Audio Engineer / Sound Designer - Job Opportunity at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, United States
Full-time
Senior
Posted: February 27, 2025
On-site
USD 65,000 - 85,000 per year based on location, academic environment, and required expertise

Benefits

Academic environment with access to cutting-edge performance facilities
Professional development through teaching opportunities
Work-life balance with structured academic calendar
University benefits package (implied)
Access to cultural and artistic events
Collaborative creative environment

Key Responsibilities

Lead audio engineering for professional guest artists and School of Music performances
Manage sound system operations and maintenance across five performance venues
Supervise and train student sound/streaming staff
Oversee audio recording and streaming operations for academic programs
Support sound design curriculum and provide mentorship
Manage audio equipment budget and procurement

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred in related field

Experience

Significant professional experience required

Required Skills

Live audio mixing Sound system tuning Wireless microphone systems expertise Equipment calibration and maintenance Vectorworks/AutoCAD proficiency Yamaha console operation Dante networking Pro Tools QLab Q-Sys (preferred) Sound recording for ensembles Supervisory experience (preferred)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The performing arts sector is increasingly integrating digital streaming capabilities, requiring audio professionals to master both traditional and virtual delivery methods Educational institutions are expanding their technical capabilities to compete with commercial venues, creating hybrid roles that combine technical expertise with pedagogical responsibilities The rise of immersive audio experiences is driving demand for professionals who can handle complex sound design requirements

Role Significance

Direct supervision of 8-10 student staff with collaborative relationships across multiple departments
Senior technical position with significant autonomy and direct impact on institutional reputation through performance quality

Key Projects

Major performing arts productions Academic recording projects Technical infrastructure upgrades Student training programs Professional artist support services

Success Factors

Strong balance of technical expertise and educational mindset Ability to manage multiple stakeholder expectations Excellent problem-solving skills under performance pressure Effective communication across artistic and technical domains

Market Demand

High demand with limited qualified candidates due to the specialized combination of technical expertise and educational capability

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Live mixing expertise due to diverse performance requirements System maintenance and troubleshooting for complex venue infrastructure Digital audio networking for modern production requirements Educational aptitude for student training and development

Beneficial Skills

Event production management Budget administration Project management Emerging audio technologies Virtual production techniques

Unique Aspects

Rare combination of professional venue management and educational responsibilities
Access to diverse performance types from classical to contemporary
Opportunity to shape next generation of audio professionals
Balance of artistic and technical requirements

Career Growth

2-4 years in role before advancement opportunities, depending on project success and program growth

Potential Next Roles

Technical Director for larger performing arts center Head of Audio/Visual Department Production Manager Academic Program Director

Company Overview

James Madison University

James Madison University is a comprehensive public university with a strong reputation in performing arts and technical education

Regional leader in performing arts education with growing national recognition
Significant cultural influence in the Shenandoah Valley region with connections to major metropolitan areas
Collaborative academic environment balancing professional production standards with educational mission
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