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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>Call for Volunteer: Sound Manager<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia is seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as Sound Manager for our upcoming state convention. This is a meaningful opportunity to play a behind-the-scenes leadership role that directly shapes the experience of hundreds of attendees, both in person and joining virtually.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"ariel",serif;color:windowtext;font-weight:normal'>About the Role<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>The Sound Manager is responsible for the overall quality and coordination of audio throughout the convention weekend. This includes everything from pre-convention equipment preparation to real-time sound management during general sessions, breakout activities, and our annual banquet. This is not a passive role. It requires someone who takes initiative, communicates proactively, and sees their work as an essential contribution to the success of the convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2>Commitment and Availability<o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>The convention runs Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, October 25 at the Crowne Plaza in Herndon, Virginia. Thursday in particular will be a full and demanding day, and the Sound Manager should plan accordingly. You should expect early morning availability each day of the convention to verify that equipment is functioning properly before programming begins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>Prior to the convention weekend, you will need to coordinate at least one pre-convention visit to review the full equipment inventory, ensure everything is properly tagged and organized for transport, and receive hands-on training from Jade. While this visit can be arranged around your schedule and is not limited to the weekend immediately before the convention, it is an essential step and cannot be skipped.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2>Key Responsibilities<o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>Before the convention, you will work with Tracy Soforenko to inventory and organize the sound equipment. All bags and bins will be numbered and tagged in advance to ensure an efficient and accurate load-in. Tracy is prepared to coordinate getting the equipment to Herndon, and the Sound Manager will be responsible for receiving it and taking things from there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>You will meet with Jade for hands-on training specific to this equipment setup. This is a required step. The Sound Manager must arrive at convention with a working understanding of how the system operates, not counting on on-site troubleshooting as a substitute for preparation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>One of the most critical pre-session responsibilities is load-in and space configuration. In the hotel environment, setting up the sound equipment is not as simple as plugging things in. It requires experience and judgment, similar to what you might find in a band or theater context. The Sound Manager will assess the space and make configuration decisions that balance the audio needs of presenters and attendees with the realities of the designated ballrooms. Critically, this includes configuring the equipment to maximize physical accessibility for people who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. Poor cable management or equipment placement can create serious navigation hazards for blind and low vision convention participants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>Some of the equipment relies on a screen-based interface for its operation. We want to be transparent about this not to discourage blind applicants, but to be honest about the skill set involved. A totally blind Sound Manager can absolutely succeed in this role. However, a totally blind applicant should be prepared to discuss with Jade, during the screening process, what blindness skills and adaptive strategies they would bring to that dimension of the work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>In advance of the convention weekend, you will work with the NFBV president to review the agenda, identify moments requiring sound support outside the General Session, and map out specific sound cues and music tracks for general session programming. You will coordinate separately with the banquet MC to prepare audio needs for that event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>You will recruit and organize a small team of fellow volunteers to assist with setup and breakdown. On-site, you will lead early arrival at the Crowne Plaza to unpack and configure all equipment before the first session. Throughout the weekend, you will ensure prompt movement of equipment to serve breakout sessions outside the primary ballroom, maintain the highest quality audio during general session programming, and coordinate with the Zoom coordinator to ensure virtual attendees are receiving a clear and reliable feed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>At the conclusion of the convention, you will oversee the full packing of all equipment for return.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2>What We Are Looking For<o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>The ideal candidate is punctual, reliable, and detail-oriented, with demonstrated experience in live sound, audio-visual production, or event production. We want someone who is not afraid to ask questions and who understands that the quality of our convention's sound directly shapes how every member and guest experiences the work we put on stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2>Screening and Selection<o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>Interested volunteers will be screened by Jade, who will review your background, discuss the specific equipment involved, and make recommendations. Please be prepared to speak to your relevant experience and, if applicable, how you would approach operating screen-dependent equipment as a blind individual.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:windowtext'>How to </span>Express Your Interest<span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'>If you are interested in serving as Sound Manager or would like more information, please contact Jade Ham at <a href="mailto:jaryanham@gmail.com">jaryanham@gmail.com</a> by Friday, September 11. Please include a brief note about any relevant experience you bring to the role. This could be a great item for your resume, and we are excited to meet you soon!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"ariel",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Aptos",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>