Exhibitions Audiovisual Designer (Part Time) - The New York Public Library
New York, NY
About the Job
Description
Overview
Located at Lincoln Center between the Vivian Beaumont Theater and the Metropolitan Opera, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (LPA) is one of the world's leading research and circulating libraries, illuminating its vast international collections through scholarship, education, exhibitions, and programming. It is an incubator of creativity, home to the performing artist, arts lover, and scholar. It fosters the creative works of emerging artists and collects, documents, and celebrates established artists, demystifying the creative process through unparalleled collections to the world at large. Annually, LPA presents approximately five exhibitions in three formal gallery spaces, alongside pop-up displays throughout the building, all designed to highlight its archival holdings and inspire the next generation of artists and arts lovers.
Located at Lincoln Center between the Vivian Beaumont Theater and the Metropolitan Opera, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (LPA) is one of the world's leading research and circulating libraries, illuminating its vast international collections through scholarship, education, exhibitions, and programming. It is an incubator of creativity, home to the performing artist, arts lover, and scholar. It fosters the creative works of emerging artists and collects, documents, and celebrates established artists, demystifying the creative process through unparalleled collections to the world at large. Annually, LPA presents approximately five exhibitions in three formal gallery spaces, alongside pop-up displays throughout the building, all designed to highlight its archival holdings and inspire the next generation of artists and arts lovers.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Creative Design & Exhibitions, the Exhibitions Audiovisual Designer is a key collaborator within the exhibitions department. This role is essential to the successful operation of a small in-house team that develops, builds, and maintains exhibitions at the Library for the Performing Arts. The Exhibitions Audiovisual Designer plays a crucial role in bringing the Library's collections to life, ensuring that each exhibition captivates and educates our diverse audiences.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of exhibition AV contact and as an integrated part of the Exhibitions team.
- Create innovative methods for engaging the public with the Library’s content through AV.
- Design, animate, edit, and produce a variety of media, including audio, video, interactive installations, and immersive environments.
- Collaborate with curators and staff during the planning stages to conceptualize and develop AV content, define scope, and determine requirements and deliverables. Actively contribute to brainstorming sessions and team meetings to ensure cohesive and innovative exhibition experiences.
- Research, specify, and procure AV equipment and supplies for the successful and timely installation of exhibitions.
- Install, test, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain all AV equipment and installations used for museum exhibitions. Proactively identify and address potential AV issues before they impact the exhibition experience.
- Work closely with the Supervising Museum Maintainer and the Exhibitions team on AV installation and deinstallation.
- Maintain an inventory of AV equipment and organized storage.
- Conduct regular maintenance and quality checks on AV equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Ensure all AV installations meet accessibility standards and strive for continuous improvement.
- Train staff on the proper use and troubleshooting of AV equipment.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Required Experience
- Minimum of 3-5 years experience in a museum environment or equivalent
Required Skills
- Advanced experience in designing, installing, and maintaining museum-specific AV systems, including immersive and interactive technologies.
- Expertise in operating and troubleshooting a wide range of audiovisual equipment, including speakers, touchscreens, digital projectors (with blending/mapping), and multi-screen setups.
- Strong proficiency with both PC and Mac operating systems, and the ability to manage network and computer-based technologies effectively.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, floor plans, and technical documentation.
- Solid understanding of electronic concepts and principles relevant to AV installations.
- Skilled in using hand tools and mechanical techniques necessary for AV setup and maintenance and understanding of safe mounting and anchoring techniques.
- Comfortable with physical tasks, including using ladders and elevated platforms, and adhering to safety standards during AV installations.
- Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, balance timelines, and handle unforeseen AV issues calmly.
- Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of AV design and installation.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues in non-technical terms and collaborate effectively with others.
- Expertise in industry standard software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Products (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects), QLab, etc. for developing AV components. Knowledge of Vectorworks and SketchUp are a plus.
- Commitment to maintaining museum-quality best practices for all AV designs and installations.
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Office setting
- Museum/Gallery setting
- Public library setting
Physical Duties
- Physical effort is required, including bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying
- Lifting up to 50 lbs. required
- Must be comfortable working at heights
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Yes
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
Yes
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
- Approximately 12 hours a week on weekdays, addition time scheduled as needed
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
Source : The New York Public Library
