Freelance AV Technician

Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks an AV Technician to assist in delivery, setup, and operation of audio, lighting, and video systems for live and virtual events across museum spaces.

You will support installations, troubleshoot equipment, and maintain inventory while staying current with new AV technology and best practices. Strong communication is essential in interacting with colleagues, clients, and event staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred.
• Hands-on experience in live event production, AV staging, or museum/higher education environments.
• Strong working knowledge of current AV tech and software tools listed below.

Responsibilities

• Assists in delivery, setup, and operation of AV systems for live and virtual events.
• Supports exhibition installation and deinstallation per schedule.
• Troubleshoots equipment and maintains inventory.
• Tracks inventory and verifies accuracy before/after events.
• Provides consultation and professional interaction with clients, departments, and external/event representatives.
• Delivers recorded media documentation of events to clients.
• Assists in digitally archiving all formats of recorded material for projects.
• Maintains understanding of current and emerging AV technology relevant to the department.
• Communicates AV details clearly with colleagues and stakeholders.

Skills

Live event production

AV staging

Venue operations

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Jira

Flex

QLab

Adobe Premiere Pro

Pro Tools

Job description

About The Art Institute Of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About The Department

The Audiovisual Solutions (AV) Department provides subject expertise and delivers trusted and functional engineered audiovisual solutions across the museum’s many platforms and spaces – performances, gallery installations, digital displays, and events, both live and virtual. Our team is proactive, courteous, and collaborative while providing clear and efficient communication in support of our colleagues, partners, and the audiovisual solutions our team integrates.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the delivery, setup, and operation of audio, lighting, and visual presentation/projection systems and video content capture equipment to support all live and/or virtual events and performances.
• Assists in the fulfillment of exhibition, installation and deinstallation support while adhering to best practices and museum standards with aspects of design, implementation, and installation of internal audiovisual exhibition according to the exhibition schedule.
• Troubleshoots existing audiovisual equipment and systems in the museum including: upkeep, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance of equipment, technician booths, control areas, and equipment storage.
• Tracks, reports and supports installed equipment inventory. Verifies accuracy of inventory before and after events.
• Provides consultation, technically orients and assists, as well, interacts professionally with departments, clients, external and event representatives.
• Provides client or event requester with recorded media documentation of the event.
• Assists in the process of digitally archiving all formats of recorded material as needed for special projects.
• Maintains understanding of current and new audiovisual technology and research developing technology as it pertain to our greater departmental role at the museum.
• Communicates with colleagues about audiovisual equipment and exhibition details. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience preferred.
• At least one year of hands‑on experience in live event production, AV staging, theater, higher education, or museum environments. Preference will be given to candidates who possess stage, theater and/or projection, sound mixing experience for live events.
• Working knowledge of historical, current, and emerging audiovisual technology for live events and exhibitions.
• Strong working knowledge of computer platforms and software, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Flex), and production software (e.g., QLab, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Pro Tools).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to stay calm and adaptable in fast‑paced live production settings.

Physical Requirements

• Navigates varied indoor and outdoor spaces across campus to support live events, load‑ins, and gallery installations.
• Operates audio, lighting, and video control stations during rehearsals, setups, and live events for extended periods.
• Transports audiovisual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus, independently, with team assistance, or utilizing equipment like carts and dollies.
• Positions self to route cables, inspect connections, and service gear in tight technical spaces, including under staging and within equipment racks.
• Operates hand tools, computer controls, and audiovisual interfaces with close visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses).
• Works safely at elevated heights utilizing ladders, scaffolding, and motorized aerial personnel lifts following safety training.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Range: $24.00-$26.58/hour

This position is not benefits eligible.

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• Job Classification: Non exempt
• Employment Category: Special Services
• Grade Level: 5

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information.

Accessibility

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Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [e-mail].