Recording Operations Specialist

Job Title: Recording Operations Specialist

Department: Recording & Archive

Division: Programs

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Reports To: Manager, Recording & Archive

Status: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt

About StoryCorps:

StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. Founded in 2003 by radio documentary producer and MacArthur Fellow Dave Isay, StoryCorps has recorded and archived nearly 40,000 interviews from more than 70,000 participants. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to share, and is preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind. We have visited all 50 states, partnered with hundreds of community organizations across the country, and earned 2 George Foster Peabody Awards, the highest honor in broadcast journalism. Millions listen to our weekly broadcasts on NPR’s Morning Edition, our weekly podcasts on iTunes, and the stories posted on the Listen pages of our website. Our animations have been featured on PBS’s flagship documentary series POV and the YouTube homepage and were nominated for an Emmy. Our three books, Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project, Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps, and All There Is: Love Stories from StoryCorps, were New York Times Bestsellers.

In the coming years, we hope to build StoryCorps into an enduring institution that will touch the lives of every American family. To learn more about our services, produced works, and special initiatives, and to listen to participant stories, visitwww.storycorps.org.

Position Overview:

As a key member of the Recording & Archive Department, the Recording Operations Specialist oversees the recording technology at all StoryCorps recording venues, including portable configurations (Door-to-Door kits and StoryKits). The Specialist oversees maintenance of StoryBooth facilities, including the MobileBooths, as well as the construction and development of new StoryBooths. The Specialist is also responsible for training staff on recording techniques, monitoring interview materials to ensure that StoryCorps’ high standards of quality are met, and contributing to the planning and successful implementation of new projects and initiatives. This position involves national travel, approximately 5-6 trips per year. The Recording Operations Specialist supervises a part-time StoryKit Assistant and one part-time StoryKit Intern.

Excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Account, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Assistance Plan, TransitCheks, and paid time off (vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Site Supervisors on major maintenance projects or technical improvements related to specific recording sites
• Develop and document procedures and best practices for audio recording and photography
• Design and execute training modules for all field staff on technical aspects of interview collection
• Provide remote and on-site support to field staff on all technical operations
• Design and implement recording configurations and workflows for new projects and initiatives
• Advise and assist on use of equipment, vehicles, and recording configurations for special projects and events
• Inventory and maintain an in-house store of backup recording equipment and supplies
• Support the Business Development Department in developing new StoryBooth partnerships
• Perform other duties to support the Recording & Archive department, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree, or high school diploma/equivalency plus four (4) years of relevant work experience
• At least 2 years experience studying or working with digital audio recording equipment
• Facilities maintenance and construction experience
• Demonstrated experience with instructional design, technical training, or technical support
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Macs
• Excellent interpersonal, written/verbal communication, and collaboration skills
• Excellent research skills
• Solid organization skills, multi-tasking ability, and attention to detail
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in order to contribute to problem-solving activities within a growing, changing organization
• Cultural competence and comfort working with diverse groups of people in an inclusive organizational environment.

Preferred:

• Experience working in archives or libraries
• Experience coordinating design or construction projects
• Proficiency with Excel, FileMaker Pro, or comparable online database or inventory program.

StoryCorps seeks to hire staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

All positions at StoryCorps are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include your last name and “Recording Operations Specialist” in the subject line. Include your cover letter and resume as attachments entitled “YourNameLetter” and “YourNameResume.” In your cover letter, please tell us how you found out about this opportunity and whether you have applied for a position at StoryCorps in the past.

The position will remain open until filled; please apply early. No calls please.