Director of Technology Services (1065)

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Date: Nov 13, 2023

Location: Washington, DC, US, 20016

Company: American University

Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail. 

 

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work. 

 

Learn more about American University by clicking here.  

About the Department/Unit

American University’s School of Communication (AU SOC) welcomes applicants to join its creative and dynamic team of professionals. Our community is committed to the mission of engaging the most pressing issues of our time through teaching, scholarship, and professional experiences in communication and media in Washington and beyond. SOC empowers undergraduates and graduates in its programs to tell stories that influence change, inspire action, and transform our communities and our world. Faculty are leaders in their fields, contributing scholarly, creative and professional work in communication studies, film and media arts, journalism, and public communication. We know that teams perform best when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We are seeking a director to lead our integral technology and facilities services team. The unique contributions of SOC employees drive our success, and we are committed to building a culture where everyone has an opportunity to do meaningful work. Learn more about SOC at american.edu/soc/.

Summary/Objective

The Director of Technology Services leads a dynamic team in ensuring that SOC maintains up-to-date technology to support student learning, instructional delivery, and on-going SOC operations. The Director is responsible for developing a technology strategy, in collaboration with faculty and staff, which is aligned with SOC’s academic and administrative needs.
The Director oversees the overall functionality of School computer labs/classrooms, a state-of-the-art theater, two television studios, editing suites, photography labs and a field equipment room. The Director is responsible for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of hardware and software used in SOC’s production studios, editing facilities, computer labs, classrooms, and used by faculty and staff. This position provides guidance and recommendations regarding new technology to faculty, staff, and the SOC community. Additionally, the Director maintains an asset register and other asset management applications to track and record utilization, value, location, in-service dates, maintenance, and expected life cycle of technology assets.
The Director relies on their broad technical expertise to support and resolve issues related to media production, studio engineering and equipment, and hardware and software using a convergent media model of operation. This position supports academic computing on Mac and PC platforms and collaborates on web-based computing. The director provides leadership advice on resource needs for SOC strategic projects and events. This position serves as a critical member of the Technology Advisory Committee, which advises the Dean of SOC on technology purchases and training. The Director also oversees the School’s facilities and space management and manages the technology unit budget in consultation with their supervisor.

Essential Functions

  1. Technology, Production & Facilities Management: Lead the technology team and ensure reasonable operational functionality of all technical facilities including studios and production operations, IT solutions, Game Center hardware and software and building operations. Maintain up-to-date asset register and other asset management applications to track and record utilization of technology, value, location, in-service dates, maintenance, expected life cycle of technology assets, and other information as requested. Provide expert assistance to lab managers troubleshooting network and workstation problems to quickly resolve problems and ensure facilities are available for use.
  2. Strategic Planning & Advising: Collaborate with the Technology Dean’s Advisory Committee, faculty, and SOC leadership to develop, maintain, and update a technology strategy which supports the academic and administrative functions of SOC. Work with SOC academic leadership and faculty to understand the technology needs of SOC courses and ensure they are included in the technology planning.
  3. Personnel Management: Inspire, lead and mentor a team of technology professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Manages employee performance by providing timely and appropriate feedback and by providing coaching. Encourage professional growth and skill development by identifying projects and opportunities for the technology team.
  4. Training/Process Development: Consult with faculty and staff to develop training resources and materials for technology used at SOC. Develop and conduct community trainings. . Maintain responsibility for ongoing training of staff on equipment and technology issues. Update technology and facilities related procedure documents as necessary.

  5. Other duties as assigned to support academic and administrative operations of SOC and representing the School via service on university committees.

     

Supervisory Responsibility

  • This position supervises two full time staff members directly and five staff members indirectly.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

  • Full-Time.
  • Exempt.
  • Project Leader/Advisor B.
  • This is a full campus presence position.
  • Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Salary Range

  • $67,740-$95,000/year, commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in and knowledge of:
    • Film and Video Production, or related field or the equivalent in training or experience.
    • Project Management training or experience.
    • Deep understanding of current trends and innovations in technology.
    • Windows and Mac operating systems.
    • Server-based video production techniques including software systems (Final Cut Pro/Adobe Premiere/Avid/Maya).

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Master's degree.
  • Experience in journalism, media production, strategic planning, or implementing technology services a plus.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

 

Other Details

  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log into AsuccessfulU through the myAU portal. Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page. 

 

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

 

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.


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