United Nations Customer Service

ROGER RAIFORD

917-***-**** / *****.*******@*****.*** / Floral Park, NY 11001

SUMMARY

Director of Operations with extensive experience in all aspects of live events and media production. An experienced manager of staff and technical facilities. Skilled in team collaboration, project management, departmental growth, and business development. A creative, versatile, energetic and results driven manager, consistently recognized for strong organizational, planning and interpersonal skills. Experience in general management and building operations.

Facility Operations

Team Management

Project Management

Financial Management

Program Production

Media Technology

Technical Implementation

Customer Service

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY – New York, NY Oct 2019 – Aug 2022

Director of Technology & Operations – The Forum

Responsible for audio-video technical facilities, media production and The Forum building operations for live events held in a 440-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, and several event spaces and meeting rooms throughout this modern facility, on the Manhattanville campus. Managed a team of 5 full-time staff that provided audio-visual technical support and building operational services for large events, presentations, and daily functions.

Directed production of live events with multiple cameras, theater projection, stage lighting and sound. Advised and planned with university departments and colleagues to create multi-media productions that are streamed live. - Responsible for the building facility by working with Columbia’s Facilities department on maintenance and upkeep of this premier modern building. Initiated and managed building enhancements and daily maintenance of the facility, as needed.

Implemented new technical equipment to enhance and diversify functionality of AV and production services that are available. Modified control room to expand routing and switching capability and streamlined the system so that it can be operated with fewer technicians for smaller events and functions. Improved Crestron infrastructure in all meeting rooms. Managed freelance AV personnel, technicians, and engineers. Established work-flow systems to improve operational efficiency.

ITHACA COLLEGE – Ithaca, NY Nov 2016 – Oct 2019

Director of Technical Operations – Park School of Communications

Oversaw all operations and facilities utilized by 1,900 students pursuing degrees in areas of communications,

including television and cinema production, post-production, photography, journalism, audio recording, strategic communications & emerging media. The facility also supports several extracurricular clubs such as the WICB Radio station, VIC Online Radio and the ICTV television station at which 500+ students produce 25 weekly programs.

Managed a staff of 13 full-time technical and operational professionals that support students and faculty

in all areas of the Park School building. Developed strategies and implemented technology that prepares students for their careers. Introduced 4K cameras, editing and workflows. Expanded video shared storage capability and introduced portable IP based newsgathering equipment. Upgraded 15 classrooms and learning labs with the latest Crestron multi-functional A/V systems, 4K viewing, surround sound, short-throw projection, wireless systems, white boards and sound panels.

Responsible for all technical facilities including a television production truck with 5 Ikegami cameras, 2 network quality studios and control rooms, a 1,000 sq ft master control facility, video storage networked with 80 Adobe/Avid edit stations, ProTools audio mixing, and 60 iMac digital photography stations. Portable facilities include about 200 cameras with audio and lighting accessories. - Responsible for building facilities, space reconfiguration, lighting design, UPS system, security system and emergency procedures.

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Facilitated the television coverage of Ithaca College football and basketball games, produced and crewed by ICTV students. Managed the video production of special events and commencement ceremonies. Advocated for the school at numerous student/parent tours, orientation sessions and promotional events.

AL JAZEERA MEDIA NETWORK – Washington, DC & New York, NY Sep 2012 - Apr 2016

Head of Technical Operations – Americas

Oversaw broadcast operations at the US regional hub in Washington, DC and 8 bureaus throughout North and South America. Managed a team of 50 employees that facilitate news production from the Americas region for the Al Jazeera English, America and Arabic news channels, and the AJ+ news website. Responsible for all major news events, ENG/SNG newsgathering, post-production, studio productions, master control, media management and video transmission. Ensured that all departments within Technical Operations worked well together as a team to support all producers and reporters in the region. Responsible for all capital and operational budgets.

Key contributor to the layout, operational and technical requirements of a new 47,000 sq ft broadcast facility in Washington, DC. Facility includes 3 television studios, 3 control rooms, 14 edit rooms and a Master Control room. The facility is the company's Americas hub supporting 240 news media professionals.

Washington, DC Site Manager during the launch of Al Jazeera America. Contracted with The Newseum to facilitate and staff a studio, control room and office for 55 employees to produce the channel’s flagship program, “America Tonight”. Commissioned a full suite of Avid editing, video intake and video storage infrastructure, at The Newseum. Hired new staff to support the America channel and merged operations with existing English channel staff at the DC broadcast center.

Responsible for all camera, transmission and editing facilities at all Al Jazeera Media Network bureaus in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. Hired and managed staff camerapersons and editors throughout the region. - Oversaw production of major news events such as US Elections, United Nations sessions and at the live shot positions at several DC government buildings. Streamlined operations and improved service to the News and Programs departments.

RAIFORD MEDIA ASSOCIATES – New York, NY Jul 2009 - Aug 2012

Business Development / Producer

Developed new revenue opportunities for existing broadcast facilities. Sold technical services to broadcasters. Consulted new media companies on business plans, product development, operational strategies, and content.

East Coast sales territory for Streambox cellular IP video transmission software & hardware.

New business development for the NYC studio facilities and operation of the Italian network RAI.

Producer and Operations Manager for the business news website World Risk & Insurance News.

Producer of marketing videos for training courses on website of the American Management Association.

ASSOCIATED PRESS - TELEVISION – New York, NY Dec 1998 - Jun 2009

NYC Bureau Manager (2001-2009)

Managed technical and general operations at the New York bureau of the international video news service of the Associated Press. Controlled purchasing and financial operations including, vendor selection, equipment purchases, technical maintenance, and general newsgathering expenses. Managed a $2 million annual budget.

Provided design requirements for AP's television news facility at the new headquarters. Managed the facility consisting of a studio, control room, master control, edit suites, ENG cameras, live-shot positions, satellite antennas and fiber optic connectivity. Supervised engineering and technical staff. Project manager on the transition of the facility from analog to digital. Implemented new workflows. – At 1995 Broadway, responsible for building facilities, including space reconfiguration, HVAC maintenance, UPS system, security cameras and the installation and operation of satellite antennas.

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Account Manager - Commercial Productions (1998-2001)

Identified market segments within the corporate, public relations and broadcast sectors. Implemented marketing strategy, initiated new business, negotiated prices and secured orders.

Exceeded $100K monthly sales targets with healthy profit margins for this department within The AP. Maintained client relationships to maximize services and grow business. Key services were satellite media tours, video news release production/distribution and multi-location satellite video conferences.

CBS NEWS – New York, NY Apr 1995 - Sep 1998

Production Manager

Managed studio production of CBS News programs, involving all facilities and production personnel. Worked with producers and executive producers to provide a high level of broadcast quality. Programs included CBS This Morning, CBS Saturday Morning, CBS Weekend News and WCBS Channel 2 News.

Supervised production staff in control rooms, studios and edit facilities. Scheduled satellite time,

managed feeds to tape and directed “live” remotes during broadcast. Managed production budgets. Worked with editorial teams to facilitate new program launches and promotional campaigns.

EDUCATION

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY - Rochester, NY

BS, Film & Television

MEMBERSHIPS

I.A.T.S.E Local 481 - New England Studio Mechanics

Film & Video Production (former member)

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