Audio Visual Technical Director

Shepard Exposition Services•Dallas, GA

About The Position

The Technical Director, Audio Visual (AV) serves as the national technical subject-matter expert for complex live-event productions. This hands-on role provides technical direction, develops and reviews technical drawings and system designs, and advises Production Management and Sales teams. The Technical Director also serves as the client-facing technical lead on designated events and establishes technical standards intended to improve production quality, consistency, safety, efficiency, and margin performance. The role may manage designated large-scale or complex events as Production Manager, with full accountability for event margins. It works with clients, internal teams, Design, and AV Operations leadership to assess event objectives and technical feasibility, develop concepts and drawings, standardize workflows, train and support staff, and advise on technical investments and process improvements. The position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and short-notice assignments. The role is expected to demonstrate the company’s stated values and make daily decisions that benefit clients and the company as an ESOP owner. It must treat internal and external customers with courtesy and respect. The listed responsibilities may change, and additional tasks may be assigned as company needs evolve.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive audio visual or live-event production experience, including at least 3 years as a Technical Director on large-scale or technically complex productions.
Advanced knowledge of live-event audio, video, lighting, projection, LED, rigging, staging, power, networking, signal flow, and system integration.
Advanced ability to create and interpret technical drawings, production plans, equipment specifications, and system documentation.
Proficiency using Vectorworks or another approved CAD platform.
Strong client-facing presentation, facilitation, problem-solving, organization, prioritization, and deadline-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple design and event-support priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and short-notice assignments.
Bachelor’s degree in event production, engineering technology, theater technology, business, or a related field; relevant experience may be substituted for formal education.
Demonstrate the company’s Core Values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork.
Ability to make daily decisions as a responsible ESOP owner for the benefit of the client and company.
Treat internal and external customers with courtesy and respect.

Responsibilities

Manage designated large-scale or complex events as Production Manager when assigned by the General Manager or Vice President of AV Operations, with full accountability for event margins.
Participate in client and internal planning calls to evaluate event objectives, technical requirements, design feasibility, risk, and execution strategy.
Partner with the Design team to develop viable concepts and supporting drawings.
Develop and maintain technical standard operating procedures, design standards, documentation requirements, and planning tools.
Collaborate with AV Operations leadership to standardize audio, video, lighting, projection, LED, rigging, and staging workflows across locations.
Provide training, coaching, design reviews, and escalated technical support to Production Managers and technical personnel.
Evaluate the labor, equipment, safety, and cost implications of technical plans and recommend adjustments to protect execution quality and event margins.
Assess emerging production technologies and recurring technical challenges, and present documented recommendations on investments, deployment, and process improvements to AV Operations leadership.
Support technically complex sales opportunities and customer presentations in collaboration with the Vice President, General Managers, and Sales Managers.
Enforce Shepard policies, safety requirements, technical standards, and approved operating procedures.
Demonstrate the company’s Core Values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork.
Make daily decisions as a responsible ESOP owner to benefit the client and company.
Treat internal and external customers with courtesy and respect, as outlined in the Blue Diamond Customer Service Program.