AV Technical Specialist

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

About the Department of Information Technology - Teaching and Learning Technology:

The audiovisual support team is part of the HMS IT department under the leadership of the Sr. Director, Education Technology. This team works as part of a cross-functional team of AV Technical Specialists, AV Infrastructure Engineers, Simulation and Clinical Skills Technology Specialists, and Custom Video Producers.

Job Description

The AV Technical Specialist is a hands-on position responsible for providing on-site audiovisual support across technology-enabled classrooms, conference rooms, amphitheaters, and event spaces throughout the Harvard Medical School campus. The AV Technical Specialist supports classes, meetings, presentations, and scheduled events by assisting users with room technology, preparing audiovisual systems for use, and responding promptly to service needs. The position also performs daily system inspections and routine maintenance to promote the operational readiness and reliability of audiovisual spaces. Working collaboratively with other IT staff, the AV Technical Specialist helps faculty, staff, students, visitors, and event organizers use audiovisual systems and services effectively.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Provide priority on-site audiovisual support to Harvard faculty, staff, students, visitors, and affiliates using technology-enabled classrooms, conference rooms, amphitheaters, and event spaces.
- Respond to and troubleshoot audiovisual and computer-related issues involving room systems, presentation technology, microphones, displays, cameras, conferencing platforms, and related equipment.
- Prepare audiovisual spaces for scheduled classes, meetings, presentations, and events by configuring and testing room technology, presentation materials, and audio and video connections.
- Provide in-room support for scheduled activities and assist presenters, instructors, event organizers, and participants with the effective use of audiovisual and collaboration technologies.
- Support video conferencing, web conferencing, live streaming, and other virtual or hybrid activities, including setup, testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- Perform daily inspections and routine preventive maintenance of audiovisual-enabled spaces and equipment to identify service issues and maintain operational readiness.
- Document, track, and communicate equipment failures, recurring issues, and maintenance needs; maintain accurate service tickets, room records, and equipment inventories; and escalate complex problems as appropriate.
- Conduct end-user training and system walkthroughs, and create or update knowledge-base articles, quick-reference guides, how-to documentation, and other instructional resources.
- Collaborate with event organizers, stakeholders, vendors, and other IT staff to coordinate support, communicate service issues or system changes, resolve problems, and improve the user experience.
- Gather user feedback and participate in the testing and implementation of audiovisual system enhancements, service improvements, departmental projects, and other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

- Harvard Medical School's campus consists of 10 buildings across a small city block in the heart of Boston's Longwood Medical Area. Buildings include administrative, instructional, and laboratory space.
- Some buildings contain advanced scientific and/or biomedical equipment and specimens, including human cadavers.

Physical Requirements:

- Must be able to lift 40 lbs unassisted.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

- Three or more years related experience in relevant audiovisual technology in-person support and training.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

- CTS certification or comparable audiovisual industry training is preferred.
- Experience operating and supporting audiovisual presentation, video conferencing, and collaboration systems, including technologies such as Crestron, Extron, Biamp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Panopto, and Cisco.
- Working knowledge of Windows- and macOS-based computers, presentation software, and common peripheral devices used in classrooms and meeting spaces.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to identify, document, resolve, or appropriately escalate audiovisual and computer-related issues.
- Excellent customer-service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and patiently with users possessing varying levels of technical proficiency.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to time-sensitive support needs, and work independently as well as collaboratively in a service-oriented team environment.
- Experience supporting audiovisual technology in higher education, corporate meeting, conference, event, or similarly complex environments is preferred.

Additional Information

- Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity 
- Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit   Harvard's Salary Ranges   to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

- Generous paid time off including parental leave 
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
- Retirement plans with university contributions 
- Wellbeing and mental health resources 
- Support for families and caregivers 
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page .

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.