Technical Director Of Event Production

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000

Position Summary

Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Technical Director of Events Production who will be dedicated to producing live events in SIPA's signature event space, specifically responsible for recorded and live stream production and direction, graphics, accessibility/captions, post-production/editing, and more. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Communications & External Relations, the Technical Director of Events Production will be responsible for working closely with SIPA AV staff and creative teams, event vendors, and supporting VIPs to deliver high-quality live and recorded broadcasts and post-production. This role requires a strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to make informed decisions and exercise good judgment in a fast-paced live event environment.

At SIPA, we are dedicated to fostering engaging and thought-provoking conversations on crucial public policy issues. As the Technical Director of Events Production, you will be at the forefront of bringing our diverse range and high volume of Events to life (high-profile/VIP gatherings, large-scale conferences, policy debates, etc.), captivating both our in-person audience and online viewers.

At SIPA-the world's leading school of global policy-we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.  We work to cultivate these values in our practices, programs and policies.  We aim to create a workplace that is welcoming and celebrates the unique lived experiences of all our staff, students and faculty.  We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the School.  Applicants are encouraged to include information in their cover letter about how they will further this goal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of live Event Production, including live stream production and direction, graphics, accessibility/captions, and post-production/editing.
• Provide reliable and accurate switching and senior-level technical direction for high-profile live and recorded multi-camera broadcasts and video productions.
• Collaborate with event vendors, AV staff, and creative teams to plan and execute live broadcasts.
• Ensure the technical specifications and requirements for live Event Production are met, including audio, video, lighting, and streaming equipment.
• Set up, operate, and maintain AV equipment and systems during live events, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Manage the production staffing for live events, including training colleagues and hiring third-party support when needed for additional coverage.
• Coordinate with captioning and accessibility services to ensure accurate and timely delivery of captions and accessible content.
• Work closely with the creative team to develop and implement engaging graphics and visual elements for live broadcasts.
• Perform post-production and video editing to generate video assets for or from the broadcasts, and enhance the quality of recorded content, as needed.
• Manage the storage and organization of raw video files.
• Keep us up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies related to live Event Production and streaming.
• Perform related duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in live Event Production, with a focus on live streaming, graphics, accessibility/captions, and post-production/editing.
• Strong technical knowledge of AV equipment, including cameras, video switchers, audio systems, lighting, and streaming platforms.
• Experience with live streaming hardware/software and operating multiple PTZ cameras as well as demonstrated ability to produce sophisticated high-value content is critical. Production equipment to include Panasonic PTZ, Ross Carbonite Ultra 12G switcher, AJA router, PVP video wall software, VizRT Flowics CG, etc.
• Proficient in industry-standard software for video editing and graphics creation, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with streaming platforms, such as YouTube Live, LinkedIn Live, Twitter Live, and Zoom Webinar, and the ability to configure and stream to these platforms.
• Experience working with event vendors, AV staff, and creative teams to deliver high-quality live broadcasts.
• Ability to troubleshoot production equipment, including switchers, to ensure proper functionality.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a high standard for quality and accuracy.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate live event schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices for captioning and accessible content is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.