AV Coordinator

Job Title: AV Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Preservation & Operations
Reports To: Associate Director, Facilities & Maintenance
Effective Date: Immediately
Salary: $23.50 per hour

APPLY NOW: Click here to apply via our online job portal. Applications are due by July 26, 2024.

Position Summary

The AV Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and supporting the overall design, maintenance and upkeep of the AV and LAN on site in all facets of facilities and events. This includes, but is not limited to: exhibit maintenance, Halloween Nights, repair and maintenance of building systems and fixtures, and special projects as needed. This also includes supporting related vendor and guest speaker needs. The role will be responsible for managing the technical aspects of events, IT vendor communications and AV technician role(s) including hiring, developing, overseeing, performance reviews and corrective action up to and including termination.

Key Responsibilities

Management —

Leads the AV Technician in all phases of events and oversees all aspects of their work.

Management duties include hiring, developing, overseeing, performance reviews, corrective action up to and including termination.

Understands and adheres to Collective Bargaining Agreement policies.

Writes manuals and Standards of Practice. Trains other staff in the operation of AV equipment.

IT Support —

Works with IT vendor to upgrade and maintain LAN and Wi-Fi systems.

Site point of contact for network, connectivity and hardware issues.

Maintains and organizes IT and computer-related equipment.

Works with vendors on site to determine connectivity requirements.

Installs and maintains equipment for hybrid and virtual tours and meetings.

AV Equipment & Operation —

Designs, procures, installs, and maintains AV systems as needed for exhibits, events, artist installations, special functions, Halloween Nights, and other programs at Eastern State.

Responsible for staffing all events and special functions either personally or through scheduling AV Tech.

Continually develops and improves ESPHS’s virtual presence for livestreaming, teleconferencing, and virtual tours.

Works with the Marketing team to develop templates of livestreaming software such as OBS.

Integrates and operates camera, sound systems, etc. for teleconferencing and livestreaming.

Design and installation of stage audio (local mixer/8-ohm) and distributed speaker systems (70V) for audio sound reinforcement throughout the site.

Design for Events & Special Functions —

Works with the Event Manager and Manager, Sales and Guest Support to plan events and special functions as needed for both in-house and external needs.

Collaborate with other departments in planning the AV needs of special functions and programs.

Halloween Nights —

Responsible for design and maintenance of audio for Halloween Nights. Has knowledge of Halloween Nights lighting and coordinates with Lighting Specialist as needed.

Attends and participates actively in Creative Team meetings throughout the year and working on relevant scope of work items leading up to the show opening.

Assist with repair and maintenance of relevant items after the show opens.

Primary daytime licensed Haunted House inspector during show operations.

Fill in as show Lead Tech as necessary.

Complete AV-related Halloween scope of work items in conjunction with Halloween Tech Crew. Coordinate with and update Director of Halloween Nights regularly.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

Must be able to draw, read and interpret single line wiring diagrams. Knowledgeable of electrical/electronic wiring, and design. Must be competent in using a variety of hand tools. Problem solving skills, careful planning, multitasking, and time management skills are critical. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a firm understanding of Microsoft Office programs are required.

Must be self-motivated and organized. Proactive problem solving is a must. Must be able to maintain full confidentiality of all conversations, data records, files and other information where access is limited.

May be required to work occasional early morning, weekend or late-night shifts. Roughly 30% of working hours will be outside a typical Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, shift.

Education and Experience:

At least 2 years of combined experience working in tech and events fields. Prior AV experience is a must.

Certifications, Licenses, Credentials:

Maintain a valid Driver's License. Must become certified in forklift operation. Must have or complete upon starting OSHA 10 certification. Must have or be able to acquire PA State Amusement Inspector License within 6 months of hire.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard.

Must be able to climb, and work from, ladders.

Ability to wear a respirator for installation and maintenance tasks.

Ability to lift and/or carry objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary & Benefits

Salary — $23.50 per hour

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site offers a comprehensive benefit package including 401K, medical and dental benefits, life and disability insurance and a family friendly work environment.

How to Apply:

Click here to apply via our online job portal. Applications are due by July 26, 2024.

About ESPHS:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.

Commitment to Diversity:

We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We firmly believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy regarding recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.