Production Assistant and Media Asset Manager

Please apply directly on our website: https://www.upaya.org/being-at-upaya/work-at-upaya/production-assistant-and-media-asset-manager/ About Upaya: Upaya Zen Center is a progressive and engaged Buddhist center. Upaya stewards a vibrant international community of practitioners who connect both at onsite retreats and online programs. We endeavor to bring much needed wisdom teachings to thousands across the globe in this time of uncertainty. Role Overview: The Production Assistant & Media Asset Manager is a technical and creative role responsible for the seamless operation of Upaya’s live programs and the stewardship of its digital media library. This individual ensures that in-person and online participants have a high-quality, immersive experience, and that the Wisdom Library — Upaya’s growing repository of video, audio, and written teachings — remains accessible and well-organized for practitioners around the world. Maintaining and growing that archive is not merely administrative work; it is a form of dharma service, making the teachings easily accessible to anyone who seeks them. This is a full-time, on-site position. Staff at Upaya work Wednesday through Sunday, reflecting the rhythm of our program schedule. This is the standard workweek for the role, not an exception to it. Key Responsibilities: I. Live Production & AV Operations (~40%) Technical Setup & Strike: Lead physical setup and strike, maintenance, and organization of AV equipment for in-person programs, including Sony full-frame cameras, Audio-Technica microphones, Mackie Mixers and PTZ cameras. Maintain clear records of individual teacher settings, including volume levels, mic placements, and camera preferences, so each program starts smoothly. Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOP) for equipment setup, including photos and videos as needed. Coordinate effectively with temple and housekeeping teams to prepare spaces for programs. Room Presence: Manage climate, lighting, and room logistics in the meditation or teaching hall during dharma talks, including supporting participants and conveying a warm and respectful environment. Be willing to appear on camera or serve as a visible host as needed and assist in-person participants with microphone so audio can be captured. Live Stream Engineering: Operate video switchers and production software to manage multi-camera live broadcasts to Zoom, YouTube, and Vimeo. Digital Audio Management: Manage audio routing and levels using Dante protocols and Mackie mixers to ensure clear, consistent sound for both local and online audiences. Online Hosting: Serve as technical host for Zoom programs and YouTube Live, including managing breakout rooms, spotlighting speakers, supporting meditation instruction, and troubleshooting participant issues in real time. Volunteer & Resident Coordination: Train and coordinate volunteers and residents supporting AV and media tasks during programs. Quality Control: Monitor recording stability and ensure all live content is captured reliably for the archival library. Design Media set-ups: Design, test and implement media support for unique programs such as cooking or art courses. II. Media Asset Management & Content Sharing (~60%) Wisdom Library Oversight: Serve as the primary steward of Upaya’s Wisdom Library — the repository of 1000s of video, podcast, and written teachings that extends Upaya’s reach to a global community of practitioners. Content Processing: Upload, organize, and tag media on Vimeo, YouTube, and Libsyn (podcasts), including Zoom recordings and backup files, maintaining consistent metadata and naming conventions. Web Integration: Post and update content on the WordPress site, including managing the blog and resource pages. Strategic Collaboration: Collaborate with the Programming Team to process new content and with the Communications Coordinator to surface high-quality clips and quotes for broader community sharing. Digital Preservation: Maintain organized cloud storage and backup systems for all raw and finished media assets, including local drives with downloaded recordings. Qualifications: Required Demonstrated experience with video production and AV operations, comfortable in live event settings. Working knowledge of audio networking, signal flow, and mic placement. Proficiency with online modalities like Zoom, YouTube, Vimeo, and WordPress. Experience managing digital media assets, with attention to metadata, naming conventions, and file organization. Ability to troubleshoot technical issues calmly and quickly, often during live programs. Strong interpersonal skills and a personable presence; able to communicate kindly and clearly with staff, teachers, volunteers, and participants of varied technical backgrounds. Comfort in a contemplative environment, with respect for Upaya’s mission and community. This is not a typical office or event production setting — the work takes place within an active Zen Buddhist practice community. Preferred Advanced facility with Sony full-frame and PTZ cameras, video switchers, Mackie mixers, Dante audio networking, signal flow, and mic placement. Experience with Vimeo and Libsyn or similar podcast distribution platforms. Basic video and audio editing skills for creating social media clips or highlights. Experience developing SOPs or training materials for AV or media workflows. Experience training or coordinating volunteers in a live event or production context. Work Environment & Schedule This role is fully on-site at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The standard workweek is Wednesday through Sunday, in keeping with Upaya’s program rhythm. Extended retreat or program periods require the ability to stay grounded and on task. We are a small, mission-driven team. Every staff member is expected to bring genuine care for the community alongside their professional skills. The people who thrive here tend to find meaning in the intersection of skills and purpose. Benefits Salary starting at $55,000 depending on qualifications Participation in some of Upaya’s in person and online offerings. Insurance coverage with BCBSNM, Delta Dental, and Vision after 60 days of employment. SIMPLE IRA 3% matching after one year of employment. Starting with two weeks of paid vacation each year, paid holidays, paid sick leave. Working with a dynamic and joyful core team who are committed to bringing Zen and Engaged Buddhist Teachings and Practice to the world. Note: This position is on site only. Lodging is not provided