Technical Director

About New America: New America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States. New America is dedicated to renewing, remaginging, and realizing the promise of America by continuing the quest to realize our nation's highest ideals, honestly confronting the challenges caused by rapid technological and social change, and seizing the opportunities those changes create.

About the role: New America is seeking a full-time Technical Director, a creative, results-driven leader who will direct the organization’s A/V and multimedia studio production. The ideal candidate has at least eight (8) years of experience leading and operating A/V production efforts (live experience and recorded content across in-studio, virtual, and hybrid formats), and will contribute creative and strategic guidance to the organization and its various teams.

The Technical Director will report to the VP of Content and Communications, and will manage and work closely with two full-time staff members – the Studio Manager and Podcast Production Lead, and the AV Technician. They will also collaborate closely with the Director of Communications and events staff on live in-person, virtual, and hybrid events via Zoom, Youtube, and vMix.

This role requires strong and updated technical expertise and instincts in audio and video hardware and software, the ability to efficiently direct projects and staff to produce high-quality outputs, and a creative and collaborative mindset. The ideal candidate is a strong manager who understands effective production workflows, is technologically adept, and has a passion for public policy and community engagement.

This position is expected to start in early 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:

Studio technical direction:

• Oversee AV operations and activities in the studio for live, virtual and hybrid production and recording, including camera operation, sound board, switching, streaming and broadcast (including Zoom technology), lighting, and mic/audio/communications systems

• Working with studio staff, assess and secure freelance contractor support for event and production activities
• Manage studio staff members and AV contractors
• Ensure proper maintenance and function of all audio and visual hardware and software, including making recommendations for upgrades or replacement of hardware and/or software to ensure high-quality service level and production
• Support work projects aimed at modernizing Main Event Space and Studio functionality
• Learn and maintain proficiency with all studio systems and equipment for events and multimedia projects
• Maintain and enhance skills to manage and operate systems, hardware and software in the Studio and Main Event Space
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in real-time during live productions
• Continuously evaluate and recommend improvements to technical workflows and equipment
• Experience directing virtual/hybrid events via Zoom, vMix, and Youtube.

Multimedia planning and execution:

• Collaborate with and provide direction for Studio Manager and Podcast Production Lead’s podcast production projects and activities
• Collaborate with Central Communications, program teams, and contractors to support creative video editing productions
• Explore and pilot creative multimedia concepts that set New America events apart from others in the think tank and public policy space

Event planning and execution:

• Direct studio operations in order to host public events and private convening functions
• Generate day-of staffing plans for studio staff/personnel, including backup support plans
• Work closely with New America’s events and program teams to ensure alignment of event-related goals, project plans, activities, agendas, run-of-show documentation, and logistics
• Oversee studio pre-production, production, and post-production processes for in-person, live-streamed, and hybrid events, including recording, editing, sound design, and mixing/mastering
• Support the development and management of New America’s events strategy and operations, in collaboration with Central Communications colleagues, comprising dynamic in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, both on-site and off-site
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop new processes for on-site event experiences as New America modernizes its on-site event programming
• Communicate with internal and external event organizers, including event speakers and high-profile guests
• Manage budgeting and reporting for studio-related purchases, contracts, vendors, invoices and expenses

Audience development:

• Develop strategies to build both wide and targeted audiences
• Work closely with key stakeholders to build new audiences

Qualifications:

Candidates for this position should have the following:

• At least 8 years of experience in a live studio and A/V production setting working, producing, and leading in a variety of multimedia formats
• Excellent staff management skills, including steady and calm leadership, along with the ability to manage up and down firmly but diplomatically
• Command of studio and A/V production tasks, equipment, and software related to recording, editing, sound design, and mixing/mastering
• Must be able to multi-task and move seamlessly between major productions and micro-tasks 
• Experience with live streaming events (or broadcasting)
• Experience using editing tools, such as Adobe Audition, Adobe Premiere Pro, Pro Tools
• Experience assessing, managing, and securing, roster of A/V freelancer contractors, including audio board, vMix, camera operators, and more
• Experience managing production calendars and project timelines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including comfort and discretion with VIP audiences
• Ability to work calmly and think quickly under pressure to solve problems during live events and other convenings
• Highly creative, collaborative, and a strategic thinker
• Possess high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and instruction at times
• Ability to take direction and work within a team environment
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Curiosity, eagerness, and ability to develop new knowledge, technologies, systems, and skills
• Experience supporting budget/expense management
• Punctuality and dependability
• Passion for public policy and skilled storytelling is a plus

Location: This is an on-site Washington, DC-based position. You will be in the office depending on that week’s events schedule, with flexibility to work from home on days when New America is not hosting events or convenings, or when not in conflict with event setup, pre-production, or post-production activities. Role responsibilities may occasionally require early morning or evening hours.

Compensation and benefits: This position is a full-time role with benefits. The annual salary will be between $135,000 – $150,000, and will be determined based on the successful candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills. New America is committed to offering competitive compensation packages to attract top talent.

New America offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health care, dental, and vision coverage; a generous retirement plan; observes all federal holidays; 20 days of paid time off (combined vacation and sick days) in your first year of employment and 30 days of paid time off in subsequent years; 12 weeks of paid parental leave; and an office-wide closure between Christmas and New Year.

How to apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, and work samples. Work samples can be video files no longer than a minute showcasing live events or shows you have produced, or other accessible portfolio format showcasing your prior production experience. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are recommended. Please, no phone calls or emails.

New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.