Job Opening ID: 49097 - Position Number: 74935 - Job Code: 101261
Job Summary
The Bienen School employs two Technical Services Managers in the Concert Management Office who share equal responsibility for the production operations in support of all Bienen School of Music events/performances, or third party events/performances that occur in a Bienen School performance venue. Serves as a member of the Concert Management Office administrative team and assists with various general administrative and operational duties. Serves a key role, in consultation with the Director and working closely with the Operations Manager, to plan and execute all activities within the School’s various performance venues. Directly manages a part-time student and professional freelance workforce and coordinates contractors for additional services.
Accountable for managing the Bienen School’s inventory of technical assets and equipment and for advising on long-term budget planning related to facility maintenance and improvements, and additional or replacement equipment acquisition. Primary contact and resource with respect to all technical inquiries (stage management, audio and video recording, amplification, projection, lighting, live streams, etc.) for faculty, staff, students, and facility rental customers.
Working conditions: Physical ability necessary to accomplish the duties of the position, including the ability to push/pull/life/carry at least 65 pounds and to provide 4+ hours of physical set-up/strike, as well as climb ladders to reach some equipment. Responsibilities include working on-site during evenings and weekends, or remaining on call to assist staff during events.
Principal Responsibilities
- Facilitates the planning and execution of all production services for events taking place in Bienen School venues including stage management, live sound amplification, audio and video recording, theatrical lighting, live streaming, and general event management.
- Serves as primary point of contact for technical assistance requests, including advance planning with faculty, staff, students, and facility rental customers, as well as requests for immediate technical support that generally arise in connection with concerts and events.
- Manages development and implementation of policies and procedures for area of responsibility, adhering to best practices and ensuring compliance with safety and university standards.
- Manages all rental activities in Bienen School venues, including collecting details about setup, technical, and front-of-house needs, contracting vendors, coordinating with internal and external technical units, and serving as a primary point of contact with respect to all elements of production.
- Manages a part-time workforce of approximately 60 students and freelance engineers for administrative, technical and production operations, which includes hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating.
- Oversees inventory management, including cataloguing, inspection, maintenance and regular cleaning, and the development and implementation of proper storage and security protocols. Also oversees venue maintenance and inspection, including site inspection, equipment testing and repairs, as well as proactive replacements when needed. Assists with identification and prioritization of repairs and replacements in consultation with the Director.
- Responsible for audio and video recordings and live streams of Bienen School concerts and activities from initial capture to editing and distribution. Also responsible for developing and supporting all associated recording and streaming infrastructure.
- Coordinates production technology needs with the Bienen Technology Administration Office, as well as Northwestern University Information Technology and other external service providers, related but not limited to computer workstation hardware and software, file storage and backup, network management, and additional audio/visual control system technology (e.g. Crestron, Extron, Biamp, QSC systems).
- Shares general administrative and operational duties with other full-time Concert Management Office staff. Works evening, weekend or holiday hours as necessary.
- Develops and maintains professional contacts for needed additional professional technical support. Develops operational strategies and procedures to optimize budgetary resources. In consultation with the Director, creates and executes strategic plans for service offerings and technical capabilities in response to changing technologies, operational needs, and industry developments.
- Other duties as needed or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
(Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
- Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in a major such as music technology, technical theater, or related field, OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
- At least four years of experience working for a professional performing arts organization or venue, or educational institution.
- Experience managing a technical staff in a performance venue.
Minimum Competencies
(Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Demonstrated skills in production management.
- Demonstrated knowledge of event and venue administration, concert stage management; theatrical lighting; sound amplification, audio and video recording systems and methods; relevant networking technologies and protocols.
- Proficiency in a variety of computer platforms and software, including: Microsoft and Mac operating systems, Microsoft Office and other standard productivity software; Dante Controller; Avid Pro Tools, Adobe Audition and/or other DAWs; OBS; DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and/or other digital audio workstations and non-linear video editors.
- Knowledge of IP/PTZ camera control, signal routing, live audio/video streaming, performance and event recording, and file management.
- Ability to manage a diverse staff of student and professional freelance workers.
Application Information
To apply for this position, you will need to submit your résumé, cover letter and references through the University's electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, using the job opening number or the job title.
Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your resume. For all resumes received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
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