What are the responsibilities and job description for the Audiovisual Manager position at CENTERS @ Johns Hopkins University?
Overview
CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients. Today, CENTERS provides management services for 14 clients.
Job Summary
The Audiovisual Tech Manager leads audiovisual services, equipment, and personnel to support all reserved events in the Hopkins Student Center. They coordinate and manage all technical aspects of audiovisual productions, including live events, recordings, presentations, and theatrical performances. The AV Tech Manager oversees a team of full-time and part-time technicians, providing services in a hospitality and theater environment. They directly supervise the AV Tech Coordinator and Theater Tech Coordinator.
This position will work on-site at Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus. JHU is recognized as America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world. JHU is opening its first-ever student center in August 2025. The 148,000 gross square feet Hopkins Student Center (HSC) will transform the student experience by providing spaces, amenities, and opportunities for students who want to socialize, connect, create, and relax. The building is designed to be a welcoming environment for all Hopkins students while extending an invitation to the community through events, programs, and dining opportunities.
This position will work on-site at Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus. JHU is recognized as America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world. JHU is opening its first-ever student center in August 2025. The 148,000 gross square feet Hopkins Student Center (HSC) will transform the student experience by providing spaces, amenities, and opportunities for students who want to socialize, connect, create, and relax. The building is designed to be a welcoming environment for all Hopkins students while extending an invitation to the community through events, programs, and dining opportunities.
Essential Functions:
- Collaborate with clients, producers, directors, and other stakeholders to understand project audiovisual requirements.
- Develop detailed plans and timelines for audiovisual productions.
- Coordinate with Information Technology Services, vendors, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
- Oversee the setup, configuration, and operation of audio, video, lighting, and other technical equipment.
- Conduct technical rehearsals and resolve technical issues during rehearsals and live events.
- Provide on‐site supervision, management, and troubleshooting of production needs throughout the run of the show.
- Lead coordination with incoming performing artists and directors regarding their technical, production, and company needs.
- Develop and manage budgets for audiovisual productions, including equipment rental, labor costs, and other expenses.
- Source cost-effective solutions and negotiate favorable terms with vendors and suppliers to control expenses.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in AV production.
- Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, as well as copyright and licensing requirements.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of equipment inventory, technical specifications, production schedules, and other relevant information.
- Generate reports on project progress, budgetary status, and technical issues.
Staff Supervision:
- Select, train, manage, and evaluate staff.
- Responsible for approving timecards and preparing necessary documents/reports for bi-weekly payroll.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or 4 or more years of work experience required.
- At least 4 years working with AV in a theater, event, or hospitality environment.
- Leadership and supervisory experience.
- Higher Education experience preferred.
- Experience with staging productions and working with audio systems (board operations), rigging, and electrical systems.
Skills and Abilities:
- Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders.
- Knowledge of standard practices and demonstrated experience in AV and event production.
- Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Work Environment
- Office and events environment
- Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment
- Maintain flexible hours for occasional events that may occur on weekends and evenings
- Non-smoking environment
- Moderate to loud noise
Physical Demands
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position 60% of the day.
- Must be able to traverse throughout the student center and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools.
- Working in an events environment at least 40% of day.
- Must be able to lift, move, and set up items weighing as much as 30 lbs.
- Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with arena patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
CENTERS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
