Sr Audio Post-Production Specialist

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. Located in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, we are housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

About the role

Working under the direct supervision of the Post Production Manager, the Senior Audio Post-Production Specialist manages all operations of the School of Film and Television’s Audio Post Production Facilities. This includes oversight of systems, staffing, scheduling, maintenance, student interactions, and policies and procedures as they relate to the audio post production, mixing, and sound design curriculum in the department. The incumbent serves as the school’s primary technical resource and subject matter expert for audio post-production in film and television, providing advanced technical support, consultation, troubleshooting, and guidance to faculty, staff, and students regarding industry-standard workflows, technologies, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Direct oversight of the daily operations and services of the SFT Audio Post Production facilities with an emphasis on student and faculty interactions, including:
  • Audio editing suites, digital audio workstations, and mixing stations and all software systems within
  • Recording and re-recording studios
  • Specialized environments including Foley recording, ADR studio, and surround mixing studio
• Serve as the department's subject matter expert for audio post-production in film and television.
• Provide advanced technical consultation, troubleshooting, and support related to audio post-production workflows, equipment, software, and industry practices.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of ProTools and other professional audio post-production technologies used in film and television production.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement audio post-production technologies, equipment, software, and workflow improvements to maintain alignment with current industry standards.
• Coordinate hiring, scheduling, and training of part-time staff and student workers in facility processes and procedures, including opening/closing classrooms/labs, scheduling for non-instructional use, and approving work-aid timesheets.
• Supervise and establish facility scheduling policies.
• Supervise maintenance, upkeep, and upgrading of all audio systems (hardware and software) in the Audio Post Facilities and make recommendations for future purchases and upgrades.
• Troubleshoot operational problems including technical, hardware, software, and user issues.
• Consult with the Audio and Post Production coordinators and faculty to discuss curricular needs and services.
• Work with Information Technology staff to develop integrated systems and connectivity.
• Coordinate with the Production Audio Manager to provide smooth operations between production audio and audio post.
• Perform ongoing assessment of peak/non-peak need for access to Audio Post Facilities to determine optimal hours of operation and related staffing optimization.
• Provide technical, procedural, and conceptual assistance on student and faculty audio projects as needed.
• Facilitate classroom needs, including access to classrooms and teaching spaces, and handle routine tech support issues.
• Manage and maintain the Music and Sound Effects Library; complete and maintain licensing paperwork; manage sound effects assets renewals.
• Provide ongoing assistance and support of student and faculty mixing needs for advanced and special projects.
• Maintain a flexible schedule including early morning, evening, and weekend hours as required.
• Keep up-to-date on new advances in equipment and related technology and apply new knowledge to the job.
• Maintain archives of audio project backup materials.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in audio-related field, with an emphasis in post-production/mixing for film or television.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in professional audio post-production for film and/or television.
• Advanced expertise in ProTools and professional audio post-production workflows for film and television production.
• Proficiency with audio mixing, editing, and effects techniques and procedures; industry or extensive classroom experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, guidance, and support to faculty, staff, and students.
• Knowledge of advanced film production and post-production methods.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to maintain regular, consistent, and professional attendance, punctuality, and adherence to office protocols and college policies.
• Ability to interact with faculty, staff, and students in both individual and class settings with collegiality and responsibility.
• Good computer skills and proficiency with MS Office, scheduling, and basic data management.
• Occasional lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.

Pay

Annual salary range: $62,807 – $73,891. The salary range reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education, and other factors including department budget.

Benefits

• Affordable health, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Commuter benefit program
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage
• Paid and unpaid leave options
• Work/life benefits
• Educational assistance programs
• Retirement and financial planning benefits

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Overtime eligible
• Flexible schedule including early morning, evening, and weekend hours as required