The AV Architect will lead and manage the firm’s conference center and room-based technology solutions globally. This will include a wide range of Audio Visual related functions: defining the overall strategy, design and standardization and project managing all AV implementations, operations and support. The AV Architect will also collaborate with key business stakeholders to ensure the firm’s conference center technology experience is consistent across all offices and meeting the high expectations of our users, including Directors of Administration, Office Managing Partners, and business leadership.

• Establish strategy and global standards for the firm’s AV planning and design, focusing on AV centric spaces such as conference rooms, moot court and training rooms.
• Set and support global standards for AV systems including AV hardware, network interfacing naming conventions, and usage of best practices.
• Manage AV design and implementation projects from initiation to closure, including gathering requirements with key stakeholders, establishing budgets, coordinating purchasing, system design, project management, implementation coordination across staffed and contracted resources, system testing, user testing and system documentation.
• Review implementation project scope of work (SOW) and accompanying bill of materials (BOM) to ensure alignment with set requirements, completeness of design and adherence to standards.
• Responsible for new project budgets and coordination of maintenance agreements for AV related solutions.
• Oversee and collaborate with AV focused operations and support teams globally to ensure AV services run as expected; collaborating with colleagues across AV infrastructure engineers, video admins, VIP / white glove AV techs and general firm support services.
• Design systems with a wide array of AV equipment and services, including video teleconferencing, audio systems, projection systems and flat panel displays, video walls, wired and wireless microphone systems, control systems and collaborative technology, such as SMART boards and touch screen interfaces.
• Support testing, evaluation and implementation of new technologies, including collaboration technologies and wireless presentation and video conferencing equipment to increase service levels and reduce costs.
• Oversee AV system installations, including on-site vendor coordination, system testing , quality control and issues/punch list remediation.
• Manage equipment lifecycle and maintain accurate inventory, which includes videoconferencing units, sound equipment, projectors and recording equipment.
• Create and maintain appropriate AV content on the firm’s intranet and support knowledge base.
• Maintain high level of current awareness of new technologies and technology trends associated with audio visual and presentation technology.
• Provide training to existing and new Multimedia Services (MMS) and User Support staff, as appropriate.
• Coordinate regular health checks and preventive maintenance of the firm’s room presentation and conference center technology; track and remediate all issues.
• Flexible to travel and work additional hours, as needed.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Essential Duty and Responsibility (the “Essential Duties”) satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties.  If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience with AV design and room buildouts
• Experience providing remote technical support in a distributed, international organization
• Expertise in room AV infrastructure with experience with one or more of the following technologies: Crestron, BiAmps, Video Displays, Projectors, Microphones, Amplification and Speaker technology
• Expertise with video conferencing applications including Cisco, Zoom, Microsoft, and hardware from Cisco and Polycom
• Advanced skills with AV Technical services such as Cisco TAC, Zoom support or other external vendors
• Advanced skills in the deployment, operation and support of AV and video teleconferencing-related technology
• Advanced skills in the Video Conferencing equipment grouping configurations, including arrangement of audio/video IP (data network) appliances, encoding appliances used to capture video, compressing and delivering video over IP and placement of secure encryption devices for successful delivery
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Preference for one or more of the following Cisco Certifications: CTS-I, CTS-D, CCNA-Voice. Other technology or product knowledge, experience or certifications in the following areas are a plus: security, routing, switching, wireless, programming skills (C, C++, Linux, PowerShell Scripting)
• Knowledge of IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, TCP/IP, QoS, ISDN, Firewall Traversal, SIP, H.323, IP networks, firewalls, switches and routers and LDAP integration
• Knowledge of one or more of the following Cisco Unified Communications technologies: Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (CUCME), Cisco Unified Presence Server (CUPS), Cisco Unity Express (CUE), Cisco Meeting Server (CMS), Cisco Meeting Manager (CMM)
• Knowledge of Zoom Workplace and Zoom Room conferencing technology (Poly hardware)
• Experience with EMS scheduling software.
• Experience working in the professional services industry (legal, advertising, accounting, consulting).

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• A self-starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job
• Strong customer service skills

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer