Technical Director Job at American Public Media Group in Saint Paul

Position Summary

The Technical Director is a leader in the Broadcast Operations department, working in support of Minnesota Public Radio’s three regional services, the APM portfolio of national programming, and production of APM|MPR podcasts. The position’s primary focus and responsibility is the technical coordination and production of broadcasts, podcast production, recordings, and events for APM|MPR. The Technical Director will bring creativity and expertise in both audio & video production to help produce compelling content for our audiences in both the audio and video mediums.

Expected Compensation Range

$39.45 - $42.85 per hour, based on experience and education.

Work Location

Hybrid, St. Paul, MN

Application Process

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Application Deadline

Until filled.

Position Responsibility

• Maintain expert knowledge and operational skill in digital audio production using in‑house software‑editing platforms (currently utilized systems include Dalet and Pro Tools) as well as mixing consoles (currently utilized systems include Axia, Neve, Midas, and Yamaha digital consoles).
• Maintain expert knowledge and operational skill in digital video production using software editing platforms (currently utilized systems include DaVinci Resolve) as well as video cameras (currently utilized equipment include Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro and Canon C70).
• Perform live audio mixing: on‑air board operations, studio mixing of both talk and music, and sound reinforcement.
• Recording and mixing of both music and talk‑based audio content.
• Lead technical planning of remote broadcasts, recordings, and events to help shape the scope early in the planning process so that we can meet the expectations of everyone involved.
• Respond in a timely and professional manner to internal and external requests for audio or video files, technical assistance, and planning details.
• Collaborate closely with show hosts, directors, and producers to accommodate an efficient and creative broadcast/production environment.
• Establish and maintain the highest standards of audio and video production.
• Lead by example and work with the team to deliver on standards.
• Establish and enforce clean and effective standard operating procedures and train colleagues to implement them.
• Work with other departments and/or external partners to stay up to date on all technical and content changes and modifications.
• Test, connect, and monitor codecs and any other equipment necessary for live broadcasts (currently utilized systems include Comrex Access, LiveU, Riverside, Opal, and more).
• Operate audio/visual systems for events and meetings.
• Operate digital audio recording devices and interfaces for both in‑house and field recording.
• Operate video cameras, video switchers, and encoding software for live video streams.
• Provide excellent customer service to our internal colleagues and external constituents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or five or more years’ experience as an audio engineer.
• Experience recording and/or shooting in many environments including studios, control rooms, concert halls, churches, clubs, and outdoor venues.
• Three or more years of experience as an audio engineer and/or videographer.
• Thorough knowledge and experience of field recording/shooting, sound reinforcement, studio recording/shooting, post‑production, and live broadcast procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with analog and digital studio audio infrastructures, PA systems, stage production and audio recording, and/video cameras and shooting techniques using DSLR lenses.
• Knowledge of computer‑based audio technologies, audio editing software, multicast audio, IP streaming, media delivery systems, and video editing software, and virtual event production.
• Computer literate with experience using PC and Mac platforms.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Project planning, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Problem‑solving and technical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships to achieve common goals.
• Able to perform work independently or in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally.
• Ability to maintain composure and perform well under pressure.
• Must understand and be able to support and troubleshoot modern personal computer hardware and software.
• Creative problem solver and ability to communicate complex principles in non‑technical or layman’s terms.
• Ability to multitask daily.
• Ability and desire to not just maintain the status quo, but to increase the quality and efficiency of the team’s work over time.
• Ability to think about content editing from the perspective of the audience to help shape a story or piece with creative editing and production techniques.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in a broadcasting or media environment.
• Demonstrated skills operating and knowledge of audio consoles, microphones, mic pre‑amps, patch bays/routers, multi‑track recorders, AD/DA converters, and related audio equipment.
• Knowledgeable and skilled in operating signal processing equipment and digital plug‑ins including equalizers, compressors, limiters, de‑essers, reverb, and other digital effects.
• Expert fluency in several digital audio workstation varieties, Pro Tools experience preferred.
• Ability to train both technical and non‑technical staff on audio and video equipment and production systems in a one‑on‑one or group learning environment.
• Operational experience with Internet Service Provider (ISP) technologies such as DSL, T1, cable and wireless technologies. This includes applications and equipment such as VoIP, IP codecs, consumer modems/routers, and network switches.
• Working knowledge of computer networking architecture (static IP vs. DHCP, firewalls, VLANs).
• Knowledge of digital production and content management systems for on‑air program production and automation.
• Solid background in electronics and audio systems signal flow and basic electronics wiring.
• Demonstrated skills operating and knowledge of video cameras and shooting techniques.
• Working knowledge of video switchers, cabling, and live video production techniques.
• Working knowledge of basic graphic design techniques and graphic layering with video.
• Working knowledge of lighting techniques for video production.
• Working knowledge of stage lighting systems and theatrical stagecraft.
• Working knowledge of audio/visual equipment and event/presentation technology.
• Project management skills.

Reporting To

None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Position will at times require weekend, evening, and holiday work.
• Physical Demands:
  • Required to move about in an office environment.
  • Required to move about in the community.
  • Reach with hands and arms.
  • Balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
  • Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
  • Required to lift audio and video equipment up to 70 lbs.
• Working Conditions:
  • Moderate noise level.
  • Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions.

Benefits

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 weeks per year, pro‑rated based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro‑rated based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long‑Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

Know Your Rights

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.