AV Technician, Streaming

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 is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of two days of remote work each week.

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The AV Technician, Streaming is an essential member of the Communications Events team focused on the effective, high-quality operation of broadcast and audio-visual systems 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 in Brookings events and studio productions. The position is eligible for overtime and hours will vary depending on the events, meetings, and studio schedules. This position is considered a full-time, on-site position and reports to the Director of A/V and Studio Services. 

Streaming Production (50%)

• Operates equipment streaming production of in-person and hybrid events on the Brookings website and other platforms; edits event audio/video recordings; ensures the distribution and archiving of event recordings.

• Leads support of virtual events utilizing web-based event platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, etc.; edits virtual event audio/video recordings; ensures the distribution and archiving of event recordings.

• As the team’s subject matter expert for streaming productions, the AV Technician, Streaming will provide cross-training to other team members to ensure surge and leave coverage for event webcasts and webinars. This position works with team leadership to develop plans for production improvements, upgrades, and equipment replacements. 

Studio Support (20%)

• Provides technical services for studio operations by 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, schedules studio bookings. 

Meeting AV Support (15%)

• Provides AV support, as needed, to on-site meetings and events in the conference center; setup and test of all audio-visual equipment to prepare rooms for meetings; completes walk through with meetings planners to confirm correct room setups and manages changes as needed before meeting and event starts; ensures efficient strike and safe storage of equipment and recordings.

Technology Maintenance and Improvements (15%)

• Maintains and operates a wide variety of streaming, broadcast, and audio-visual tools including encoders, cameras, video displays, web collaboration platforms, computers, mixers, switchers, and recording devices; performs routine maintenance and conducts regular operational tests; reports all equipment issues to supervisor; evaluates and ensures all installations maintain best practice and operational standards.

• 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

A minimum of three years of technical experience producing high-profile streaming events. Experience with computer-based streaming production tools and Content Distribution Networks (CDN) is required. Experience working with vMix and YouTube Studio is preferred.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact diplomatically with staff and high-profile guests.
• Technicians must be responsive to the changing requirements of live broadcast and streaming productions.
• Knowledge and understanding of streaming encoders, CDNs, audio and video signal distribution, audio mixing, web-based collaboration platforms, PC and Mac computers, microphone types and usage, media file recording/playback/storage, and video/audio editing.
• Experience technical directing streaming productions of virtual, in-person and hybrid events.
• Experience working with virtual collaboration platforms such as Zoom and Teams. Able to perform basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Physically capable of lifting 40lbs and prolonged standing and walking.
• A strong customer service orientation is required with the ability to remain calm in a fluid live show environment.
• Technicians must dress appropriately each day, collared shirts and business casual pants are required when working with clients.
• Must be willing and able to learn new technologies and cross-train for other team roles.

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits. 

Applicants must apply via the Brookings website, submitting a full curriculum vitae (CV) complete with a list of publications, and a narrative statement that includes a clear explanation of the applicant’s research interests and priorities for this position. Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. 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, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, 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. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.

Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.