The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior AV technician to join our busy AV Team, providing key technical support for events at our prestigious central London venue.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Senior AV Technician plays a vital role in delivering seamless audio-visual services for a diverse range of events, including hybrid, virtual, and in person formats. You will work with state-of-the-art AV systems, including AVoIP technologies such as Dante, Q-SYS, and Crestron in our recently launched Lower Ground spaces.

The postholder will be leading the technical delivery of hybrid, virtual, and in-person events, ensuring high-quality outcomes. You will be responsible for setting up, operating and derigging sound, lighting, video, camera and hybrid systems, ensuring all equipment is event ready. You will be confident in troubleshooting technical issues and performing preventative maintenance.

We are looking for an experienced AV technician who is familiar with Crestron NVX, Crestron Control, Q-SYS, Black Magic ATEM, Touch Designer, Tiger Touch or Vari-Light lighting control desks and Panasonic PTZ Cameras.

In addition to your technical expertise, you will have excellent communication skills to provide high quality customer service, and strong organisation skills to coordinate AV technicians and resources to meet event requirements. You will act as a trainer and mentor for AV team members, fostering technical growth and collaboration.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to work with the latest technology across the AV spectrum to deliver high quality output for the Academy's events.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 1. Delivering AV Services for Events

• Operate advanced AV systems, including AVoIP technologies such as Dante, Q-SYS, Touch Designer and Crestron.

• Set up, operate, and derig AV equipment for a variety of events, including hybrid, virtual, and in person events.

• Setup complex video & audio routing, as well as stage lighting in our auditorium spaces

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

• Troubleshoot complex technical issues efficiently, minimizing disruptions during events.

 2. Supporting Event Coordination

• Coordinate AV resources and oversee freelance AV technicians during events to ensure smooth delivery.

• Act as the technical point of contact for clients, providing excellent communication and ensuring their AV requirements are met.

• Collaborate with the AV Manager and internal teams to schedule resources and prepare for upcoming events.

3. Maintaining and Improving AV Systems

• Conduct regular maintenance and updates on AV equipment to ensure reliability and performance.

• Support the AV Manager in identifying and implementing technology upgrades and process improvements.

• Ensure all AV systems are event-ready, including pre-event testing and configuration checks.

 4. Sharing Expertise and Supporting the Team

• Provide guidance and training to AV Technicians and freelance staff, fostering professional development.

• Share knowledge of advanced AV systems and troubleshooting techniques to build team capabilities.

• Contribute ideas and solutions to improve the delivery of AV services and client satisfaction.

 KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal: AV Manager, AV Technicians, Events, Venue Sales, Development and Fellowship Teams

External: Event Clients, Freelance AV Technicians, Third party AV suppliers

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree or professional qualification in sound, video or lighting (desirable)

Dante Level 2 and/or Q-SYS Level 2 (desirable)

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 conflicts 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 an advanced 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

• Oversees the delivery of events, from initial conception through to onsite delivery

• 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 

• Organises resources ahead of time, anticipating challenges and countering with proactive solutions

PROBLEM SOLVING AND 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. 

• Resolves technical issues calmly and efficiently under pressure using a methodical approach

LEADERSHIP

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

• Provides guidance and mentorship to AV Technicians and freelance staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Leads by example, demonstrating professionalism, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence during events.

• Encourages skill development and continuous learning within the team by sharing knowledge and best practices.

• Assists the AV Manager in coordinating team efforts to ensure seamless delivery of AV services.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

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

• Shows a genuine interest in the British Academy, the values of the academy and the work undertaken by the fellowship.

• Maintains a professional demeanour and handles confidential information with discretion.

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 panel interview and may involve a task component.

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 Wednesday 23 July 2025, 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 w/c 11 August 2025 but this may be subject to change.