Senior Technician, A/V and Studio Services (Job ID: 2023-3261)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The mission of the Office of Communications is to provide the tools, strategies, products and programs to support the brand and its content, and to continually grow Brookings’s impact and effectiveness as a change agent for public policy in the United States and around the world. This purpose is realized if we help our scholars raise awareness, set the agenda and shape the debate around the public policy issues they choose to address.  

Position Location: This position requires full-time in-person work on site and is not eligible for any regular remote work. 

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines. 

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Senior Technician of A/V and Studio Services is an essential member of the Office of Communications Events team focused on the effective, high-quality operation of audio-visual systems and technology to support high-profile outreach and collaboration. This position partners with colleagues from research programs, business units, and Communications to create best-in-class experiences for participants and attendees of Brookings meetings and events. The Senior Technician monitors the functionality of equipment, troubleshoots issues, and serves as the primary point of contact for vendor maintenance work. S/he will be the primary technician for meetings in the conference center and provides leave coverage for the A/V, Webcast, Studio technicians and the Director of A/V and Studio Services. The position hours will vary depending on meeting, event, and studio schedules. This position is considered a full-time, onsite position and reports to the Director of A/V and Studio Services.

A/V Maintenance Coordination (35%)

The Senior Technician of A/V and Studio Services is responsible for ensuring the operability of the audio-visual technology used in the conference center, studio, and webcasting areas. The position performs routine maintenance, conducts regular operational tests, and reports all equipment issues to the team and supervisors. S/he is the principal in resolving issues in a timely manner, serving as the primary point of contact for maintenance and repair vendors, and is responsible for confirming when the equipment is back online and fully functional. Maintains equipment inventories and removes/disposes of broken or obsolete equipment.

A/V Operations

They will operate a wide variety of audio-visual and broadcast tools.  They will provide surge and leave coverage in support of AV, webcasting and studio operations.   S/he will be responsible for the training and cross-training of AV-Studio staff and temporary technicians across three core functions: 

Meeting A/V Support: (25%)

Lead onsite setup for meetings by preparing conference center rooms for speakers (in-person and virtual) and microphone setup and checks, presentations and videos; performs post-meeting checks of rooms and strikes equipment; works regularly with web-based platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, etc.

Event A/V and Webcasting Support: (20%)

Provide support for onsite event by preparing the auditoriums for speakers (both in-person and virtual) and perform microphone and setup and checks, presentations and

videos, and preps the video wall; performs post-event checks of the rooms and strikes additional equipment; edits event audio/video recordings; operates equipment to produce, stream, and embed in-person and hybrid events on the Brookings website and other platforms; ensures distribution and archiving of event recordings.

Studio Operations Support: (10%)

Management of the studio schedule, conducting live, remote, and pre-recorded audio and video interviews; crews creative, podcast, and other types of productions; supports TV crews and remote feeds of events; configure, focus and operate lighting systems; manage and maintain studio sets and electronic backgrounds.

Collaboration and support (10%)

S/he will establish and maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues, vendors, and clients. The Senior Technician collaborates with the Events leadership team and will be involved in the installation of audio-visual and studio upgrades, and facilities improvements. The Senior Technician also provides leave coverage for the Director of A/V and Studio Services.

And all other duties as assigned.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements: 

Minimum of five years of experience operating and maintaining audio-visual and broadcast equipment.  Experience providing support for high profile events and meetings using both integrated and stand-alone audio-visual systems is required. CTS certification is preferred. Experience operating virtual, in-person, hybrid events, and managing multiple meetings simultaneously. Experience producing virtual and in person webcasts. Associate degree or equivalent training is required.  Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.