The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an AV Technician to join our Resources Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of high-quality audio-visual services for events hosted at our historic venue in London.

You will work closely with the Venue Sales and Events teams to support internal and external clients, demonstrating technical expertise and a commitment to excellent customer service.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

As an AV Technician, you will play a critical role in setting up, operating, and de-rigging AV equipment for events of varying sizes, from small meetings to large conferences. Key responsibilities include liaising with clients to determine AV requirements, managing hybrid and live streamed events, maintaining equipment, and troubleshooting issues efficiently under pressure. Additionally, you will provide basic coordination of freelance AV technicians when required, ensuring a consistent standard of service across events.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and adaptable individual to make a meaningful contribution to the Academy's mission while developing your professional skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

The British Academy offers a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Delivering AV Services for Events

• Set up, operate, and de-rig AV equipment for a variety of events, from small meetings to large conferences.

• Provide real-time technical support during events, including hybrid and virtual setups.

• Record audio and video content for internal and external clients.

2. Supporting Client Needs

• Liaise with clients to understand their AV requirements, offering advice and solutions.

• Provide excellent communication with clients to ensure they feel supported and informed throughout the event process.

• Provide excellent customer service by addressing last-minute client requests efficiently.

• Conduct live streaming and virtual event hosting, ensuring high-quality delivery.

3. Maintenance and Improvements

• Conduct regular maintenance and basic repairs on AV equipment to ensure reliability.

• Report equipment issues to the AV Manager and arrange necessary repairs.

• Assist in forecasting improvements and implementing technology upgrades.

4. Team Collaboration and Process Improvement

• Work closely with the Venue Sales and Events teams to ensure event success.

• Contribute ideas to improve processes and share knowledge with colleagues.

• Manage and prioritize workload to meet deadlines effectively.

• Provide basic coordination and oversight of freelance AV technicians to ensure they understand event requirements and deliver high-quality support.

Key Stakeholders

Internal: AV Manager, Senior AV Technician, Venue Hire Team, Events Team, Fellowship Team

External: Corporate and academic event clients, Third party AV service providers, Freelance AV Technicians

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

N/A

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Communicates effectively with internal teams and external clients to meet technical needs.

• Builds effective working relationships internally and externally.

• Promotes collaboration and resolves conflict with sensitivity and respect.

• Able to communicate with users of differing technical abilities and explain technical concepts to staff with varying levels of technical understanding.

• Able to communicate with all levels of seniority within the Academy.

• Enjoys working as part of a team and taking the initiative whenever necessary.

• Friendly, professional manner

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Demonstrates a solid understanding of AV equipment, live event production, and hybrid setups.

• Continues to develop expertise and shares knowledge with colleagues.

• Adapts quickly to new systems and processes to ensure operational excellence.

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

• Manages time and resources effectively, balancing conflicting priorities to meet deadlines.

• Evaluates risks and adapts plans to mitigate challenges.

• Takes ownership of tasks and ensures efficient delivery of AV services using the event management platform provided.

• Delivers an event through its lifecycle, from conception with clients through to onsite delivery

PROBLEM-SOLVING & DECISION-MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Anticipates obstacles and identifies solutions proactively.

• Makes decisions methodically, ensuring optimal outcomes in high pressure situations.

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions.

• Empowers freelance and internal team members to deliver high-quality support.

• Leads by example, fostering trust and collaboration among colleagues.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Flexible approach to working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends.

• Maintains a professional and composed demeanour under pressure.

WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a technical task and in-person panel interview.

Please note that you may be asked to reference any literature that you may refer to, as applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. ChatGPT, will be declined.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Monday 9 December 2024, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 7 or 9 January 2025 but this may be subject to change.