The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is actively seeking a passionate individual to join our team as an Associate Audio-Visual Technology Specialist. At CITL, we are dedicated to fostering excellence in teaching and learning across all platforms and modalities. We pride ourselves on being reliable academic partners to both educators and students, prioritizing a customer-centric approach marked by effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. Our primary objective is to make a meaningful difference in the landscape of education, championing unity, accessibility, and unparalleled educational quality. At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusivity and diversity across every facet of our work.
In this role, you will be immersed in dynamic and stimulating tasks, overseeing, and bolstering our audio-visual and extended reality systems. You'll thrive in a work environment that promotes transparency and mutual respect and celebrates the diversity of faculty, staff, and students at the University of Illinois. We value the professional growth of our employees and actively invest in their development through mentorship, interdisciplinary teamwork, continuous learning opportunities, and pathways for career advancement.
The Associate Audio-Visual Technology Specialist will provide comprehensive audio-visual support to CITL members and academic collaborators utilizing CITL spaces. Responsibilities will encompass the upkeep and assistance of audio-visual technology, including wall monitors, cameras, microphones, and more, within CITL instructional, innovation, and collaboration spaces. Additional responsibilities include managing and supporting extended reality (XR) devices that leverage virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies used within the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL). This role will work with the CITL Communication Specialist to oversee our digital signage initiatives across, ensuring seamless operation and user satisfaction. Ultimately, the Associate Audio-Visual Technology Specialist contributes to CITL's mission of fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence in teaching and learning within the university community.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Audio-Visual System Support
Analyze functional and performance issues associated with use of A/V technology, collaborate with peers on possible solutions and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.
Install, configure, and integrate audio-visual technology into CITL spaces, collaborating with faculty, staff, and instructional designers to tailor solutions that meet specific pedagogical needs and enhance teaching effectiveness.
Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and upkeep of audio-visual equipment, including projectors, cameras, microphones, audio mixers, control systems, and digital signage displays, to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Offer expert technical assistance and troubleshooting for audio-visual equipment and systems utilized in instructional, innovation, and collaboration spaces within CITL. This includes addressing user inquiries, resolving technical issues, and ensuring uninterrupted operation of audio-visual technology.
Manage digital signage displays across CITL facilities, including content scheduling, layout design, and software configuration, to communicate relevant information and promote events, workshops, and educational resources.
Collaborate with CITL leadership and stakeholders to assess audio-visual technology needs, research new equipment and software solutions, and facilitate procurement processes to acquire cutting-edge AV resources that support innovative teaching methods and emerging trends.
Ensure that audio-visual solutions and instructional materials adhere to accessibility standards and best practices, such as providing captioning, transcripts, and other accommodations to ensure equitable access for all learners, in alignment with CITL's commitment to inclusivity.
Stay informed about advancements in audio-visual technology and pedagogy, to continuously enhance skills and knowledge in the field.
Customer Support and Management
Deliver excellent customer service by responding to requests in person, on the phone, or via email in a timely, polite, and professional manner.
Work to build relationships with user community by proactively communicating relevant information and discussing the user's needs, initiatives, and service levels through periodic meetings.
Foster collaborative relationships with academic departments, campus units, and external organizations to leverage expertise, share resources, and explore opportunities for joint projects and initiatives that promote educational innovation and excellence.
Encourage best practices regarding the use of A/V technology.
Develop documentation and provide training for units and individual users on the use of A/V technology.
Extended Reality Device Management
Install and configure VR hardware and software, ensuring seamless integration with existing AV systems.
Perform routine checks and address any technical issues to ensure VR devices are functioning optimally.
Educate patrons on the effective use of VR technology for educational purposes and provide ongoing assistance.
Stay abreast of the latest developments in VR technology and explore new ways to incorporate VR into CITL's educational offerings.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years of work experience in IT-related functions such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline may be substituted as follows: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year, Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen (18) months, 90 semester hours equals two (2) years, Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years).
Demonstrated experience working with audio-visual equipment.
Preferred Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Audio Engineering, Media Technology, or a related discipline.
Experience in maintaining and calibrating audio-visual equipment to ensure optimal performance, including routine inspections, repairs, and upgrades as necessary.
Industry certifications that demonstrate a commitment to professional development and expertise in the field.
Completion of specialized training programs or workshops related to audio-visual technology, multimedia production, digital signage management, or related areas can provide additional depth of knowledge and skill enhancement.
Prior experience working in a higher education environment, particularly within a teaching and learning support unit or academic technology services, is advantageous due to familiarity with the unique needs and challenges of educational institutions.
Experience in project management, including planning, coordination, and execution of audio-visual technology projects from inception to completion, is beneficial for overseeing complex installations and upgrades.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated expertise in audio-visual technology systems, including but not limited to projectors, cameras, microphones, audio mixers, amplifiers, control systems, and digital signage solutions.
Ability to install, configure, and integrate audio-visual equipment into various environments, including classrooms, meeting rooms, lecture halls, and event spaces.
Strong documentation skills to maintain accurate records of equipment inventory, maintenance activities, troubleshooting procedures, and user guides.
Dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the workplace and in the services provided to CITL members, ensuring equitable access to educational resources for all individuals.
Awareness of accessibility standards and best practices, such as ADA compliance and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in audio-visual solutions and instructional materials.
Proven ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues related to audio-visual equipment and systems in a timely manner, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Familiarity with relevant software applications used in audio-visual technology, such as media players, video editing software, digital signage management platforms, and remote-control software.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on delivering exceptional customer service and support to CITL members and academic partners.
Capacity to adapt to changing technological landscapes and emerging trends in audio-visual technology, with a willingness to learn and implement new technologies as needed.
Ability to work effectively within a team-oriented environment, collaborating with colleagues across different departments and disciplines to achieve common goals.
Appointment Information:
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5031 - Information Technology Technical Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $59,000.00 - $63,000.00. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .
Application Procedures & Deadline Information:
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 12, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three references, including contact information.
Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.
In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
