Associate Director of Audio-Visual Services

• Build lead and mentor a high-performing audio-visual team establishing clear performance expectations and fostering accountability through regular feedback and professional development opportunities
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans for all AV installations and events implementing tracking systems to ensure on-time delivery and proactive communication with stakeholders
• Create and enforce standard operating procedures technical documentation and training programs to ensure consistent service quality across all team members and contractors
• Manage departmental budget vendor relationships and resource allocation while delegating appropriately within team members defined responsibilities

• Oversee AV support for the museums diverse programming including exhibitions performances lectures corporate rentals and special events across all locations
• Partner with curatorial and installation teams from concept through deinstallation collaborating with artists to translate their visions into executable technical solutions
• Design specify and maintain AV systems for both permanent installations and temporary exhibitions ensuring reliable operation and optimal visitor experience
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external production partners to deliver seamless technical execution for high-profile events while maintaining flexibility for last-minute requests
• Develop maintenance protocols contingency plans and rapid response capabilities to ensure consistent system operation and minimize service disruptions
• Stay current with emerging technologies and museum best practices recommending innovations that enhance artistic presentation and audience engagement
• Implement and enforce safety standards

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Nine years of progressive experience in audio visual technology with at least 5 years in a people management role
• Demonstrated success leading technical teams in enterprise large nonprofit or cultural institution settings
• Experience supporting live events in multipurpose venues
• Proven project management experience with ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Excellent planning financial management and organizational skills
• Strong management and supervisory skills; ability to motivate teams track record of improving team performance and operational efficiency
• Experience managing vendor relationships
• Expertise in current AV technologies including digital projection sound reinforcement video production and lighting systems
• Proficiency with both Windows and Mac platforms and their integration with AV systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to remain calm and solution-focused in high-pressure situations
• Physical ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for events
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Zoom Asana Slack and internet-based research
• Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance

Celebrating difference. At Seattle Art Museum our members visitors and local community come from all walks of life and so do our employees volunteers and interns. The plurality of our identities and experiences strengthens our mission: connecting art to life. Our mission and vision call us to be responsive to a multitude of cultural contexts and lived experiences and as such our Strategic Plan directly addresses the role art plays in empowering and elevating social justice movements and promoting structural change to further equity in our society. SAM is particularly dedicated to racial equity in the workplace because we know that people of color are the most impacted when it comes to both historical and present inequities. We know that equity is not a single fixed destination its ongoing reckoning. As SAM continually strives to be a more inclusive and equitable workplace we are particularly interested in engaging with those who have been historically underrepresented in the museum field. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace and a sense of belonging for each and every employee because we know our organization is at its best when we celebrate difference.

SAM is an equal opportunity employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin age sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) marital status ancestry sensory physical or mental disability genetic information military or veteran status gender identity or expression sexual orientation citizenship or immigration status or other applicable legally protected characteristic. If you need assistance applying for a role due to a disability or additional need please let us know at The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of the role. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process please contact For candidates we ask that if possible you wait until youre invited to a screen online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

We encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace and a sense of belonging for each and every employee because we know our organization is at its best when we include celebrate and embrace difference. We encourage you to submit an application even if your experience doesnt feel like a 100% match with the position. We know applying for a job can be intimidating and research tells us that womxn and folks of color are less likely to apply if they dont see themselves meeting or exceeding every single qualification listed. We encourage you to apply even if you feel unsure about whether you meet every requirement in this job post. You could very well be a great fit for this role or others.

Requirements for employment. In order to be employed by the Seattle Art Museum you must reside in the state of Washington. Employment at SAM is contingent upon successful clearing and maintenance of clearance in both a federal and state criminal background check.

Want to learn more If you havent already check out our Careers page for more on working at SAM.

Though wed love to be able to reply to every question that crosses our desk due to the high volume of applications we receive our HR team is unfortunately unable to offer a response to inquiries requesting search status updates inquiries about hiring timeline or requests to be put in touch with directly with the Hiring Team. If your experiences and capabilities are well suited to an open role our Recruiter or the Hiring Manager will reach out directly to schedule an interview. Thanks for your understanding!