Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team
AV Technology Manager | Chicago
This is a full-time salaried position and all candidates must be able to reliably commute to downtown Chicago as there is frequent onsite requirement.
Convene Hospitality Group is seeking an experienced, passionate Technology Manager (AV Production Manager) to support operations at our Willis Tower location in downtown Chicago Situated in the heart of The Loop, this 24,000 sq. ft. venue is steps from the city's top businesses, transit lines, and iconic architecture — a true hub for Chicago's corporate and social event scene. As the AV Technology Manager, you will be directly responsible for planning and driving the success of our conference, workplace, and amenity services, ensuring the delivery of a premium, seamless, and values-driven tech-enabled hospitality experience from day one. We are looking for a genuine leader who exemplifies a passion for Hospitality, Events, and AV Technology, along with being a proponent of cultivating a positive and inclusive employee culture.
What You'll Do:
The Technology Manager provides and manages all services used to deliver information technology to our customers and associates, including networking, desktop support, audio, video, HSIA, audio & video conferencing, webcasting and basic lighting for different types of meetings and events.
Technology Managers work collaboratively to deliver an excellent meeting, conference, and workday experience. They oversee AV Specialists in supporting/executing customer needs and help manage, train and lead specialists in personal, technical and career development/training. The person in this role also works collaboratively with our sales and production teams to ensure seamless execution for our clients.
The Technology Manager is responsible for Operations Management:
- Provide ad-hoc troubleshooting and assistance to customers of all technology competency levels
- Management/troubleshooting of AV equipment, including but not limited to audio, video, lighting, computer networking systems and hardware; both in-house and client systems
- Coordinate with clients in advance to preprogram and ensure all their technological requirements are seamlessly in place for their arrival
- Provide consultative support to technology sales for client programs
- Enforce adherence to booking guidelines, optimizing space utilization and revenue generation through audits and participation in weekly program execution order meetings
- Provide genuine, anticipatory customer service by establishing good working relationships with Convene team members and vendors
- Attend planning and pre-production meetings
- Direct day-to-day floor operations of AV Specialists, including set and strike, scheduling, etc.
- Develop a weekly schedule for site execution and coordinate with other locations to share resources for optimal efficiency within the area of operations
- Make personal contact and maintain positive relationships with clients and assist with any reasonable requests during programs
- Collaborate with the sales and planning team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client's experience with Convene prior to the start of their meeting or event
- Thoroughly prepare and deliver comprehensive sales quotes while employing revenue-maximizing strategies in alignment with Convene's standard operating procedures to optimize value and presenting a commitment to excellence and adaptability to industry dynamics
- Assist in any areas of daily operation
Responsible for Training & Development:
- Assist with developing a positive employee relations climate, including employee engagement, motivation and coaching
- Participate in collaborative project efforts with both the technology team and other departments
- Participate in employee appraisals
- Mentor AV Specialists to provide a consistent level of customer service
- Interview and hire prospective candidates for all positions in the department
- Well-versed in the latest developments in the event industry and audio-visual trends to meet the demands of corporate conferencing seamlessly
- Review and stay current on all departmental SOPs on a quarterly basis
The Technology Manager will be responsible for weekly financial reporting of client programs, tracking labor hours/dollar amounts, and contributing to monthly and quarterly operations reports in conjunction with the location General Manager.
- Review P&L/General Ledger reports for department/location, ensuring accuracy
- Approve and submit vendor invoices to Accounts Payable in a timely fashion
- Participate in the annual budgeting process for team member's location
- Maintain and uphold Convene's cultural standards
- Perform other duties as requested by management
What we look for:
- 4+ years of experience in managing IT and AV equipment, as well as computer software systems
- Proven experience in leadership roles, including leading team members
- Customer service or hospitality experience preferred
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of audiovisual equipment, encompassing analog/digital audio mixers, wireless microphone systems, seamless video switchers, and projectors/displays
- Understanding of Crestron control and hardware endpoints
- Basic knowledge of data networking principles, architecture, and applications
- Experience in the basic installation, configuration, operation, and administration of operating systems, applications, and hardware for Macs, PCs, LANs, and servers.
- Ability to lead and manage team members effectively, collaborating with internal and external clients
- Familiarity with CRM applications
Physical Requirements
- Flexible, long, and weekend hours sometimes required
- Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects up to 25 pounds without assistance
- Ability to reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping
- Ability to stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time
- Ability to climb and work on a ladder for lengthy periods of time
Equipment & Technical Qualifications
- Audio: 4-24 channel analog/digital mixers, wireless microphone lavaliers and handhelds, push to talk microphone systems, audio recorders, Biamp Tesira systems
- Video: Switchers, projectors, LCD displays, Crestron DM/NVX systems
- Lighting: Up lights, GOBOs, Basic dimming
- IT: Wi-Fi troubleshooting, connecting hardline internet, Knowledge of DHCP/Static IP addressing, operate and troubleshoot hard/soft video codecs
- Control: Familiarity with Crestron control systems and associated hardware
Compensation:
The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions.
Base Salary:
Salary Min: $75,000 Salary Max: $80,000
This role is also eligible for Convene's annual incentive performance bonus plan.
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.
We're Here For You:
At Convene Hospitality Group, we want you to feel supported in every part of your life. Here's what you can expect:
- Health & Wellness: Day-one health coverage for you and your family, 24/7 virtual care, emotional well-being support, and fertility & family planning benefits. Because your well-being matters, inside and outside of work.
- Time Off & Balance: Generous PTO, your birthday off (because, of course!), paid parental leave, and a year-end holiday closure to recharge.
- Financial Growth: 401K with company match and support for education, courses, and certifications. We invest in you so you can grow personally and professionally.
- Development & Recognition: Ongoing career growth opportunities plus recognition programs to celebrate milestones.
- Community & Impact: Volunteer and give-back opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in the work you do.
At Convene Hospitality Group, we believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Our values of GRIT (Genuine, Relentless, Integrity, and Teamwork) shape how we show up for each other every day. We want everyone here to feel welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. If you're excited to grow, learn, and make an impact, we'd love to have you on the team.
Convene Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
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