GENERAL PURPOSE: Under the supervision of the Aztec Student Union Director, the Technical Services Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of live, in-house audio/visual production services including logistical planning, leadership and relevant facility operations and scheduling within the Student Union. This role will provide direct oversight to the Backdoor Media Studio to ensure thorough development, implementation and operation of the professional recording and production studio. Hires, trains, supervises and mentors part-time student technicians with an emphasis on student learning outcomes and growth. As an integral member of the Student Union team, this position performs duties and responsibilities that meet the mission and goals of the Student Union. Procures equipment and contract production services. Maintains inventory, facilitates equipment preventative maintenance and replacement schedule. Ensures all technical operations and services are executed in accordance with high customer service standards. Assists with operational duties as needed including but not limited to: front-line customer service, safety and security, crowd control management, emergency response, and communicating policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Functions
Manages technical services for events, programs and meetings within Student Union facilities. Occasional will assist additional A.S. facilities as needed with audio-visual production
Manages technical services for the Backdoor Media Studio, a fully-equipped studio for professional recording and production that supports our students' technical needs
Researches and obtains estimates, and procures services and equipment for event production as necessary
Works closely with supervisor by sharing vision for growth of the technical services areas and makes suggestions on how to stay current with the continually evolving audio-visual industry
Ensures the security and annual inventory of all AV equipment
Manages service contracts with outside vendors and maintains written documentation for all work
Implements new systems including software packages and other technical hardware to stay current with industry changes and customer requirements. Serves as project manager for all audio-visual installation and upgrade projects
Develops and maintains operations manuals for all equipment including but not limited to house sound, lighting and digital signage equipment
Serves as a backup to support the execution of the digital signage programs in coordination with Graphics and IT
Develops and implements procedures to troubleshoot and repair equipment, including the oversight of outsourcing major repairs
Performs IT functions related to the operation and troubleshooting of AV equipment and digital signage
Ensures compliance with Student Union and campus policies and procedures
Ensures accurate communication, scheduling and coordination between all staff and contracted service providers
Meets with customers and recommends program and audio visual equipment
Coordinates appropriate student staffing levels to facilitate audio visual needs
Ensures accurate input and record-keeping for all reservations logistics in event scheduling software
Ensures audio visual and program equipment inventory is kept accurate in event scheduling software
Assists with submitting Special Event Permit Applications with California State Fire Marshal and corresponding diagrams as needed
Monitors all event dates to ensure the technical services needs of Student Union customers are scheduled and scheduling conflicts do not occur
Communicates with event scheduling staff the required and/or recommended set-up and strike times necessary for all meeting and special events, factoring appropriate times for audio visual and production requirements
Ensures staff are following designated setup and strike timelines needed to ensure event and meeting rooms are prepped and tested prior to client arrival
Provides on-site facility and event supervision; works a flexible schedule as needed
Conducts pre-event briefings with all event staff and contract services to ensure all safeguards and practices are communicated for effective event and crowd control management
Meets with customers and contract service personnel during event execution to ensure services, facilities, equipment, and staffing are satisfactory
Ensures safety and security practices are followed for all Student Union building occupants, customers and guests. Provides immediate response to situations, and communicates appropriately with University Police Department and informs supervisor. Formulates and submits written incident reports immediately after situations occur
Assists the Operations staff in day-to-day functions including event set up, furniture, staging and equipment placement, as needed
Administration
Ensures all corporate, departmental and university deadlines are met and procedures are followed
Ensures daily operational tasks are completed in a timely manner according to established guidelines for opening procedures, closing procedures and other times throughout normal hours of operation
Ensures the maintenance and control of all Aztec Student Union fixed assets in compliance with A.S. guidelines
Reviews EMS reports in advance to effectively plan, coordinate, and schedule work
Directs the work of part-time Audio Visual Technicians and supports the Operations team in the supervision of the Operations Leads and Operations Assistants
Submits daily Shift Reports
Maintains appropriate inventory of professional-quality audio-visual equipment and supplies and makes determinations regarding the appropriate use of such equipment
Participates in Operations meetings and provides technical services scheduling and staffing information
Reviews event diagrams, student staff scheduling calendar and Event Approval System (EAS) statuses
Meets with customers to confirm all technical event details for execution
Communicates and disseminates information to staff and makes changes accordingly
Meets with supervisor to discuss issues and ensure proper resolution
Reviews and approves timekeeping records for part-time student staff in accordance with Payroll deadlines
Conducts regular inventory and inspections of program and audio visual equipment and facilitates repairs and work orders
Submits recommendations to supervisor for part-time staff awards
Assists in development of departmental goals, staff training manuals and programs
Reports on goal progress to supervisor
Conducts staff orientation, training and performance evaluations
Attends staff meetings and trainings and serves as department representative on various committees
Facility Maintenance
Ensures the adequate maintenance and appearance of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union facilities and equipment
Assists in conducting regular and frequent inspections of facilities and immediately addresses discrepancies with cleanliness, overall maintenance, and safety concerns. Reports discrepancies to supervisor and/or submits Work Orders. Areas include but not limited to:
Ensuring meeting and event spaces are properly set according to reservation requirements
Ensuring all storage rooms are maintained properly
Ensures preventative maintenance programs are established and tracked for all audio visual equipment systems, including house sound and lighting and all portable equipment
Assists in coordinating and executing building evacuation drills and other safety-related programs
Assists in performing various duties as assigned to maintain standards of maintenance and appearance
Customer Service & Collaboration
Develops and maintains positive working relationships with university and community representatives and other regular contacts and customers
Professionally represents the Student Union while participating in client and/or tenant meetings with Student Affairs, student organizations, university department representatives and A.S. department representatives to communicate Student Union activities and schedules
Serves as a liaison to various departments including Student Union tenants, Viejas Arena, Student Affairs, University Police Department, Aztec Shops, EH&S, Facilities Services and off-campus service providers for scheduling and event arrangements
Represents Associated Students and the Student Union at committee meetings as assigned
Budget
Provides budget, planning, and capital improvement oversight for technology needs
Ensures timely preparation and approval of annual budget
Prepares and monitors student employee budget to include trainings and staff meetings
Ensures year-end results meet approved budget
Monitors budget regularly and ensures adherence to budget guidelines and deadlines
Meets budget preparation, rebudget submittal and capital request deadlines
Develops, reviews and revises audio visual equipment and systems replacement schedules and obtains cost estimates to ensure accuracy in budget forecasting
Ensures all expenditures and revenue documents are submitted in a timely fashion in conjunction with organization's fiscal cycle
Reviews budgets and payroll reports, submits account corrections
Safety
Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
Adheres to Associated Students' and Aztec Student Union's Code of Safe Practices
Assists with the development, training and execution of all fire/life/safety procedures and plans including emergency evacuation
Assists in ensuring all employees are provided safety training and attend safety meetings regularly, including the Associated Students' New Hire Safety Training Program
Assists in ensuring event planning logistics comply with Student Union safety policies and procedures
Inspects all facilities and equipment to ensure that areas are clean, in good operating order, and in compliance with safety standards prior to building opening and event start times
Ensures fire code capacity compliance is maintained and facilitates effective crowd control and event management procedures
Ensures accident reports, employee injury reports, incident reports, supervisor's logs and safety suggestions of staff and guests are maintained and reviewed regularly
Assists in ensuring staff possess required training and certifications applicable to job duties
Staff Management
Ensures all hiring/termination is conducted in accordance with A.S. policy and timelines
Maintains appropriate staffing levels to facilitate satisfactory operation of the areas under supervision
Ensures each employee is given written information about their job responsibilities, procedures and policies
Provides each employee an orientation and introduction to the corporation, facility, department and personnel, including the specific standards that apply to each area
Describes each job's relationship to the mission of the Associated Students and its uniqueness as a student-directed corporation
Directs work courteously and gives clear, specific and realistic goals. Includes methods of accomplishment and accountability as appropriate
When assigning tasks, provides information, training, materials and support as appropriate
Assesses and monitors each employee's knowledge, understanding, ability, readiness and willingness to perform each assignment, then makes appropriate response
Holds effective staff meetings frequently and regularly provides information regarding policy changes, special events and all other pertinent topics. Keeps employees informed of daily happening and messages that pertain to their work
Makes corrections positively and promptly and includes specific suggestions for change as soon after the event as possible, considering privacy factors
Corrects individual problems with staff they supervisor
Four year degree from an accredited college or university preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience:
Three years minimum experience with a variety of audio visual systems, including but not limited to: house and portable sound, lighting and projectors, audio mixing consoles, live audio EQ, audio engineering, streaming and related software technology, and coordination with production companies required. Experience with Extron and Crestron systems preferred
Experience with multi-media/AV functions including video conferencing for hybrid meetings/events required
Experience with video production equipment to include multi-camera or single camera production, video switchers, audio, lighting, and editing systems (audio and video) preferred
Experience installing or setting up, configuring, supporting & solving technical issues for AV systems that include control, video conferencing, and other live event AV devices connected to a computer network.
Experience in the production and execution of meetings, conferences and special events including hands-on experience with production and inventory control required
Experience in light rigging and the firm understanding of safety requirements around such acitivity
Experience providing work direction and supervision to staff in a high-volume, customer-service environment required
Ability to read and interpret electronic and hard copy schematics, show flows, and other event production documentation.
Experience with basic fire and life safety policies and emergency evacuation procedures for meeting and event planning and crowd control management required
Experience with meeting and event scheduling software, diagramming software, PowerPoint, databases, and payroll software or similar programs preferred
Experience with Event Management System - Enterprise Version (EMS) and Meeting Matrix or similar preferred
Experience with the needs and requirements of patrons with disabilities and ADA guidelines preferred
Experience working with a variety of contracted services preferred
Experience with basic meeting room audio visual equipment required. Knowledge and experience in professional quality audio visual equipment including concert sound, lighting, video and multi-media preferred
Experience in the college union field, related higher education areas, or in the meeting, hospitality, and special events industry performing related audio visual functions preferred
Experience supervising and working directly with traditional aged college students preferred
Experience planning events with creative audio visual needs
Licenses & Certifications:
CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required (certifications may be obtained within first month of employment)
A valid California Drivers' License and proof of automobile insurance is required
Trainings:
Sexual Harassment Prevention for Supervisors
Data Security & Privacy
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Must professionally represent the Aztec Student Union, Associated Students and San Diego State University at all times
Commitment to values of diversity, multi-culturalism and higher education
Commitment to sustainable practices in accordance with the facility's LEED Platinum Certification and LEED Existing Building Maintenance and Operations (EBOM)
Commitment to a high standard of safety and ability to communicate and train safety policies and procedures to staff
Must be self-motivated, self-starter and perform with minimal direction and supervision
Must be able to facilitate meetings, trainings and orientations in a professional manner
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Working knowledge of live event production and some post-production editing
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guests
Ability to present a consistent, positive approach to students and all internal and external contacts by being courteous, respectful, helpful and cooperative at all times
Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
Ability to operate a computer with proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn and utilize new software programs
Ability to gather and organize data, draw logical conclusions and discern implications
Well organized, ability to effectively multi-task, ability to prioritize work, problem solve, make decisions and meet scheduled deadlines under pressure
Strong ability to lead and motivate part-time student employees and volunteers
Ability to interpret and communicate policies and procedures
Ability to adapt to and work in an environment of constant change, growth and frequent interruptions
COMPENSATION
Starting range: $70,000 - $75,000 per year
SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a regular, full-time exempt position. Flexibility and willingness to work long and irregular hours and days, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed by event schedule.
WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work conditions may vary depending upon the location of programs; programs may occur indoors and outdoors, therefore requiring exposure to a variety of elements. While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. While working outdoors, the work environment may involve exposure to various elements including but not limited to: sun, heat/cold, dust, pollens and other environmental risks.
This position may also call for occasional business-related driving.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical requirements include talking, listening, sitting, standing, walking, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, use of office equipment including but not limited to computers, scanners, printers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, digital cameras, corrected vision and hearing to standard range.
Depending on meeting and event requirements, physical demands may require standing and walking for extended lengths of time and may require lifting, pushing, pulling, moving and carrying items up to 50 pounds (unassisted) and 75 pounds (with assistance), and using ladders and high scissor lifts.
RELATIONSHIPS
Inside the Organization:
Reports to the Aztec Student Union Director and works closely with the Aztec Student Assistant Director of Operations
Supervises (1) full-time Technical Services Supervisor and approximately (25) part-time Audio Visual Technicians and works collaboratively with, and provides daily work direction and on-site supervision, in absence of Aztec Student Union Assistant Director of Operations, to forty-five (45) part-time Operations staff (part-time staffing numbers are approximate)
Works closely with the Student Union Team in scheduling and executing events
Works with various A.S. Boards and Committees as assigned
Works with various A.S. departments as needed when audio-visual services are identified
Outside the Organization:
Provides work direction and oversight to contract services personnel as needed
Ensures proper scheduling and approval for program-related activities and services through departments including but not limited to: SDSU Environmental Health & Safety, University Police Department, SDSU Facilities Services, California State Fire Marshal, SDSU Business & Financial Affairs, SDSU Student Affairs and Aztec Shops
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position
Founded in 1897, San Diego State University is a public institution of higher education located in southern California. SDSU is the oldest and largest university in San Diego and the third largest in the state. SDSU continues to gain recognition as a leader in higher education.Join SDSU and make a difference through meaningful work that contributes to knowledge and provides rich opportunities for students. The dynamic synergy between SDSU and the San Diego region furthers SDSU's excellence and global impact. Every member of our team can proudly proclaim, "I Am SDSU."In addition to SDSU, three not-for-profit auxiliary employers operate to provide services for the University. The SDSU Research Foundation furthers the educational, research and community service mission of SDSU. Aztec Shops provides a diverse portfolio of products and services including operation of the SDSU Bookstore, SDSU Dining, and management of commercial and real estate properties surrounding the campus. Associated Students of SDSU is a student-directed organization that manages programs and facilities enjoyed by students, faculty, staff, and the community-at-large.