Academic Media Specialist

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Divinity School?

Harvard Divinity School (HDS) is a nonsectarian school of religious and theological studies that educates students both in the pursuit of the academic study of religion and in preparation for leadership in religious, governmental, and a wide range of service organizations. HDS provides an intellectual home where scholars and professionals from around the globe research and teach the varieties of religion, in service of a just world at peace across religious and cultural divides.

The Academic Media Specialist is a key member of the IT&MS department who provides outstanding audiovisual services, operational support, training, and expertise on current and emerging academic technologies and platforms. Reporting to the Manager of Academic Technology, the Academic Media Specialist works directly with the Media Services and Video Production Supervisor and larger HDS IT & Media Services team to provide instructional technology and AV support to members of the HDS community. 

Working with diverse technical and non-technical clients, the Academic Media Specialist approaches customer interactions with an empathetic and positive attitude. The ideal candidate will be motivated and a quick learner, have excellent interpersonal skills and a focus on detail, possess a sense of personal ownership over the work they carry out, and have a serious interest in academic technology, audio-visual services, and customer service.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

• Works closely with the Academic Technology team to project future needs, including offering suggestions on improved uses of technology to meet pedagogical needs. 
• Designs and delivers hands-on technical training and workshops on the use of the HDS Learning Management System (Canvas) and related technology tools.
• Stays current on the latest online learning technology by attending conferences, engaging online communities, and researching new technology. 
• Takes an active role in determining the technology standards and hardware recommendations in-person and online learning at HDS.
• Coordinates with HDS IT & Media Services, Academic Affairs, Student Services, and Student Life to arrange technological accommodations for remote student participants.
• Collaborates with faculty and other teaching staff on academic technology as it relates to their course and teaching style. 
• Provides training and guidance to the graduate student Academic Technology Consultants (ATCs) in their outreach to and support of course instructors and teaching staff. 
• Consults with teaching staff and critical administrative departments to understand unique technology needs and provide classroom and event pre-production AV services.
• Performs intermediate and advanced AV setups, strikes, audio and video editing, and high-profile event support, including videography and audio support.
• Provides audio-visual and academic technology support services for in-person, remote, and hybrid modes of instruction at HDS; provides AV support for HDS classes, events, and administrative meetings.
• Plays a key role in providing AV engineering expertise to support and troubleshoot during events. Leads livestreaming and live music technical support. Collaborates with event organizers on event technology/logistics and advises with appropriate AV needs.
• Monitors incoming service channels (phone, email) and ticketing system; responds to customer requests; maintains/updates documentation.
• Takes ownership of customer issues and is accountable for the solutions and customer experience delivered until the issue is resolved.
• Communicates with customers about the status of their open tickets and escalate problems as necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Three plus (3+) years of experience with computers, audio-visual systems, and providing customer service or technical support in an academic environment.
• Candidates wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Technically oriented, customer-focused with a strong knowledge of audio/video equipment.
• Fluency with higher education computing technologies such as Learning Management Systems (Canvas, etc.), MS Office, video content management systems (Kaltura, Mediasite, Panopto, etc.) and virtual conferencing systems (Zoom, Teams, etc.) preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of instructional design, online and blended course design, learning theories, and instructional technologies, with a strong focus on digital accessibility, and ability to effectively communicate technology concepts and services to faculty and staff.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work on multiple projects and tasks at the same time while prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Interest in continuous learning and the ability to take initiative to foster innovation, embrace change, build partnerships, and foster trust.
• Experience with developing and managing accessible digital content. 
• Experience in A/V industry utilizing complex audio systems, diverse multimedia technologies, computer-based systems, and videoconferencing systems, with a strong focus on accessibility first principles. 
• Technical expertise: Adobe Creative Cloud, including imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or other non-linear video editing platforms, HTML5, CSS3. Expertise and working knowledge of matrix switches, audio and video signal flow, mixers, amplifiers, microphones, cameras, etc.
• Flexible schedule required. Job may involve earlier start or later stay depending on course and event needs, and some weekend event support.
• CTS credential holders preferred.
• *IMPORTANT NOTE: Your cover letter and resume should be combined into a SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab. Cover letters are required for every position at Harvard Divinity School. We regret that the Harvard Divinity School does not provide Visa sponsorship.*

• Physical Requirements: Be able to individually lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. 

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.