Director Event Production

MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC•Chicago, IL

7d•$147,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Event Production is responsible for the successful advancement and completion of assigned events at the Chicago Theatre. The role manages operational execution for concerts, special entertainment events, family shows, and other events, serving as the liaison between clients and venue departments, partners, and stakeholders. The Director generates and maintains event budgets and collaborates across teams to improve operational efficiency. The position works with union and non-union labor in a 24/7 live-entertainment environment, requiring effective multitasking and collaboration in energetic, time-sensitive conditions. The Director administers event planning with clients and venue stakeholders from advancement through on-site load-in and load-out. Responsibilities span event operations, labor scheduling and direction, budget tracking and settlement, event-day troubleshooting, and oversight of guest and client experience. When assigned as Executive on Duty, the Director attends event-day production, security, and front-of-house meetings and oversees ingress, the run of show, egress, and emergency situations in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Requirements

8–10 years of experience in live event, concert, theatre, and/or touring production, with direct responsibility for supervising and directing staff across a wide range of operating functions in a changing environment.
Technical knowledge of production matters, including rigging and engineering review, power provisions, industry-standard safety protocols, and union regulations and processes specific to I.A.T.S.E., I.B.E.W., and Theatrical Teamsters.
Working knowledge of audio and lighting.
Knowledge and understanding of general building codes and fire safety specific to MSG venues.
Ability to manage multiple tasks with financial and operational implications across departments and venues in a deadline-oriented environment.
Experience supervising and working with union and non-union crews.
Experience creating and maintaining event budgets and preparing financial information for event settlements.
Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and time-management skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to resolve conflicts in a time-sensitive manner.
Ability to maintain positive, open, approachable, and professional relationships with a diverse group.
Integrity, tact, diplomacy, and commitment to company values and principles.
Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Working knowledge of AutoCAD and ability to produce renderings to clarify on-sale maps and seating diagrams in a time-sensitive environment.
Ability to travel to New York as required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, split days off, weekends, and holidays in a 24/7 environment.
Physical ability to lift 25 pounds, stand for long periods, walk long distances, work in inclement conditions, lead and assist in evacuation of guests and staff, walk up and traverse stairs, bend, and remain in constant motion as often required.

Responsibilities

Administer event planning with clients and venue stakeholders throughout the event process, from advancement through on-site load-in and load-out.
Coordinate event requirements with clients and venue departments, including staging, lighting and sound, client seating, and client staffing.
Generate and maintain event budgets, provide timely updates, analyze costs, and track expenses against budgets for settlement with internal and external clients.
Support the Chicago administrative and management team by identifying efficiencies and best practices through policy and protocol guidelines.
Work with outside agencies to ensure work rules, jurisdictions, codes, and policies are maintained.
Communicate work rules to union and non-union labor teams.
Schedule and direct union and non-union labor associated with daily event operations.
Troubleshoot event-day issues and respond to emergencies in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
Oversee the transition from event-day activities to load-out of equipment for assigned events.
Evaluate client and guest experience through observation and by responding to feedback.
Collaborate with the venue AGM throughout shows to support an exceptional client and guest experience.
When assigned as Executive on Duty, attend event-day production, security, and front-of-house meetings; oversee ingress, run of show, egress, and emergency situations; and ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
Provide exceptional experiences for guests, partners, and team members by adhering to appearance and presentation guidelines while on-site.