The Milken Institute is a globally minded, publicly supported, non-partisan, and nonprofit think tank headquartered in Santa Monica, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, London, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For the past three decades, the Milken Institute has served as a catalyst for practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them. Guided by a conviction that the best ideas, under-resourced, cannot succeed, we conduct research and analysis and convene top experts, innovators, and influencers from different backgrounds and competing viewpoints. We leverage this expertise and insight to construct programs and policy initiatives. These activities are designed to help people build meaningful lives, in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities.
About
About the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) , the newest center within the Institute, is catalyzing this work by building a new type of cultural center in the heart of Washington, DC. At MCAAD we celebrate the ideal of the American Dream and explore the ongoing challenges people face in pursuing opportunity, through exhibitions, programs and educational programs. To accomplish this, we focus on four pillars of the American Dream: education, health, finance, and entrepreneurship. MCAAD’s physical home, with a planned opening in 2025, is a remarkable renovation of several 120-year-old historic bank buildings, including Riggs Bank, known as the “Bank of Presidents.” The Center’s main halls are in the National Register of Historic Places, and our stewardship of the property—along with adjacent buildings on 15th St NW—will showcase and honor the history of these buildings while adapting them for use as a modern cultural center with immersive exhibition galleries. There will also be a state-of-the-art theater, events and lecture spaces, a holodeck experience, store and an atrium with café. The six-building complex featuring nearly 300,000 square feet of space will also include a conference center, recording and broadcast studios, and the Washington, D.C., headquarters of five centers of the Milken Institute.
About The Position
The AV Technical Director at the Milken Institute will manage all aspects of the state-of-the-art AV infrastructure at the Milken Center in Washington DC, including all technology that supports our event facilities, public-facing American Dream exhibits, digital cinema/theater, Milken Institute staff offices, and the operation of our broadcast studio. The position requires a very high level of technical expertise. The Technical Director will provide strategic direction and tactical leadership for AV staff, all systems solutions and services, prepare and manage budgets, and coordinate with multiple internal and external constituents to ensure successful project execution. Responsibilities include team management, project oversight and management, technical planning, process coordination, and event operations.
Responsibilities
Technical Expertise and Strategic Planning:
Provide the highest level of technical expertise in the seamless configuration and deployment of state-of-the-art AV solutions and systems, ensuring the optimal alignment of AV installations with operational needs.
Proactively remain abreast of the latest developments in the AV domain and its allied sectors, cultivating an astute awareness of emerging products and cutting-edge technologies, thereby facilitating a proactive approach to incorporating innovative solutions into the Milken Institute's AV infrastructure.
Harness and leverage the technical resources and expertise offered by external vendors and contractors, strategically engaging their services for an array of critical functions, including repair and maintenance operations, comprehensive training initiatives, and ongoing technical support, thus ensuring the uninterrupted functionality and perpetual optimization of the Institute's AV ecosystem.
Team Management And Leadership
Foster a cohesive working environment between in-house personnel and third-party staff, optimizing the delivery of exceptional AV experiences and exemplary support for AV exhibits and event operations.
Supervise a proficient workforce engaged in AV technology operations, guaranteeing the seamless delivery of services and proactively managing any disciplinary matters that may arise.
Project Management
Oversee and meticulously govern the comprehensive aspects of project management, encompassing the delineation of project scope, adherence to designated schedules, effective cost control measures, and stringent quality assurance protocols, all while prioritizing the utmost satisfaction of the Milken Institute and upholding strict adherence to safety regulations for the seamless deployment of AV components.
Exhibit proactive decision-making skills that resonate throughout the organization, facilitating seamless integration among diverse stakeholders, including the Milken Institute, AV vendors and contractors, and the project design and construction team.
Orchestrating a harmonious collaboration that encompasses all facets of system programming and culminates in the meticulous final inspection of systems, thus ensuring the successful integration and synchronization of AV elements within the overarching project framework.
Operations
Exercise meticulous oversight over event-centric budgets, contracts, and invoices, leveraging astute financial acumen to streamline financial processes and foster fiscal prudence.
Proactively coordinate the streamlined synchronization of show management areas, events, and sponsor activations managing potential conflicts between the Event and Exhibits divisions of MCAAD, thus fostering a harmonious and cohesive operational environment.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with diverse departments, actively resolving complex problems and providing comprehensive technical assistance, thereby fortifying a culture of unified operational excellence.
Provide invaluable technical insights and guidance to visiting technicians and press personnel during high-profile events, underscoring a commitment to exceptional service delivery and maintaining a reputation for technical excellence and precision.
Establish and uphold a comprehensive framework of AV policies and procedures, leveraging strategic coordination with vendors and contractors, and actively participating in comprehensive budget planning initiatives, thus ensuring a sustainable and well-managed operational landscape.
Requirements
10 years of experience managing the AV infrastructure for a state-of-the-art public-facing event, convention, or entertainment facility or museum.
Skill in solving complex problems, operating independently with latitude for independent judgment and action, and training and developing staff.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, build effective teams, and establish strong relationships with stakeholders, including senior management, other departments, vendors, and guests.
Expertise in AV technologies and equipment, strong financial acumen, and exceptional analytical and strategic planning skills.
Proven track record in managing on-site technicians, vendors, and contractors, with exceptional troubleshooting abilities for complex technical issues.
Knowledge of AV equipment, operation, and maintenance in large-scale production settings.
Working knowledge of Control Room lighting systems, digital signage, meetings database, sound systems, video replay systems, RF systems, video systems, and related infrastructure.
Capability to take the lead in addressing critical display signage, meeting display software, video webcasting, and press connectivity issues.
Ability to interpret blueprints and complex wiring schematics, along with a strong aptitude for troubleshooting system-level problems and implementing effective solutions.
Proficiency in handling project changes, issues, and risks, with a keen focus on effective resolution.
Strong capabilities in project documentation and report preparation, with the ability to manage multiple work streams and meet deadlines accurately.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a high degree of trustworthiness and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
Flexibility to work varied hours, including nights and weekends as necessary.
Preferred experience in opening new venues and building new teams.
Bachelor's degree preferred in Business Management or related field.
Note
We are interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. Please note, we are not sponsoring visas at this time, being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.
This position will work a hybrid schedule consisting of three (3) days per week reporting in-person to your respective office location (Tuesday – Thursday), with the remaining two (2) days working remotely. Please understand, this schedule is subject to change in the Institute’s sole discretion.
The statements herein are intended to describe the overall nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Please submit resume and cover letter illustrating how your experience and skills will contribute to the department and any unique qualities you bring to the position. If applying via Indeed, please upload your resume and any supporting documentation as one attachment. Any application that does not include both a resume and cover letter will be rejected. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact our Human Resources department to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.
Our Culture
The Milken Institute is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.
Every person at the Milken Institute is treated with respect, supported with resources and training, and exposed to a broad range of experiences. We foster a space for growth with opportunities to share knowledge and passion with both clients and colleagues. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our leadership is actively involved in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that creates opportunities for everyone.