Director Event Production

MSG Entertainment Holdings•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Event Production is responsible for the successful advancement and completion of assigned events at the Chicago Theatre, including concerts, special entertainment events, and family shows. The role manages operational execution and serves as the liaison between clients and venue departments, partners, and stakeholders to support efficient collaboration and communication. It also generates and maintains operational budgets for assigned events and works with both union and non-union labor in a 24/7 live entertainment environment. The Director administers event planning from advancement through on-site load-in, event operations, and load-out; coordinates client and venue needs; schedules and directs labor; tracks event costs and supports settlement; and responds to event-day issues and emergencies. When assigned as Executive on Duty, the Director attends production, security, and front-of-house meetings and oversees ingress, the run of show, egress, and emergency situations in accordance with operating procedures. The position also supports the Chicago administrative and management team, identifies efficiencies and best practices, and works to provide exceptional experiences for guests, partners, clients, and team members.

Requirements

8–10 years of work experience in live event, concert, theatre, and/or touring production, with direct responsibility for supervising and directing staff across a range of operating functions.
Technical knowledge of production requirements, 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.
Demonstrated 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.
General physical ability to lift 25 pounds, stand for long periods, walk long distances, work in inclement conditions, assist with evacuation of guests and staff, walk up and traverse downstairs, bend, and remain in constant motion as often required.

Responsibilities

Administer event planning with clients and venue stakeholders 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 staffing.
Generate, maintain, and update event budgets; track costs against budget and support event settlement with internal and external clients.
Support the Chicago administrative and management team and identify efficiencies and best practices through policy and protocol guidelines.
Work with outside agencies to ensure work rules, jurisdictions, codes, and policies are followed.
Communicate work rules for union and non-union labor teams and schedule and direct 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 equipment load-out for assigned events.
Evaluate the quality of client and guest experiences through observation and feedback, and collaborate with the venue AGM throughout shows.
When assigned as Executive on Duty, attend production, security, and front-of-house meetings and oversee ingress, run of show, egress, and emergency situations in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Provide exceptional experiences for guests, partners, and team members and adhere to on-site appearance and presentation guidelines.