Webcast Technician (Job ID: 2024-3489) - The Brookings Institution

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

The Office of Communications is a centralized service unit that develops effective communications products and strategies to empower and share impactful scholar messages to wide audiences. The Office of Communications meets the daily needs of the institution through web development and publication support, convening and event support, multimedia services like video, animations, and podcasting, governance of visual design and brand systemts, social media management, and institutional brand and media communications. 

The Brookings Studio’s mission is to provide broadcast quality services to the Brookings community enabling global outreach by our scholars to television, radio and web-based news outlets.  We are successful when scholars can focus on their interview, while our team operates the facilities and manages the logistics.

Position Location: This position requires full-time in-person work on site and is not eligible for any regular remote work.

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Webcast Technician is an essential member of the Communications Events team focused on the effective, high-quality operation of broadcast and audio-visual systems to support high-profile outreach and collaboration. This position partners with colleagues from research programs, business units and Communications to create best in class experiences for participants in Brookings events and studio productions. The position is eligible for overtime and hours will vary depending on event and studio schedules. This position is considered a full-time, on-site position and reports to the Director of A/V and Studio Services.   

Event Support (60%)

• Operates equipment to produce, stream, and embed in-person and hybrid events on the Brookings website and other platforms; edits event audio/video recordings; ensure distribution and archiving of event recordings.

• Leads support for virtual events utilizing web-based platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, etc.; edits virtual event audio/video recordings; ensure distribution and archiving of event recordings. 

Studio Support (20%)

• Provides technical services for studio operations through conducting live, remote, and pre-recorded audio and video interviews; crews creative, podcast and other types of productions; supports TV crews and remote feeds of events, schedules studio bookings.  Advise and assist in developing public policy responses reflecting Brookings' mission and values.

Meeting AV Support (10%)

• Acts as back-up AV support to on-site meetings in the conference center during surge and leave coverage for AV technician; setup and test of all audio-visual equipment to prepare rooms for meetings; completes walk through with meetings planners to confirm correct room setups and manages changes as needed before meetings start; ensures efficient strike and safe storage of meeting equipment and recordings.

• Meets and collaborates with Communications, business unit, and program planners regarding setup, technology needs, and support for upcoming meetings and events; works with staff to coordinate test sessions and rehearsals for meetings and events; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with vendors, clients, and co-workers. Lead the Partnerships Review Committee, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and policies.

Technology Maintenance and Improvements (10%)

• Maintains and operates a wide variety of streaming, broadcast, and audio-visual tools including encoders, cameras, video displays, web collaboration platforms, computers, mixers, switchers, and recording devices; performs routine maintenance and conducts regular operational tests; reports all equipment issues to supervisor; evaluates and ensures all installations maintain best practice and operational standards.

• The Webcast Technician must be the subject matter expert for webcast operations and will provide cross-training to other team members to ensure surge and leave coverage for event webcasts. This position works with team leadership to develop plans for webcast production improvements, upgrades, and equipment replacements. 

• And all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements

A minimum of three to five years of technical experience producing high-profile streaming events. Experience with computer-based streaming production tools and Content Distribution Networks (CDN) is required. Experience working in YouTube Studio is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Production or equivalent experience is required.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact diplomatically with staff and high-profile guests. Technicians must be responsive to changing requirements of live broadcast and streaming productions. Knowledge and understanding of streaming encoders, CDNs, audio and video signal distribution, audio mixing, web-based collaboration platforms, PC and Mac computers, microphone types and usage, media file recording/playback/storage, and video/audio editing. Experience technical directing streaming productions of virtual, in-person and hybrid events. Experience working with virtual collaboration platforms such as Zoom and Teams. Able to perform basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting. Physically capable of lifting 40lbs and prolonged standing and walking. A strong customer service orientation is required with the ability to remain calm in a fluid live show environment. Technicians must dress appropriate each day, collared shirts and business casual pants are required when working with clients. Must be willing and able to learn new technologies and cross-train for other team roles as needed.

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.