Technical Director

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is looking for an experienced and talented Technical Director. You will put your excellent audio production and communication skills to good use for a variety of WPR projects, including our flagship daily talk programs. From live radio to post-production and from studio sessions to public events, you will be a valuable part of an organization devoted to great audio, innovative storytelling, and public service. As Technical Director, you’ll be part of a team of audio professionals tasked with audio direction for live & recorded broadcasts in studio and remote settings. You’ll operate a variety of audio broadcast consoles, radio automation software, and audio production software including ProTools and Adobe Audition. You will work collaboratively with a variety of award-winning journalists, producers, hosts and engineers across our statewide WPR News and Music networks, covering issues of politics, culture, history, music & entertainment. You will report to WPR’s Supervising Technical Director. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are crucial in our fast paced, creative, audience-focused production environment. Deadlines are tight and standards are high. Your experience in areas including audio recording, editing & mixing, radio broadcasting, podcasting, and live event production will be crucial in your role as Technical Director. This is a full-time, ongoing, renewable position that works core business hours, Monday – Friday, between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and may include some nights and weekends. This position will primarily be on site and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin Madison campus. Some work may be performed remotely for the purposes of editing or other assigned work, at an offsite non-campus work location. The final schedule can be discussed in the offer stage, but fully remote candidates will not be accepted. Remote work requires an approved flexible work arrangement (FWA). A FWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee. Parking at work location is also not payable/reimbursable. Occasional travel may be required to record or broadcast a community event or performance. It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Information about UW-Madison Driver Authorization can be found at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/ . This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds with some assistance occasionally needed.

Requirements

• Prior experience with audio production and sound mixing in broadcast, live sound reinforcement, music recording, or post-production environments.
• Prior experience operating and programming digital and analog audio consoles.
• Prior experience working with digital audio workstation (DAW) software and hardware (Adobe Audition and ProTools strongly preferred).
• Experience diagnosing technical problems and tracing audio, data signal paths.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical staff.
• Ability to be self-directed, work independently and work in teams.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced professional experience with ProTools audio production software.
• Professional experience as audio lead for live in-studio and remote broadcasts.
• Experience with media asset management for file delivery, post-production and web archives.
• Experience with Wide Orbit or similar radio automation software.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and change focus quickly while maintaining accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Sets up, adjusts, connects, operates, and troubleshoots complex audio and/or video equipment and related peripherals in various environments
• Leads system design and installation of broadcast, streaming, and post-production related technology
• Digitally records, edits, and finalizes media in a variety of formats according to station standards and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations
• Schedules logistics and acts as station representative for remote production venues, and ensures required technical specifications will be met during on or off-site productions
• Tests and maintains equipment, and provides recommendations for alternative hardware and software to improve performance
• May serve as engineering team lead for on or off-site productions
• Trains staff on equipment, procedures, and standards

Benefits

• generous paid time off
• competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• tax-advantaged savings accounts
• participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree