Creative Media and Technology Manager, School of the Arts

Samford University•Main Campus - Homewood, AL

16h

About The Position

The Creative Media and Technology Manager serves as the central operational and technical hub for technology, equipment, and infrastructure across Samford University's School of the Arts, including Music, Theatre and Dance, Architecture and Interior Design, Art and Design, and Christian Ministry. The role manages specialized computer labs, audio and visual systems, fabrication labs, and performance technology that support program-specific instruction and creative work. Working collaboratively with faculty experts, program directors and coordinators, division chairs, School of the Arts staff, Performance Venues production staff, and campus IT, the manager ensures equipment operates efficiently; coordinates maintenance and repairs; researches and recommends capital purchases; and maintains clear responsibility boundaries between program-specific School of the Arts technology and campus IT infrastructure. For events needing live production support, audiovisual/lighting/visual support, or archival recording, the manager coordinates with Performance Venues. The role ensures the school's technical resources are functional, maintained, current, and well managed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated experience managing technology, equipment, or technical operations, ideally in an academic, arts, or production environment.
Demonstrated experience managing specialized software within an institutional IT infrastructure.
Working knowledge of audio, visual, and computer-based systems in arts disciplines.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage inventory, vendor relationships, and competing priorities across multiple programs.
Ability to collaborate with faculty, program directors, staff, chairs, and IT.
Fluency across Apple and PC platforms.
Familiarity with industry-standard software and hardware across divisions, such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Adobe Creative Suite, CAD/Revit, Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya, Substance Painter, ZBrush, and fabrication equipment.
Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays as needed.
Ability to lift, push, and pull equipment weighing 50 to 100 pounds.
Capacity to maintain physical and mental focus during long shifts.
Ability to stand for extended periods, up to 8 hours continuously.
Ability to tolerate loud noises, flashing lights, and theatrical haze.
Ability to kneel, climb, stoop, bend, and reach into tight spaces.
Ability to traverse campus for long distances on a regular basis.
Ability to attend in-person, virtual, and telephone meetings and communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
Ability to work continuously throughout the day, remaining seated for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in an arts-related field, such as music, theatre, or design.
Dante certification.
Experience with audio engineering, live sound support, or performance technology readiness and coordination.

Responsibilities

Oversee program-specific computer and technology labs across the School of the Arts, including music technology, architecture and interior design, and art and design spaces.
Ensure lab hardware, software, and specialized equipment are functional, current, and properly maintained, including installing and updating software and plugins.
Maintain working knowledge of specialized technology used in each division and provide technical support to faculty, staff, and program directors.
Recruit, train, and oversee work-study student lab monitors.
Support classroom and installed audio, visual, and lighting systems across divisions; production-specific equipment and mainstage show support remain the responsibility of production/design faculty and Performance Venues.
Support maintenance, readiness, and coordination of sound reinforcement and live sound systems used by ensembles and events.
Coordinate repair and service of audiovisual, lighting, and sound equipment.
Maintain awareness of and compliance with frequency and bandwidth regulations affecting wireless microphone systems and related equipment.
Coordinate archival audio/video recording and audiovisual/lighting/visual support for School of the Arts performances and events, serving as liaison to Performance Venues.
Coordinate specialized equipment checkout and loans for student use, including sign-out documentation and timely returns.
Manage fabrication labs and specialized creative facilities, including 3D printers, laser cutters, plotters, large-format printers, letterpresses, screen printing equipment, the sculpture studio, wood shop, and specialized recording/production spaces.
Manage consumables inventory and coordinate vendor service and repair for fabrication and specialized equipment.
Support facility upgrade projects as assigned.
Research, evaluate, and recommend capital equipment purchases, including pricing, alternatives, and brand or vendor options.
Receive faculty equipment and technology requests and present recommendations to program directors, chairs, and the Dean; serve as the school's structured intake point for technology and equipment needs.
Serve as the primary liaison between the School of the Arts and campus IT.
Coordinate with IT on software approvals, upgrades, and changes affecting the campus network; test changes in the School of the Arts environment under IT authorization before mass rollout.
Advise IT on infrastructure needed to support specialized School of the Arts technology and integrate audio interfaces, networked equipment, and computers.
Partner with program directors and coordinators, faculty experts, and chairs on day-to-day, program-specific technology needs.
Keep the Dean and division chairs informed of technology needs, risks, and capital priorities across the school.