Head of Technology, Thornton School of Music

The USC Thornton School of Music welcomes applications for the position of Head of Technology. We seek an experienced individual to lead the Technology Department and supervise the Pro Audio/Studio Tech, AV/Multimedia Tech, and IT/Network Admin positions and their teams. This individual will lead the effort to provide specialized, technical end-user support, assistance, and advice on the use of hardware and software to faculty, staff, students, and professional guests. The Head of Technology has direct responsibility for budget planning and account management. They also have ultimate responsibility for purchasing, inventory, maintenance, delivery and distribution of audio-visual, multimedia, and IT equipment and related materials. The individual will act as Head of Thornton’s Technology Disaster Recovery Plan and participates in the school’s Business Continuity Team. This position requires an individual that is available to work on some evenings and weekends.

The Head of Technology reports to the Associate Dean for Operations, and works in close partnership with senior leadership of the Thornton School to evaluate the institution’s landscape, as well as those of the higher education and music industries, to develop technology deployment strategies that best support the mission of the school.

The Thornton School is home to more than 185 faculty and 1,000 music majors divided into three divisions: Research and Scholarly Studies, Classical Performance and Composition, and Contemporary Music. Founded in 1884, and today the oldest continually operating cultural institution in Los Angeles, USC Thornton consistently ranks among the top one percent of the nation’s music schools and conservatories. Graduates of the school attain positions with major orchestras, ensembles, recording studios and music industry firms and perform on stages and in studios around the world.

Combining the benefits of a world-class conservatory and a leading research university, the USC Thornton School of Music offers students the opportunity to pursue a rigorous music education in a real-world context.  We offer a full range of musical disciplines across a demanding and innovative curriculum, and the opportunity to work with a faculty of national and international renown.  For more information, please visit us at https://music.usc.edu/

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events. To view more information, please visit: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

The Head of Technology will:

· Manages staff and operations of audio-visual, multimedia, and IT services department. Schedules, assigns and prioritizes workloads. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback.

· Sets goals and objectives for department operations and measures performance against objectives. Recommends changes or enhancements to department operations based on analyses and evaluation.

· Analyzes and determines audio-visual, multimedia, and IT equipment needs for department. Determines priorities for new equipment purchases. Prepares reports and makes recommendations regarding department usage of audio-visual, multimedia, and/or IT equipment.

· Analyzes user needs and evaluates new equipment. Recommends new hardware and software purchases based on thorough technology reviews and research findings.

· Coordinates acquisition of audio-visual, multimedia, and IT equipment through purchase, rental, loan, etc. Determines whether to allow outside equipment to be utilized under specific circumstances. Works with USC Purchasing to determine availability, vendors, cost, etc. as needed.

· Performs diagnosis, technical assessment, and administrative work involved in planning, design, and installation of equipment and related configurations.

· Produces regular reports on expenses and forecasts budgeting as it relates to equipment and services. Controls labor costs, as appropriate.

· Oversees inventory maintenance of hardware, software, and other related materials. Ensures inventory is maintained and updated on a regular basis.

· Oversees maintenance of equipment, including cleaning and minor repairs, if applicable. Arranges for repairs and schedules preventive maintenance that cannot be performed in-house.

· Oversees hands-on training, expert troubleshooting, and advice on equipment and use.

· Oversees development of documentation for student and staff training and end-user procedures, including operational and security procedures. Provides consultative services for faculty, staff and students, as needed.

· Maintains currency on latest products and trends by reading trade publications, attending seminars and trade shows, and developing and maintaining vendor contacts.

· Networks with professional counterparts inside and outside the university.

· Participates in professional associations to stay informed of new developments and technologies.

· Make recommendations to senior management regarding technology changes based on developments in field and business needs.

· Develops and enforces standard technology operating policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with all applicable rules and regulations regarding maintenance and use.

· Develops and implements security-related procedures.

· Maintains standards for security conscious awareness and behavior, including Information Security standards. In the event of an emergency, the position is required to report to duty in accordance with the Emergency Operations Plan.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge of the following disciplines:

· Video conferencing equipment and producing video-conferenced “events”. Familiarity with Zoom, Vimeo, and/or other platforms.

· Video recording, including multi-camera and PTZ operation and/or mixing.

· Audio recording, including remote/mobile solutions, installed “push-button” solutions as well as dedicated, custom studio-driven solutions; familiarity with recording platforms like ProTools HDX and Logic.

· Audio reinforcement, including critical listening environments.

· Audio-visual control/mixer platforms like AMX, Crestron, and Extron.

· Digital Display systems like REACH.

· Online course producing and the technology and environmental settings needed for successful broadcasting and/or hybrid presenting.  

· Learning Management Systems; familiarity with Blackboard, Brightspace, and Canvas.

· Collaboration Tools; familiarity with Slack, Asana, Google Suite, and Office 365 Suite.

· Database architecture and GUI; familiarity with Access, Quickbase, Sortly, and Event Management Systems.

· Media storage and transfer solutions.

Job Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree.

· At least two years 2 years’ experience with the design, installation, use, maintenance, and support of audio-visual, multimedia, and/or IT hardware and software. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects successfully. Demonstrated interpersonal, critical thinking, and communication skills.

· Experience working in support of music education and/or music industry highly desirable.

· Experience working in collegiate-level environment desirable.

· Experience working inside university setting preferred.

 In order to be considered, all candidates must:

· Complete the online application

· Attach a Résumé

· Attach a Cover Letter addressing your specific qualifications for this position.

Your application will not be considered complete without these items.