ensuring the school's recording capabilities are integrated across diverse academic departments.
• Software & Theory Mastery: Guide students in mastering Pro Tools and teach foundational concepts such as microphone types (polar patterns, impedance) for stage and studio applications.
• Portfolio Supervision: Oversee student final projects and help them curate professional portfolios featuring live performance and studio recordings (Chapel, choir, stage productions, etc.).

Essential Skills:

• Acoustics & Capture: Deep understanding of microphone selection (dynamic, condenser, ribbon) and placement techniques for diverse environments, including podcasting, vocal ensembles, and loud stage environments.
• Lighting Design & Application: Proficiency in selecting and utilizing appropriate lighting equipment to achieve desired visual outcomes, including knowledge of color theory, beam angles, and power requirements.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to thrive in a role with atypical work hours, including frequent evenings and weekends.
• Logistical Management: Ability to coordinate with IT colleagues to cover concurrent events across two campuses.
• Expert Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of signal flow, digital audio networking (Dante), and professional signal chains.
• Live Production Excellence: Proficiency in mixing live audio for diverse environments, programming theatrical lighting (ETC), and operating digital projectors.
• Communication & Composure: Ability to remain calm during live event "emergencies" and maintain clear communication with the IT team.

Experience & Requirements:

• Education: BA/BS in Audio Production or Audio Engineering (highly preferred if the candidate intends to teach).
• Experience: 3+ years in theatrical/musical production and recording.
• Systems Knowledge: Dante, Avid Pro Tools and Digital Consoles, Logic Pro, Allen & Heath, Sennheiser, Q-SYS, ETC Lighting Consoles, QLab, vMix, and Boxcast.
• Mobility: Must have reliable transportation for frequent movement between two campuses.
• Physical Demands: Occasional heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), climbing ladders, and working on lifts and elevated catwalks.
• Schedule: Weekend, evening, and early morning availability is required based strictly on the school's event calendar.

Reports to: Director of Information Technology

Please note we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.  Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the U.S.