AV Manager

Canyon•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Canyon is a new media art institution opening on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in fall 2026. Spanning approximately 40,000 square feet, the venue encompasses exhibition galleries, a 120-seat performance space, an 800-person event hall, a restaurant, bar, mezzanine café, and theater. Canyon presents two major exhibitions per year alongside a year-round program of live events, performances, screenings, and community programming. Canyon's AV infrastructure is among the most technically sophisticated of any cultural institution of its scale, including a Pixera media server array, 70+ Genelec Smart IP speakers on a Dante network, permanent direct-view LED installations, and substantial portable AV and lighting inventory. The AV Manager is the technical owner of Canyon's audiovisual infrastructure. This role is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating the full spectrum of AV systems across exhibitions, live events, and performances. The AV Manager serves as the primary systems architect for Canyon's Pixera media server array, Q-SYS audio processing and control platform, Dante audio network, LED and projection systems, and theatrical lighting infrastructure. This position manages one direct report (Junior AV Engineer) and is responsible for maintaining and managing the overall schedule and availability of the AV team, including oversight and coordination of outside contractors and overhire. The AV Manager reports to the VP of Art & Technology.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in AV systems engineering, integration, or a closely related technical field
Deep working knowledge of networked AV systems, including Dante audio networking, Q-SYS DSP/control platforms, and media server environments (Pixera, Disguise, Watchout, or comparable)
Proven ability to independently design, build, and maintain complex audiovisual systems from the ground up
Experience with direct-view LED systems, projection mapping, and multichannel video distribution
Understanding of theatrical lighting systems, DMX/sACN control, and lighting console operation
Experience managing or supervising at least one direct report or a team of technicians
Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, coordinate contractors, and oversee overhire crews
Excellent troubleshooting skills and comfort working under time pressure in a live event environment
Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with artists, curators, and cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Experience in a museum, gallery, performing arts, or cultural institution setting
Familiarity with media art conservation practices and the particular technical demands of time-based media installations
Experience with show control systems, automation, and integrated AV/lighting programming
CTS, CTS-I, or CTS-D certification from AVIXA
Dante Level 2 or 3 certification
Experience with IP-based AV systems and network infrastructure management

Responsibilities

Own and maintain Canyon's core AV systems infrastructure, including Pixera media servers, Q-SYS DSP and control, Dante audio networking, LED and projection systems
Design, program, and troubleshoot complex AV signal flows and system integrations for exhibitions and events
Lead the installation, calibration, and ongoing maintenance of multichannel audio, video, and lighting systems across all Canyon spaces
Manage system configurations, firmware updates, network architecture, and documentation for all AV infrastructure
Supervise and mentor the Junior AV Engineer; delegate tasks and provide technical guidance
Manage the AV team's schedule, availability, and workload, including planning and coordination of outside contractors and overhire for peak periods
Collaborate with curators, artists, and production teams to develop and execute technically complex media art installations
Serve as lead AV engineer for Canyon's performance spaces, overseeing sound and lighting systems for live events, screenings, and performances
Maintain and manage Canyon's portable AV and lighting inventory, including equipment tracking, maintenance schedules, and procurement recommendations
Develop and maintain technical documentation, system diagrams, and standard operating procedures for all AV systems
Ensure all AV systems meet institutional standards for reliability, quality, and safety