Conference Center Technology Specialist II

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

Our Conference Center is used for high level, fast pace, meetings, depositions, video conferences and large events.  The candidate must know their craft and instill confidence by remaining calm in high-pressure situations while focusing on the task at hand.  Candidate must meet or exceed the expectations of the users of the DC Conference Center by preparing for their meeting in advance and understanding the technical requirements.  Ability to interact professionally with all levels of firm personnel to ensure the seamless and timely execution of meetings, training sessions and special events. Other responsibilities include a thorough understanding of the firm’s hardware and software platforms for troubleshooting and configuration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This position requires strong people skills due to the high-level clients that we serve such as share partners and clients. This position will report to the DC Conference Technology Manager.  The candidate must have excellent customer service skills and must be able to provide white glove service to all users of the conference center. The candidate must establish and maintain effective, courteous relationships with customers and team members.

Strong analytical reasoning and AV troubleshooting skills are a plus.  Individual must also possess excellent judgment regarding local Conference Technology matters.  Must be able to assess situations quickly and proactively to ensure customer/client satisfaction.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary in addition to having a strong customer service commitment.

The candidate’s responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Support the day-to-day Conference Center Technology operational needs.
• Assist the DC conference technology supervisor with organizing and documenting all aspect of conference technology.
• Help upkeep documentation on all maintenance activities including any equipment changes and incident reports.
• Set up audio conferences (microphones, sound systems, speakerphones, conference calls) 
• Set up and maintain visiting attorney offices.
• Set up presentation equipment (LCD projectors, screens, videos) 
• Laptops (webcasts, network connections)
• Become proficient on the operation of Kirkland’s Crestron program.
• Ensure daily that all onsite Conference Center Technology systems are fully functional.
• Perform system maintenance as scheduled and work with vendors as required. 
• Exhibit helpful, customer service-oriented attitude with team members and end-users.
• Remain calm yet communicate (and act) with sense of urgency when end-user has an urgent matter requiring resolution.
• General knowledge and troubleshooting of the firm’s standard hardware such as laptop and related programs.
• General knowledge and troubleshooting of the firm’s standard applications such as Outlook 365 and Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Strong Knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint
• Strong Knowledge of ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, Webex and other unified commination platforms
• Retains knowledge and stays current on the firm’s procedures and guidelines that affect technology usage and support requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5 years of AV experience in a conference center environment.
• Must be working towards or have an AVIXA CTS certification and maintained during employment.
• Exceptional customer service abilities. 
• Superior oral and written communication and problem-solving/strategizing skills. 
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds and able to move freely within the workplace. 
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new systems and procedures/stay current with AV technology.
• Flexibility in daily work hours to meet the conference client’s needs including weekends.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Test with external sites prior to meeting (ideally in the same video conference room as meeting)
• Coordinate with meeting host to confirm full understanding of what they are trying to achieve during their meeting.
• Daily systems room checks to ensure all of technical features are running at optimum prior to room usage.
• Provide immediate response to client requests for assistance.
• Maintain confidentiality in all client and firm matters. 
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE SKILLS:

Communication:

• Ability to read A/V drawings for tier one troubleshooting.
• Effective production support activities, including advanced business and technical writing.

Decision Making:

• Excellent command of business knowledge.
• Ability to solicit input from internal and external sources, including the ability to investigate and incorporate best practices from other corporations, experience, and sound judgment.
• Knows when to escalate issues based on impact.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Does "whatever it takes" to support the tactical and strategic goals of the team and in the Firm.
• Has the courage to accept difficult relationship scenarios and regularly negotiates win-win solutions for all involved.
• Team player but can lead when required.

Strategic/Change Leadership:

• Managing change management development, including team development and strategic change programs.
• Affects change within sphere of influence. 
• Frequently leads development of new improvements. 
• Contributes individually or through others on complex issues or initiatives. 

Technical Ability:

• Basic understanding of how components work together inside of system.
• Proficient in basic PC troubleshooting

POSITION SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Basic proficiency in core application suite.
• Basic PC troubleshooting skills.
• Able to set up and operate AV systems.
• Able to troubleshoot AV systems and diagnose routine issues.
• Able to perform routine maintenance on AV equipment.
• Able to maintain documentation on equipment maintenance.
• Stays current on the state of the AV industry.
• Capable of developing event workflow plans.
• Stays current with the state of the AV/video industry.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Compensation: 

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. This range may differ based on your experience and skill set, geographic location, and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We also offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits, personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

• Washington D.C.- $85,000 - $105,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Onsite #LI-LW1