Conference Center Audio Visual Specialist

General Summary: The Conference Center Audio Visual Specialist will support the overall operation from event inquiry, planning, and on-site execution of all Conference Center events. This role will deliver excellent customer service and apply their experience with audio, video, and technology serving the audiovisual expert to the Conference Center team and acting as a liaison to Booth AV team.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as main point of contact and expert audio-visual advisor to Conference Center Sales team, during inquiry and proposal phase of events, and Conference Center Services team, during the planning and execution of all events. Answers and provides solutions with expertise for, but not limited to, zoom, webcasting knowledge, PowerPoint, audio visual connections, microphones, mixers, projectors, internet, and best practices for all AV usage.
• Actively works directly with client alongside Conference Services Manager’s on all events where a dedicated technician service has been secured. Duties include responding directly to the client via email, phone calls, in-person/virtual meetings, site tours, and review of BEO drafts for accuracy.
• Provides on-site audio-visual support alongside Booth AV team for all Conference Center events, mainly occurring Monday - Friday during 1st shift and occasional evenings, Saturday and Sunday events with greeting clients, AV setup, responding to AV calls throughout event, troubleshooting issues, and serving as go to person for all outsourced technicians.
• Proactively identifies any times where equipment requests exceeds inventory and out-sources accordingly.
• Works closely with Booth AV Team Lead to ensure weekly AV team schedule meets business unit needs.
• Liaison between AV vendors and Conference Center staff. Places orders, receives quotes and process PO’s for all out-sourced vendor equipment and techs.
• Serves as the escalation point for AV-related service issues during and post-event.
• Reports equipment issues quickly to Booth AV and blocks off affected rooms for maintenance.
• Reconciles monthly audio visual equipment, labor, and service contract invoices to ensure proper charging and work rectify any errors in billing.
• Researches, develops, installs, operates and troubleshoots audio-visual systems, such as video conferencing, digital media and desktop and network-based technologies.
• Provides projection services and presentation support for academic and public events within standard operating procedures.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Technical training/experience.
• Experience in an academic, hotel or hospitality environment.
• A minimum three years technical experience in AV technical support, such as LCD Projectors, Document Cameras, hybrid meeting services, presentations, audio and video connections, microphones, PowerPoint on both PC and Apple products etc.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and the ability to learn new technical skills quickly.
• Delphi experience.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Proven ability to solve technical problems under pressure.
• Flexibility with schedule shifts to include occasional evenings and weekends.
• Work independently and complete audio visual setups, tear downs and projects by set deadlines.
• Troubleshoot audio visual issues quickly with a calm and courteous demeanor.
• Excellent organization skills with the ability to handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with corporate contacts, colleagues, and faculty in a multitude of communication methods i.e., in person, email, phone.
• Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.
• An openness and flexibility in dealing with changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• This position is expected to work in the office.
• On-call by cell phone and provide off-hours audio-visual support.
• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information, please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Academic job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5671 or email ACOppAdministrator@uchicago.edu with their request. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-1841 or email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.