Southern Methodist University is hiring: Assistant Director Video Production Eng

Job Description - Assistant Director Video Production Engineering (HR Title: Athletics Video Prod Engineer) (ATH00000447)

Salary range: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Assistant Director of Video Production Engineering supports the technical operations of all live broadcasts, in-venue videoboard shows, and AV systems across SMU Athletics.

Reporting to the Director of Video Production Engineering, this position assists in maintaining and troubleshooting SMPTE 2110 IP-based systems, supports gameday setup and execution, and provides hands‑on engineering for both control room and venue systems.

The role contributes to the delivery of reliable, high‑quality productions and helps ensure that all athletic venues are technically game‑ready.

Essential Functions

• Assist with setup, operation, and troubleshooting of broadcast systems during ESPN/ACCN broadcasts and in‑venue shows. Support camera signal flow (including SMPTE fiber), replay, intercom, transmission, and control systems during live events. Perform RCP prep, white balance, and camera patching under supervision.
• Maintain and test AV systems and production equipment in all athletic venues and control rooms. Includes PTZ cameras, broadcast cameras, CCUs, control panels, videoboards, fiber, and associated infrastructure. Help with routine inspections and preventative maintenance.
• Support IP‑based video and audio routing systems (SMPTE 2110), frame syncs, and timing equipment. Assist in troubleshooting production network issues and participate in configuration tasks under direction from the Director of Engineering.
• Support director of engineering, freelance engineers, and game day crews, ensuring smooth system handoff and operation. Serve as a point of contact for visiting TV trucks and ensure correct signal routing, camera patches, and intercom integration as needed.
• Assist in training student workers and part‑time staff on technical procedures, camera setup, fiber patching, and safety practices. Help reinforce departmental standards and develop internal capacity over time.
• Maintain and update documentation including IP address maps, wiring diagrams, and system schematics. Assist in organizing gear, managing inventory, and preparing backup kits or flypacks for remote setups.
• This position requires evening, weekend, and holiday work in support of athletic events and live broadcasts.
• Candidate must be able to respond quickly to live production emergencies and provide technical coverage when needed, including outside of regular business hours.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s is required.

Minimum of two years of work experience in live video production, broadcast engineering, or AV systems support is required. Hands‑on experience with camera systems (PTZ and broadcast), fiber signal paths, replay servers, and intercom systems is also required.

Experience working in a live sports or control room environment highly preferred, especially involving SMPTE 2110 infrastructure or IP‑based routing.

Experience supporting game day or live event productions in a collegiate or professional sports setting desired. Prior experience working with or guiding student workers or freelancers is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Strong problem‑solving skills with ability to identify and analyze problems and devise solutions. Strong organizational, planning and time management skills. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential.

Working knowledge of broadcast camera systems (Sony, PTZ, SMPTE fiber, CCU/RCP setup). Basic understanding of IP‑based video routing and SMPTE 2110 standards. Ability to troubleshoot signal flow, intercoms, and replay systems in live environments is essential.

Familiarity with one or more of the following Ross Dashboard, Evertz Magnum, Telestream, Calrec, or other broadcast control interfaces, preferred.

One or more of the following certifications preferred: SBE Certification, AVIXA CTS, CTS‑I, or CTS‑D, Dante Level 2 or Level 3 Certification.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand, crawl, climb, kneel
• Walk for long distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Push/pull
• Carry/lift 25‑50 lbs.
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature or humidity
• Exposure to excessive noise

Deadline to Apply

January 19, 2026

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.