Lead Audio Visual Specialist

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Audio Visual Specialist coordinates, operates, and manages technical elements of event production across Student Union-managed buildings. The role prepares facilities for conferences, banquets, University Mall events, and other complex events, including lighting, sound, floor plan design, furnishings and scenic elements, and identifying additional equipment needs. It ensures event arrangements comply with life-safety, ADA, University Risk Management, and other applicable policies and codes.

The specialist consults with event customers and planners, coordinates with outside artists and production representatives, and supervises event AV operations and onsite production. The role manages and designs AV systems for multiple venues, oversees equipment purchases and upkeep, contributes to budgets and facilities planning, and supervises AV/Media Technicians and student employees. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Working knowledge of operating, maintaining, and repairing state-of-the-art multimedia instructional equipment, including related computer hardware and software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups and individuals.
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, and transport up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Consult with customers and event planners about large or complex events, create room setup floor plans, and determine whether facilities can meet physical and technical requests while ensuring compliance with policies and codes.
• Coordinate with outside artists and production representatives, interpret technical riders, assess feasibility, and recommend staging, rental equipment, and other specialized arrangements.
• Coordinate vendors, contractors, facility turnarounds, and AV/technical services across Student Union-managed buildings, particularly during high-demand periods.
• Develop and maintain standard venue floor plans and occupancy limits and verify compliance with University Risk Management requirements.
• Oversee setup and operation of audiovisual systems, including computer interfaces, equipment operation, lighting adjustments, and presentation materials such as projectors, wireless microphones, screens, monitors, and switching equipment.
• Ensure staff complete event setups according to published floor plans or established protocols, and document alterations for compliance purposes.
• Provide onsite supervision and coordination for large events across Student Union-managed buildings.
• Manage and design AV systems for multiple venues and event types.
• Authorize purchases of new and replacement equipment, maintain supply inventory, and place orders under departmental procedures.
• Contribute to long-term budget development and facilities planning by recommending materials and equipment needs and establishing AV system refresh or upgrade cycles.
• Work with the Associate Director on the annual budget.
• Ensure regular inspection and testing of AV systems, schedule maintenance and repairs, and oversee safety inspections of staging equipment and event venues.
• Coordinate with Room Scheduling to reserve rooms requiring equipment repairs.
• Supervise AV team members and student workers, including participating in hiring, onboarding, training, and scheduling.
• Assign daily work, establish technical performance expectations, and coordinate onsite staging schedules for Media Production Technicians and student AV crews.
• Provide technical guidance during live events and give unit leadership feedback on operational effectiveness and crew performance.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability programs
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reduction at U of A, ASU, and NAU for the employee and qualified family members
• Retirement plans
• Access to U of A recreation and cultural activities
• Work-life programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior