Production & Broadcast Technical Support Specialist

About the Role

Northwestern University in Qatar's Production and Digital Media Services Department seeks a skilled Production & Broadcast Technical Support Specialist. This role involves working with limited oversight to install, operate, repair, and maintain advanced media systems, including photography, digital cinema, TV broadcast, and multimedia production equipment. The specialist will provide hands-on support and training to both faculty and students, using technologies such as Canon Cinema, RED Cinema, and DSLR cameras, along with sophisticated lighting equipment like Aladdin Bi-flex, ARRI Skypanels, and Aputure COB lights. The candidate will also guide students closely in using this technology for their academic projects and may be tasked to perform video editing using Adobe Creative Suite tools like Premiere Pro and After Effects. The position may require flexible working hours, including evenings or weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of media production resources at NU-Q, including still photography, digital cinema equipment, lighting, grip gear, podcasting, TV, and news production.
• Carry out diagnostics, maintenance, and installation of production equipment.
• Assist faculty with preparing course materials and fulfilling classroom technology needs when requested.
• Oversee production equipment storage operations, including check-ins/outs and handling the WebCheckout ticketing system.
• Conduct training and orientations within classrooms for faculty, students, and staff to ensure effective use of media production facilities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for potential integration into NU-Q programs and provide informed recommendations.
• Work in collaboration with IT staff to maintain networked media production systems and software applications like Adobe Creative Suite, ENPS, and Web Checkout.
• Stay informed on the latest media technology trends and provide guidance on incorporating them into university programs.
• Develop workflows, instructional documentation, and user guides for various technical equipment.
• Assess damaged equipment, estimate repair or replacement costs, and coordinate the required maintenance or procurement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager of Production Operations.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in production, media technology, or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience within the media industry, including hands-on technical roles.
• Experience teaching or training in a formal, academic, or in-house environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Physical ability to lift and carry equipment up to 20kg (approximately 44 lbs), including cameras, lighting gear, and editing CPUs.
• Proven capacity to build and maintain respectful and effective working relationships across the university community.
• Proficiency in both PC and Mac operating systems and applications.
• Organizational skills with the initiative to work independently and proactively.
• Fluency in English required; ability to work closely with students and staff in a multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with video editing software on Mac, specifically Adobe Creative Suite and Mac OS X.

Preferred Qualifications

• Between 4 to 6 years of experience in media production or media-related teaching roles.
• Previous involvement in higher education settings.
• Advanced expertise with Macintosh media production software such as Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to create teaching materials and documentation covering basic and advanced media technologies.
• Fluency in Arabic alongside English, with knowledge of Qatari customs and cultural nuances.
• Strong understanding of network technologies for troubleshooting IT and AV systems under pressure.
• Experience in web design.

Compensation and Additional Information

The anticipated salary range for this position is from $51,346 to $65,958 annually, with the exact offer dependent on candidate qualifications, experience, and market considerations.

Northwestern University endorses equal employment opportunities regardless of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. Applicants needing accommodation in the hiring process may contact the relevant office for civil rights and Title IX compliance.