DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION:
Founded in 2006, the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling (COHDS) is an award-winning interdisciplinary research unit within Concordia University. COHDS has over 300 affiliated faculty members, students, artists, educators, partner organizations, and community members. Our central mission is to support the gathering and preservation of the audiovisual oral history record, while encouraging solo, collaborative, and community-based research and creation that respond to living memory and oral testimony.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for a highly organized and proactive Technical Coordinator to work in an advisory capacity with students and affiliates, oversee equipment loans, and manage technical maintenance. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the loaning and returning of technical equipment, ensuring the timely maintenance, firmware updates and repair of equipment, and supporting the technical needs of our centre. The position requires liaising with the Concordia IT department in regard to computer lab maintenance and upkeep. This role requires strong organizational skills, a solid technical background, and exceptional communication abilities. The Technical Coordinator is also welcome to offer technical workshops such as Camera Basics, Introduction to Audio Editing, etc. as part of our programming.
This is a part-time staff position ideal for someone passionate about supporting interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and creative media practices.
Key Responsibilities
· Equipment Management: Maintain and update all audiovisual equipment, computers, and technical infrastructure. Coordinate the loaning process for technical equipment, including tracking inventory, processing loan requests, and ensuring equipment is available and in good condition for end-users.
· Maintenance: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all technical equipment. Regularly audit and inspect equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and is well-maintained.
· Documentation and Reporting: Keep accurate records of equipment loans, maintenance activities, and repairs. Generate reports on equipment status, maintenance schedules, and any incidents requiring attention.
· Troubleshooting and Support: Provide technical training support to COHDS affiliates and staff, including troubleshooting and guidance on equipment use. Develop training materials and conduct workshops as necessary.
· Media Production Support: Support affiliates in media production using COHDS equipment such as cameras, microphones and other recording devices as well as postproduction software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop).
· Coordinate technical operations across COHDS spaces (Sunroom and Media Lab). Maintain institutional relationships with IITS and other Concordia departments to support COHDS’s local NAS server and other infrastructure-related needs. Assist with special projects related to equipment upgrades, new technology implementation, or other initiatives as required.
· Best practices: Implement best practices for data security, backup, and ethical handling of oral history materials. Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures regarding equipment loans and maintenance. Develop and enforce guidelines for equipment usage and return.
· Vendor Coordination: Work with external vendors and service providers to arrange for equipment repairs and obtain parts or services as needed. Evaluate vendor performance and manage relationships.
Qualifications
· Educational/Educational Experience: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Audiovisual production, Documentary filmmaking, Journalism, and/or minimum 3 years of experience in audiovisual production, technical support, equipment management, or a related field.
· Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of audiovisual production equipment, Mac systems, Adobe Creative Suite, and audio/video software and hardware, and other digital storytelling software.
· Ability to train others in best recording practices for oral history, audiovisual preservation and digital storytelling.
· Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage inventory and scheduling systems to attend a large affiliate community of researchers and historians.
· Communications: Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience providing technical support or training to a diverse community.
· Best practices: Understanding ethical practices in oral history and/or community-based research is a strong asset.
· Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze issues, identify solutions, and implement effective resolutions in a timely manner.
· Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work both in a team setting and independently.
Additional Assets
· Experience with Oral History, Digital Storytelling and Community initiatives.
· Familiarity with COHDS’s mission and practices.
· Experience in a university, archive, or research environment.
· French and/or other language skills.
CONDITIONS:
· 20 hours/week for 10 months (August 2025 – June 2026), including 1.5 weeks of paid winter holiday vacations
· The salary is $25.05/hour (plus benefits)
· This contract falls under the Concordia Association of Research Employees (CARE) collective agreement. Please note that Concordia students are not eligible to be hired on a CARE contract.
· Starting date: Monday, August 25 (negotiable)
TO APPLY:
Applications must consist of a cover letter, a resumé (cv), and the names of two individuals who may be contacted for reference letters. Please title your email “Technical Coordinator Application” and send your application to barbara.lorenzkowski@concordia.ca and cohdscoordinator@concordia.ca by Monday June 30, 2025 (applications will be accepted until the position is filled).
