Director, Technology and Operations

Columbia University, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: New York City, NEW YORK
Deadline: Manhattanville ;

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Salary Range:

The Forum at Columbia University

Columbia’s Manhattanville campus is designed to bring together diverse academic disciplines while welcoming the wider community to experience a shared space for civic life.  The Forum is a new multipurpose venue that provides a welcoming gateway to the campus. With its world class meeting space able to host an array of academic conferences and public forums, scholars and thought leaders from many fields come together at The Forum to share ideas. The Forum upper floors feature a 430-seat auditorium, gathering spaces, and five meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology. The ground floor is utilized for a range of activities, from exhibits to University events as well as educational programming and other community functions.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director, Technology and Operations, coordinates the interface of building operations and event planning at The Forum, and oversees facilities management, building enhancements and capital projects.  Leading production and technical operations for multiple, concurrent Forum events, the Director supervises production and AV staff and oversees building AV and technology systems. Overseeing building operations, the Director manages relationships with Columbia Facilities & Operations and Public Safety, ensuring the superior maintenance and safety of The Forum building.  This position includes staff supervision and requires frequent evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities

  • Working collaboratively with The Forum staff and event sponsors, oversees operational, production and technical staffing for activities held in The Forum venues. Maintains high quality customer service for The Forum’s diverse audiences and clients; fosters an environment that enables everyone to do their best work.
  • In collaboration with Director of Events, communicates with diverse constituencies to accurately plan and execute concurrent multiple events; anticipates and meets the technical, production, and operational needs for events; advises on venue policies and industry best practices. 
  • Manages relationship with Facilities and Public Safety, reviewing SLA and staffing needs relevant to the optimal maintenance and security of the building. Is responsible for building-wide and venue-specific lock-up, security, and emergency procedures.
  • Ensures that Forum policies, systems, and procedures are in full compliance with University, OSHA, local, state, and federal regulations, codes, and safety standards to ensure the safety and well-being of all building occupants and guests.
  • Anticipates and manages the technical, production, operational and safety needs of events, recognizing and resolving problems in a timely manner, and advising on best practices and venue policies.
  • Supervises operations, production and AV staff, including recruiting, training, and scheduling of technical crew. 
  • Responsible for overseeing the general maintenance (including repairs and replacement), operation, inventory, management, and security of Forum furnishings, systems, technology, and equipment, including audio, film, lighting, rigging, and video, managing relevant budget allocations. 
  • Oversees the development and execution of appropriate operations management procedures that meet compliance with local laws, University policies, and standard operating procedures, ensuring superior maintenance of the building.
  • Is responsible for and must stay knowledgeable about required SOP documentation relevant to conservation and preventative maintenance programs; conducts thorough operational risk assessments.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Events, contributes to maintaining an accurate calendar of Forum events and operations, ensuring up-to-date information in the event database and Forum calendar, developing reports, as requested, to inform Forum operations and decision-making.
  • In collaboration with MDG and Facilities, coordinates property activity for capital projects and property rehabilitations, including scheduling, budgeting and complying with contractor bidding standards. Administers and enforces contract requirements. 
  • Manages financial responsibilities for technology, AV services, and building operations.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

    •  Minimum Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s degree required. 
    • Minimum seven years of related experience is required.

     Additional Position-Specific Minimum Qualifications

    • Experience with building and operational management.
    • Expertise in production management, design, and direction, with competence in various technical sub-disciplines.
    • Knowledge of basic AV support for conference rooms including Zoom, Skype, and other videoconferencing technologies.
    • Knowledge and experience in techniques and practices for the production of live events.
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office, including ability to create spreadsheets, manage databases, and generate reports.
    • Experience in the use of software related to project, event, facilities, or data management.
    • Must be highly organized, motivated, flexible, and able to handle high-volume workload, manage concurrent projects, meet deadlines and work as part of a team.
    • Excellent judgment with strong written and verbal communication skills. 
    • Strong leadership and people skills with ability to build and foster relationships with diverse constituencies.
    • Demonstrated experience supervising staff and leading teams.
    • Desire to work in a collaborative environment that values innovation and creative problem-solving.
    • Must be punctual and able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

    Additional Preferred Qualifications

    • Proficiency in using software related to project, event, facilities, or data management.
    • A working knowledge of building preventive maintenance systems, architectural or engineering plans, or building, fire, safety and environmental codes.
    • Experience with audio production of live events and familiarity with theatrical lighting, a plus.
    • Advanced working knowledge of the equipment, techniques, and practices of technical production for live events, including audio, lighting, video presentation, videography, and livestreaming.
    • Expert level knowledge and experience in video production for live events, including:  graphics operation (PowerPoint, Keynote, Playback Pro), multiformat video switcher systems (Barco S3-4K), production camera switchers (Blackmagic ATEM), complex video/graphics matrix, routing and conversion systems, large-format projectors.  Videography and web-streaming systems, technologies and procedures, including robotic cameras, Wirecast, and RTMP.
    • Computer literacy, up to and including working knowledge of productivity and data management software (e.g., Filemaker, Excel, Word), graphics software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, PowerPoint, Keynote), as well as knowledge of networking systems, cloud-based backup systems and digital file management.
    • Recent experience in an educational, healthcare or similar institution preferred.

    Similar Positions