Assistant Director - Multimedia & Production (Athletics)

This position plays a key role in implementing multimedia, production and technological initiatives for the Department of Athletics. The position works closely with both the communications and marketing groups to promote the mission and goals of the Department by producing high-level broad-range live broadcasts of Harvard Athletics events, for national, regional, local and digital distribution.

The position reports to the director of multimedia and production at Athletics and has day-to-day responsibilities over the game-day multimedia interns and part-time crew.

The Assistant Director – Multimedia & Production helps tell the story of the University's student-athletes and coaches by producing live broadcasts of home events, and assisting in the production of video board shows. Constituents include prospective student-athletes; game-day attendees; alumni/ae; fans; and the entire University community. This position greatly enhances both the external and internal image of the Department. Additionally, the Assistant Director plans and direct live broadcasts of select external events held at Athletics facilities. They hire, train and supervise a contingent workforce of game-day staff. They maintain and service multimedia control room and production facilities and broadcasting equipment.

1. Plan and direct live broadcasts of home athletic events, and select external events held at Athletics facilities

• Oversee the production of video board shows and live television and online broadcasts of a large amount of the department’s more than 300 annual productions.
• Assist in expanding coverage of programs on ESPN+ and NESN.
• Provide on-the-job guidance and feedback to team of 100 part-time game-day staff in how to maintain quality and consistency in broadcasts across multiple venues and sports.

2. Devise, storyboard, plan and produce multimedia feature content, telling the story of what makes the University, athletics department, coaches and student-athletes different and special

• Produce feature content relating to student-athletes, coaches and programs, to showcase during live broadcasts.
• Work closely with the communications and marketing teams, as well as coaches and student-athletes, to flesh out relevant and noteworthy stories for telling using multimedia tools.
• Work with the Director of Multimedia and Production to develop a plan of distribution of new multimedia content on both internal channels (GoCrimson.com, social media) and external channels (national broadcasters, regional broadcasters).
• Assist others in the department, such as members of the communications team, in planning, shooting and editing video projects.

3. Lead on-boarding and training efforts for new multimedia game-day staff

• Oversee the training and shadowing process for new part-time game-day staff, which averages 100 students and recent graduates from local area colleges, with frequent turnover.
• Devise and manage a process for evaluating the technical skill and effective knowledge of game-day staff, and devise plans for maintaining the competence level throughout the annual 10-month broadcast season.

4. Maintain and service multimedia control rooms, production facilities, and broadcasting equipment

• Initiate regular inspections of existing multimedia facilities around the Harvard Athletics campus.
• Recommend and implement maintenance process of production facilities to ensure full functionality during game-days.
• Regularly evaluate non-fixed multimedia gear (outside of control rooms) and implement replacement plans to maintain working conditions throughout the 300+ game season, as equipment is handled by 100 game-day staff and shows regular wear and tear.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least three (3) years of experience in video editing, broadcasting or digital production.

• Previous experience in sports production or sports creative content creation desired.
• Must have outstanding organizational, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Should have strong knowledge of current and emergent audio/video technologies, live streaming, multimedia communications and video production.
• Advanced experience in video board operations and computer programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud and VizRT/NewTek platforms desirable.
• Must be able to work independently.

• Job occasionally requires strenuous physical activity, including the climbing of steps and moving of heavy boxes and equipment (~50 lbs); ability to work extended stretches, both within a day and over several consecutive days.

• Ability and willingness to work in extreme weather conditions (heat, rain, cold).
• Evening and weekend work, as well as occasional travel required.

Work Format: on-site

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.