Classroom and Event Support Specialist

Benefits
Current Benefits
Colgate University is proud to offer in-depth, competitive benefits that support the health and wellbeing of our employees and their family. The majority of benefits are effective on the date of hire.
We pride ourselves on the scope and quality of the benefits offered to our employees. We invite candidates to visit our Benefits page to learn more about our generous benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

Health and Wellness:
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health benefits, disability and life insurance, 403 B Retirement with employer core and matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:
Vacation time (varies based on position classification), sick time, 13.5 holidays including a Winter Recess between Christmas and New Year's and 3 floating holidays.

Paid Family Leave:
After six months of employment, employees become eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid time off up to 67% of salary to a state maximum for bonding with a newborn, adopted or foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or to help after a family member has been deployed to active military duty abroad.

Continuing Education and Professional Development:
Employees and their spouse/domestic partner may take up to 2 courses per semester at Colgate, tuition free with a $20 per course registration fee.
Funding for work related courses to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree related to your current position.
After 7 years of service in an eligible position an employee's eligible children may be awarded up to half of Colgate's tuition to attend an accredited college, university or trade school of their choice.

Along with a generous benefits package, additional perks unique to Colgate University include but are not limited to free on campus parking, free gym membership with discounts for family members, reduced Seven Oaks Golf Course memberships, University Bookstore discount, free library access, 3 free tickets for any regular season athletic home event, access to Colgate owned Bewkes Center and Glendening Boathouse, free access to all cultural events.

Department Statement
Colgate Information Technology Services (ITS) is a dynamic organization that serves the diverse technology needs of the University community. ITS prides itself on exceptional customer service and building creative solutions to meet the unique needs of our liberal arts campus. ITS endeavors to foster an inclusive environment that values diversity, professional development, creativity, and innovation to support the growth of individuals and the organization. Under the leadership of the CIO, ITS is embarking on a strategic planning process to align services and resources with several exciting new initiatives identified in Colgate's Third Century Plan. More information can be found at https://www.colgate.edu/about/third-century-plan

We are seeking an organized and collaborative Classroom and Event Support Specialist with a diverse background in audiovisual (AV) technologies to join the Classrooms, Digital Media, and Events (CDME) team. The CDME team provides technical event support to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Our expert team supports over 200 learning and event spaces on and off campus facilitating audio-visual installations, maintenance, repair, technical event support, education, and consultations.

We'd love to hear from you - even if you do not meet 100% of the preferred/desired qualifications.

Accountabilities
The Classroom and Event Support Specialist serves as a member of a team providing direct support to academic programs and administrative departments to ensure the sound delivery of video and audio programming, presentations, classroom content and other digital media.

Accountable for:

• Participating in regularly scheduled or limited scope projects as assigned.
• Supporting physical A/V installations across campus including those found in classrooms, conference rooms, multi-purpose spaces, digital signage, and department specific installations.
• Providing direct event support by operating video cameras, audio mixers, public address sound systems, placing microphones and podiums, and ensuring presentation materials are queued and accurately displayed.
• Documentation of client interactions, incidents and requests.
• Communication about problems and resolutions according to defined standards of practice.

Specific accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Responding immediately to classroom support escalation incidents to resolve emergent issues.
• Providing support and light installation for audiovisual and multimedia installations in classrooms, conference rooms and public spaces across campus.
• Performing maintenance checks, troubleshooting, and programming of audiovisual equipment.
• Providing audio mixing and sound reinforcement for classes and events on and off campus.
• Troubleshooting equipment malfunctions; performing minor repairs or adjustments to audiovisual equipment and identifying major repair needs.
• Preparing for and supporting events requiring audiovisual equipment, as assigned.
• Assisting with live and studio recordings, lecture capture and campus wide seminal events.
• Ensuring proper documentation, notification, escalation, tracking, and follow up of audiovisual related incidents.
• Responsible for timely completion of small projects, or providing support to a project leader, in the installation or renovation of audiovisual systems in classrooms, meeting spaces and public areas.
• Using technical expertise and experience to exercise a sufficient level of judgment to make decisions in support of project completion.

Technical Competencies

Desktop/Mobile/AV Diagnostics and Repair

Demonstrated knowledge of AV platforms deployed across the University sufficient to support tier two issues arising on campus. Demonstrated knowledge sufficient to troubleshoot, diagnose and provide repair tier two support for all AV issues and installations. Demonstrated knowledge in hardware, software and networking as it relates to specific platforms (e.g. control system software, video and audio switching, display hardware, video cameras, portable lighting, and portal PA systems).

Events/A/V

Demonstrated ability to understand and translate user needs to provide the required technical support/installations required.

Stagecraft

Demonstrated solid working knowledge of the tools and methods used in basic stagecraft to construct, modify or repair AV installations in classrooms, art galleries, public spaces and athletic facilities.
Demonstrated understanding of the principles of stagecraft and building trades sufficient to collaborate with tradespersons, contractors and technicians.

Customer Service

Displays empathy and patience with users of all levels of sophistication. Can successfully support most users on campus with tier two issues. Demonstrated ability to consistently follow through with solutions and information for all types of users. Demonstrated ability to diffuse the most challenging situations and remain calm and focused and escalate when required. Demonstrated ability to assess user sophistication and communicate (oral and written) with customers in an appropriate level of detail. Always conveys confidence to the user in ITS' ability to solve issues. Demonstrated ability to appropriately broker services for calls received that do not relate to ITS.

Project Management

Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 3+ staff resources, develop project plans, develop requirements, and coordinate across teams. Project plans subject to approval by more senior staff. Demonstrated ability to execute subsets of complex projects managed by others in a matrixed environment.

Media Support

Demonstrated experience planning and executing the installation of media components used in multimedia projects and installations. Demonstrated knowledge of a wide range of AV formats and delivery systems including an understanding of the capabilities and flexibilities necessary for media installations and live productions. Demonstrated ability to be an articulate collaborator who is comfortable speaking the language of the visual arts and can translate the vision of colleagues, faculty, artists and curators to assist in the design, construction and execution of AV projects, exhibits and art installations.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a current understanding of available AV technologies, methods, installation strategies and technical capabilities.

Behavioral Competencies

Personal Accountability for Results

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Effective Communication

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Change Management

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Leadership and Teamwork

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Creativity and Innovation

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Sustainability

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university's commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university's sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Requirements

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• Three or more years of directly related professional experience
• Ability to shift priorities
• Working knowledge of Windows and Mac OS
• Working knowledge of software, hardware and systems integral to audio visual installations such as: Control system software, video and audio switching and display hardware, camera and portable lighting and video conference platforms
• Understanding of the principles of stagecraft and building trades sufficient to coordinate with tradespersons, contractors and technicians
• Capable of working with high profile faculty, guest speakers and alumni through a diplomatic lens
• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow direction from peers, faculty, artist, and gallery staff to achieve the appropriate vision for installations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in Higher Education is preferred
• Extron programming experience highly preferred
• Experience working in Technical Events is preferred

Education
Associate's degree in Information Technology, Electronics, Media Arts and Technology, Communications or a related field highly desirable.

Certifications
A current valid driver's license, in accordance with the University's Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.

Required to pass the following annual mandatory training, but not limited to:

• Asbestos Awareness
• Ladder Safety
• Scaffolding Safety
• Safe lifting/Back Injury Prevention
• NFPA 70 Electrical Safety in the Workplace
• CPR/AED

Required training prior to initial use and designated refresher training, but not limited to:

• Aerial Lift Operations and Safety
• Forklift Operation and Safety

Physical Requirements
Ability to:

• wear compression and puncture resistant footwear, as required
• wear a hard hat in job site and construction areas, as required
• wear safety glasses, as required
• wear body harness for aerial lift equipment and fall arrest systems, as required
• wear electrical safety/hazard rating category (HRC) 2 protective clothing and apparel, as required by OSHA
• lift 50 pounds
• work in heights of excess of 6 feet

Other Information
Colgate Bargaining Unit employees must apply by Thursday, March 14th to be considered

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number 2024S015Posting
Temporary No
Work Schedule
This position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Occasional evenings and weekend work is required for supporting events.

Job Open Date 03/06/2024
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary
Please share a diversity statement with us that highlights your commitment to inclusion.
Colgate is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student population. We strive to be an inclusive community - one that embraces and values diversity (in the broadest sense possible) in an environment of mutual respect, communication, and engagement. A variety of cultures and perspectives enriches the quality of campus life, and the opportunity to share different views and experiences is at the core of Colgate's educational enterprise. These differences can include but are not limited to: race; ethnicity; gender and gender expression; sexual orientation; socioeconomic status; geographic background; national origin; culture; age; mental, cognitive, and physical abilities; religious beliefs; and political beliefs. As a result, we ask all candidates seeking consideration for the Classroom and Event Support Specialist position to submit a diversity statement with their application materials. You can upload the statement under the Diversity Statement document heading. A diversity statement may be any length (e.g. a short paragraph, a page) explaining your experiences, contributions, and/or commitments related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Examples of topics you may discuss include (but are not limited to): 1) how your experiences or competencies might serve to advance the university's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive campus, 2) your experiences working with diverse populations, or 3) how you will contribute to the university's strategic initiatives in this area (see "Colgate's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan":https://www.colgate.edu/about/third-century-plan/plan-diversity-equity-and-inclusion).

For guidance, please refer to the Office and Equity and Diversity Website for a Diversity Statement Guide
https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/provost-and-dean-faculty/equity-and-diversity

Some guidance on crafting Diversity Statements

https://www.colgate.edu/sites/default/files/2021-06/Some-Guidance-on-Crafting-Diversity-Statements-Colgate.pdf

EEO Statement
It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veteran Status, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, genetic information, victims of domestic violence and stalking, familial status, and all other categories covered by law. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training at all levels of employment. Colgate University will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their own compensation or the compensation of another employee or applicant. Colgate University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Females/Persons with Disabilities/Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.