Audio Visual Technician

Salary range: £37,000 - £40,000 based on experience

Location: 61 Whitehall, London

Contract: Full time, permanent, 37.5 hrs minimum per week

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.

About the Role

This role is focused on providing audio visual services and support to internal and external stakeholders at RUSI’s prestigious headquarters in the heart of Whitehall, contributing to the successful staging of events. Reporting to the Events Director, the Audio-Visual Technician will be responsible for providing a successful technical operation and giving our users an excellent service and experience. They will also work to improve our technical operation with new and innovative ideas and contribute to RUSI’s wider operations, especially working closely with our Communications team.

Key tasks

• Set-up and operate the technical equipment for in-person and hybrid events, ensuring they are at the highest standard.
• Book/hire additional equipment if necessary to ensure all events are fully equipped.
• Conduct sound/equipment checks and test calls in order to be fully prepared for events.
• Liaise with visiting film crews (e.g. from major news outlets) to ensure they are aware of the technical set up and have what they require for successful filming.
• Provide similar support to other outside parties - e.g. simultaneous translators.
• Pack down all equipment in a safe manner at the end of each event and store securely.
• Utilise the Venue Management system to obtain information about each event’s requirements and attend weekly planning meetings with the Events Team.
• Maintain and establish strong relationships with suppliers.
• Ensure the equipment is regularly serviced and repaired as necessary.
• Create standard presentation material (e.g. holding slides) for each event.
• Set up and provide livestream links for event streaming.
• Provide support to the Communications team and wider Institute on production of content with audio-visual elements – e.g. editing event recordings for post-event use, recording short videos, podcast recording.
• Keep the AV/Media rooms tidy and presentable
• Trouble-shoot issues with video calls from the Institute’s internal meeting rooms.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive; the postholder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• Previous experience in a similar role, ideally using Crestron Controls, Wyrestorm NetworkHD and Newtek Tricasters
• Experience mixing venue and virtual video and audio in a live setting, including setup for varied presentation types such as Q&A panels, podium speeches and roundtable discussions
• Experience in multi-channel recording and archiving including SDI/HDMI/IP/RMTP video formats
• Video editing experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of senior stakeholders
• Familiarity liaising and assisting with visiting broadcast media to set up pool cameras and audio equipment.
• Ability to present complex information relating to the role in an easy-to-understand format
• Strong time keeping and time management.

Desirable skills and experience

• Use Vimeo or similar multi-stream platform for livestreaming events
• Ability with the Microsoft Office and Adobe Suites
• Podcast recording and editing experience
• Experience of working in a not-for-profit sector organisation.

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement.

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

*Depending on length of service

Please note that is role requires Right to Work status in the UK. We are unable to sponsor this role.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 4th October 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.

We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.

If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org