Overview

Who We Are:

The mission of American Public Media Group (APMG) is to enrich the mind and nourish the spirit, thereby enhancing the lives and expanding the perspectives of our audiences and assisting them in strengthening their communities.  We aspire to be the leader in creating trusted and meaningful listening experiences with and for curious people, and we seek to create a diverse, inclusive culture focused on growth and outcomes to serve our audiences.

APMG’s primary operating divisions Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and American Public Media offer multi-regional FM broadcast channels, website, mobile and social media channels, live events, national content creation and distribution. Together, these divisions operate 49 public radio stations and 42 translators serving regional audiences in eight states from Minnesota, Michigan and the Upper Midwest to Idaho and California; distribute a portfolio of more than twenty national programs reaching nearly 20MM listeners weekly through 1,000 radio stations; serve rapidly growing audiences on digital, social and mobile platforms; and produce an increasing and diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, mental health, water, early brain development, business and investigative journalism.

Your Role:

As the Technical Director, you are a leader in the Broadcast Operations department, working in support of Minnesota Public Radio’s three regional services, the APM portfolio of national programming, and production of APM|MPR podcasts. Your primary focus and responsibility is the technical and creative planning, coordination, and production of music focused recordings, post-production, live broadcasts, and events for The Current. Your role will work collaboratively on both the audio and video aspects of production.

In your role you will bring creativity and help shape the style and feel of musical performances presented to our audiences in both the audio and video mediums.

You will work within the Technology & Operations division and will collaborate with colleagues across our organization as well as external partners in order to maintain excellent technical quality of MPR/APM broadcasts, audio recordings, video productions, and live/virtual events.

Minimum Compensation: $28.37/hourly. Exact hourly rate determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure and internal equity.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Responsibility:

  • Maintain expert knowledge and operational skill in digital audio production using software-editing platforms (currently utilized systems include Dalet and Pro Tools) as well as mixing consoles (currently utilized equipment includes Axia, Neve, Avid Venue/S6, Midas, and Yamaha digital consoles.)
  • Maintain expert knowledge and operational skill in digital video production using software editing platforms (currently utilized systems include Davinci Resolve) as well as video cameras (currently utilized equipment include Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro and Panasonic GH5.)
  • Perform live mixing; On-air board operations, studio mixing of both music and talk, and sound reinforcement.
  • Operate audio/visual systems for events and meetings.
  • Operate audio equipment for recording and mixing of music and talk based audio content in studio and in the field.
  • Operate video cameras, video switchers, and encoding software for live video streams.
  • Establishes and maintains the highest standards of audio and video production.
    Establishes and enforces clean and effective standard operating procedures and works with colleagues to train for and implement them.
  • Leads technical planning of remote broadcasts, recordings, and events to help shape the scope early in the planning process so that we can meet the expectations of everyone involved.
  • Test, connect, and monitor remote connection codecs and any other equipment necessary for live broadcasts (currently utilized equipment includes Comrex Access and LiveU.)
  • Works with other departments and/or external partners to remain up to date on all technical and content changes and modifications.
  • Responsible for responding in a timely and professional manner to internal and external requests for audio or video files, technical assistance, and planning details.
  • Provide excellent customer service to our internal colleagues as well as any external constituents.
  • Leads by example and works with team to deliver on high production standards.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or five or more years experience as an audio engineer and/or videographer.
  • Experienced recording and/or shooting in many environments including studios, control rooms, concert halls, churches, clubs, and outdoor venues.
  • Three or more years experience as an audio engineer and/or videographer.
  • Possess a thorough knowledge and experience of field recording/shooting, sound reinforcement, studio recording/shooting, post-production, and “live” broadcast procedures.
  • Knowledge and experience with analog and digital studio audio infrastructures, PA systems, and stage production and audio recording, and/or knowledge and experience with video and photo cameras and shooting techniques using DSLR lenses.
  • Knowledge and experience with computer-based audio technologies, audio editing software, multicast audio, IP streaming, and media delivery systems and/or knowledge and experience with video editing software, and virtual event production.
  • Computer literate with experience using PC and Mac platforms.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Project planning, communications, and teamwork skills.
  • Problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships to achieve common goals.
  • Able to perform work independently or in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally.
  • Ability to maintain composure and perform well under pressure.
  • Must understand and be able to support and troubleshoot modern personal computer hardware and software.
  • Creative problem solver and ability to communicate complex principles in non-technical or layman’s terms.
  • Ability to multi-task daily.
  • Ability and desire to not just maintain the status quo, but to increase the quality and efficiency of the team’s work over time.
  • Ability to think about content editing from the perspective of the audience to help shape a story or piece with creative editing and production techniques.
  • Excellent customer service skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Experience in a broadcasting or media environment.
  • Demonstrated skills operating and knowledge of audio consoles, microphones, mic pre-amps, patch bays / routers, multi-track recorders, AD/DA converters, and related audio equipment.
  • Knowledgeable and skilled in operating signal processing equipment and digital plug-ins including equalizers, compressors, limiters, de-esser’s, reverb, and other digital effects.
  • Expert fluency in several digital audio workstation varieties, Pro Tools experience preferred.
  • Ability to train both technical and non-technical staff on audio and video equipment and production systems in a one-on-one or group learning environment.
  • Operational experience with Internet Service Provider (ISP) technologies such as DSL, T1, cable and wireless technologies.  This includes applications and equipment such as VoIP, IP codecs, consumer modems/routers and network switches.
  • Working knowledge of computer networking architecture (static IP vs. DHCP, firewalls, VLANs).
  • Knowledge of digital production and content management systems for ‘on-air’ program production and automation.
  • Solid background in electronics, audiovisual systems, audio systems signal flow and basic electronics wiring.
  • Demonstrated skills operating and knowledge of video cameras and shooting techniques using DSLR lenses.
  • Working knowledge of video switchers, cabling, and live video production techniques.
  • Working knowledge of basic graphic design techniques and graphic layering with video.
  • Working knowledge of lighting techniques for video production.
  • Working knowledge of stage lighting systems and theatrical stagecraft.
  • Working knowledge of audio/visual equipment including projectors, video switchers, and other presentation technology.
  • Project management skills.

Reporting To This Position:         None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Position will at times require weekend, evening and holiday work.
  • Physical Demands:
    • Required to move about in an office environment
    • Required to move about in the community
    • Reach with hands and arms
    • Balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch
      Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
    • Required to lift audio and video equipment up to 70 lbs.
  • Working Conditions:
    • Moderate noise level
    • Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.