AV Manager, Director

Salary Range: $185,000-$225,000

About The Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.

About

About the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream

In just over a year, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) will open its doors in Washington, DC to visitors from around the world. Our visitor center, based in beautiful and historic bank buildings across from the Treasury Department and White House and directly on Pennsylvania Ave, will contain interactive exhibits and state of the art technology focused on the dynamic story of the America Dream. The Center will also host an extensive online community and gathering place that features virtual exhibits, inspirational and educational programming, exciting research about economic and social opportunities, and global competitions.

The ideal at the heart of the American Dream speaks to the aspirations of people everywhere: No matter who you are or where you come from, you should have the opportunity to build the life you want to live. Our mission is to advance economic and social mobility, by celebrating lives and ideas that embody the American Dream, confronting barriers to opportunity, and catalyzing solutions to overcome those barriers. We broaden opportunity by expanding knowledge of and access to education, health, and finance, and by empowering an entrepreneurial mindset. Our purpose is to make the American Dream an attainable reality for people everywhere-across America and the world.

About The Position

The AV Technical Director at the Milken Institute will manage all aspects of the state-of-the-art AV infrastructure at the Milken Center in Washington DC, including all technology that supports our event facilities, public-facing American Dream exhibits, digital cinema/theater, Milken Institute staff offices, and the operation of our broadcast studio. The position requires a very high level of technical expertise. The Technical Director will provide strategic direction and tactical leadership for AV staff, all systems solutions and services, prepare and manage budgets, and coordinate with multiple internal and external constituents to ensure successful project execution. Responsibilities include team management, project oversight and management, technical planning, process coordination, and event operations.

Responsibilities

Technical Expertise and Strategic Planning:

• Provide the highest level of technical expertise in the seamless configuration and deployment of state-of-the-art AV solutions and systems, ensuring the optimal alignment of AV installations with operational needs.
• Proactively remain abreast of the latest developments in the AV domain and its allied sectors, cultivating an astute awareness of emerging products and cutting-edge technologies, thereby facilitating a proactive approach to incorporating innovative solutions into the Milken Institute's AV infrastructure.
• Harness and leverage the technical resources and expertise offered by external vendors and contractors, strategically engaging their services for an array of critical functions, including repair and maintenance operations, comprehensive training initiatives, and ongoing technical support, thus ensuring the uninterrupted functionality and perpetual optimization of the Institute's AV ecosystem.
  
  

Team Management And Leadership

• Foster a cohesive working environment between in-house personnel and third-party staff, optimizing the delivery of exceptional AV experiences and exemplary support for AV exhibits and event operations.
• Supervise a proficient workforce engaged in AV technology operations, guaranteeing the seamless delivery of services and proactively managing any disciplinary matters that may arise.
  
  

Project Management

• Oversee and meticulously govern the comprehensive aspects of project management, encompassing the delineation of project scope, adherence to designated schedules, effective cost control measures, and stringent quality assurance protocols, all while prioritizing the utmost satisfaction of the Milken Institute and upholding strict adherence to safety regulations for the seamless deployment of AV components.
• Exhibit proactive decision-making skills that resonate throughout the organization, facilitating seamless integration among diverse stakeholders, including the Milken Institute, AV vendors and contractors, and the project design and construction team.
• Orchestrating a harmonious collaboration that encompasses all facets of system programming and culminates in the meticulous final inspection of systems, thus ensuring the successful integration and synchronization of AV elements within the overarching project framework.
  
  

Operations

• Exercise meticulous oversight over event-centric budgets, contracts, and invoices, leveraging astute financial acumen to streamline financial processes and foster fiscal prudence.
• Proactively coordinate the streamlined synchronization of show management areas, events, and sponsor activations managing potential conflicts between the Event and Exhibits divisions of MCAAD, thus fostering a harmonious and cohesive operational environment.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with diverse departments, actively resolving complex problems and providing comprehensive technical assistance, thereby fortifying a culture of unified operational excellence.
• Provide invaluable technical insights and guidance to visiting technicians and press personnel during high-profile events, underscoring a commitment to exceptional service delivery and maintaining a reputation for technical excellence and precision.
• Establish and uphold a comprehensive framework of AV policies and procedures, leveraging strategic coordination with vendors and contractors, and actively participating in comprehensive budget planning initiatives, thus ensuring a sustainable and well-managed operational landscape.
  
  

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience managing the AV infrastructure for a state-of-the-art public-facing event, convention, or entertainment facility or museum.
• Skill in solving complex problems, operating independently with latitude for independent judgment and action, and training and developing staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, build effective teams, and establish strong relationships with stakeholders, including senior management, other departments, vendors, and guests.
• Expertise in AV technologies and equipment, strong financial acumen, and exceptional analytical and strategic planning skills.
• Proven track record in managing on-site technicians, vendors, and contractors, with exceptional troubleshooting abilities for complex technical issues.
• Knowledge of AV equipment, operation, and maintenance in large-scale production settings.
• Working knowledge of Control Room lighting systems, digital signage, meetings database, sound systems, video replay systems, RF systems, video systems, and related infrastructure.
• Capability to take the lead in addressing critical display signage, meeting display software, video webcasting, and press connectivity issues.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and complex wiring schematics, along with a strong aptitude for troubleshooting system-level problems and implementing effective solutions.
• Proficiency in handling project changes, issues, and risks, with a keen focus on effective resolution.
• Strong capabilities in project documentation and report preparation, with the ability to manage multiple work streams and meet deadlines accurately.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a high degree of trustworthiness and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including nights and weekends as necessary.
• Preferred experience in opening new venues and building new teams.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business Management or related field.
  
  

Note

We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.

This position will work a hybrid schedule consisting of three (3) days per week reporting in-person to your respective office location (Tuesday – Thursday), with the remaining two (2) days working remotely. Please understand, this schedule is subject to change in the Institute’s sole discretion.

The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Our Culture

The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan - 403b (5%)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSAs)
• Training & Development:
• LinkedIn Learning –over 10,000 classes offered, self-guided.
• Mentor Program
• Wellness Resources:
• Employee Assistance Program
• CALM app membership