Director, Video & Broadcast Engineering

Summary :

The Director, Video & Broadcast Engineering is responsible for the technical supervision of broadcast, production, post-production, entertainment and related technology systems at Nationals Park.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Oversee the installation, operation, training, maintenance, service and repair of broadcast, production, post-production and entertainment technology including (but not limited to) :
• LED Display Surfaces - Management, playback, and data systems
• Live / Broadcast Production - Wired / Wireless / POV / PTZ Camera systems, wired / wireless intercoms and IFB, playback, replay, CG, captions, KVM, multiviewers, production switcher, A / V monitoring
• Production Equipment - Cameras / lenses, lighting, teleprompter, audio, grip, electric equipment
• Signal Processing - A / V conversion, patch, distribution, routing and control, fiber transport, and network connectivity
• Broadcast Cabling - scoreboard control room, broadcast booths, broadcast cable i / o boxes, truck dock, turnaround, press conference
• MATV - cable TV amplification and distribution, control systems, fiber distribution, marketing / ad insertion, modulation and organization of channel lineup, network connectivity and management, televisions (physical displays)
• Press Conference - video wall system, audio distribution, lighting, remote camera control
• Sound Reinforcement - amplifiers, speakers, audio consoles, distribution amplifiers, DJ systems, DSP, patch panels
• 15+ workstations utilized by Curly W Productions for local and remote video production projects including motion graphics and animation
• 600 TB primary online shared storage system (Dell / EMC Isilon NAS)
• 50 Slot LTO-8 tape library networked archive storage system
• 100 / 40 / 25 / 10 / 1 Gb network infrastructure to facilitate access to storage and statistical data by all post production and broadcast systems
• Direct the production & capital expense budget process
• Responsibility for working with external vendors and Nationals stakeholders including Business Strategy and Analytics, Corporate Partnerships, Information Technology, Ballpark Operations, Ballpark Enterprise, Communications and Philanthropies to design and deliver complex technical solutions from concept through implementation and operational commissioning, on time, within budget, and with accurate, comprehensive documentation and training.
• Close collaboration with IT and Ballpark Operations to accomplish organizational A / V and broadcasting initiatives
• Direct the purchases and maintenance of photography equipment with the Creative Services department
• Manage full time and freelance engineering staff as well as vendor relationships responsible for the technical operation and maintenance of the listed systems
• Technical support for MLB and visiting broadcasters, minor league affiliates, press conferences and other high-profile non-game events
• Manage television camera placements, seat kills, signage and television truck parking in coordination with Ticket Sales, Ballpark Operations and Communications
• Technical resource for other departments and business units as needed
• Subject Matter Expert in current technologies from the physical level (cables and connectors) to higher levels (e.g. video compression).

Requirements :

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of study
• Minimum of 8 years of experience supporting broadcast-quality large-scale stadium / arena live sporting events
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with maintaining broadcast television or production equipment.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with large screen displays
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with non-linear editing systems
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with network infrastructures and shared storage systems
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with professional lighting, grip and audio equipment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential functions

• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to handle numerous tasks simultaneously
• Ability to prioritize jobs on short notice, and establish and manage priorities
• Ability to manage a large group of employees successfully
• Ability to travel during Spring Training and throughout the season as needed
• Available to work long irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed
• Strong teamwork and relationship building skills
• Strong decision-making skills
• Professional baseball and / or other professional sports production experience

Working knowledge of :

• SDI Video at 12G / 3G / 1.5G
• Category Cable and Fiber infrastructure
• Broadcast systems infrastructure
• Broadcast Encoders / Decoders
• Network Architecture
• Production workflows
• Broadcast Cameras
• Broadcast Production Switchers such as from Grass Valley, Ross, Sony.
• Enterprise sized Video / Audio Router (64x64 and larger) from vendors such as Evertz, Grass Valley, Imagine, Ross, Utah Scientific.
• Enterprise sized Multiview and Tally / UMD systems.
• Monitoring and Control systems such as Evertz Vistalink and Ross Dashboard, Imagine Magellan
• Production Audio Mixers such as from Calrec, SLL, Yamaha
• Large Intercom systems from ClearCom, RTS, Riedel.
• Enterprise scale KVM
• Virtualization
• Large LED display systems
• Large Venue Sound
• Years of broadcast engineering experience with a proven track record in taking large broadcast video / audio projects from concept to completion.
• Working knowledge HVAC, Power and room layouts as it pertains to broadcast / production spaces
• ST-2110 Systems knowledge a plus
• AES-67 and DANTE knowledge a plus

Physical / Environmental Requirements

• Job requires weekend / evening / holiday work
• Job requires employee to function in a high activity and heavily crowded outdoor professional sports venue
• May work at heights
• Employee will be exposed to inclement weather of varying degrees
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, walk long distances and climb up / down stairs
• The employee is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit and must lift and / or move up to 45 pounds

Compensation :

The projected annual salary range for this position is $100,000 - $123,000 per year. Actual pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to the applicant's : qualifications, skills, expertise, education / training, certifications, and other organization requirements.

Starting salaries for new employees are frequently not at the top of the applicable salary range.

Benefits :

The Nationals offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that presently includes :

• Paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays throughout the year and a holiday break in December
• Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) and pension plan
• Access to complimentary tickets to Nationals home games
• Employee discounts
• Free onsite fitness center

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The Nationals are dedicated to offering equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.