Technical Director of Event Production

Illinois State•Normal, IL

2d•$5,800 - $6,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality is one of 15 departments within the Division of Student Affairs. It provides the campus community and guests with high-quality, efficient, and innovative event services and dining options in a variety of settings dedicated to accentuating and enhancing the campus experience in a diverse community. This position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of events requiring audio visual and production support within EMDH facilities. The Technical Director oversees all technical elements of event production, including sound, lighting, video, presentation systems, and production infrastructure, ensuring safe, reliable, and high quality delivery. The role serves as both a technical expert and project coordinator, collaborating with clients, vendors, and internal partners to assess needs, develop technical solutions, and manage on site operations. This position provides leadership and supervision for full time staff, student employees, and union stagehands; maintains training programs; manages labor and resources in a fiscally responsible manner; and ensures compliance with University policies and safety standards. The Technical Director may also perform hands on technical and operational duties, including coverage for subordinate staff during absences or high demand events, to ensure continuity of services and event operations. Whether it's to find a place to study, gather with friends, enjoy a bite to eat, or plan a large event, the Department of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality takes great pride in providing welcoming and inclusive spaces, high-quality food services, and experienced and professional staff who care about making every experience individualized and extraordinary. It is our philosophy to recruit, inspire, and retain talented team members and promote wellness and foster their development. It is our goal to promote a more fully diverse and inclusive campus community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Theatre Production, Entertainment Technology, Event Production, Audio Visual Technology, Communications, Engineering Technology, Hospitality Management, or a closely related field.
Five (5) years of professional experience in technical operations for live event production, audiovisual services, or performing arts venues.
Two (2) years of which must have included supervision or management experience overseeing technical staff, which may include full time employees, part time employees, student employees, and/or unionized labor.
Demonstrated expertise in audio, lighting, video, and integrated AV systems used in live event and performance environments.
Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex events across multiple venues or event spaces.
Demonstrated experience providing hands on technical leadership, including stepping in to perform subordinate duties when required to maintain operational continuity.
Working knowledge of event safety practices, including electrical safety, rigging awareness, fall protection, and risk management.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, artists, administrators, vendors, and technical staff.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, extended hours, and irregular schedules based on event demands.
A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation: Ability to lift 70 pounds. Ability to push/pull up to 80 pounds. Ability to climb, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach overhead.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or advanced coursework in Theatre, Entertainment Technology, Production Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in technical or production management within a large public assembly facility, such as a student union, performing arts center, arena, or conference venue.
Experience managing technical operations in large capacity venues (1,000+ seats) and multi space event facilities.
Experience supervising or coordinating union labor (e.g., IATSE) and managing labor calls, contracts, and work rules.
Experience with capital projects, renovations, or system upgrades, including project planning, equipment specification, vendor selection, and installation oversight.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, equipment inventories, lifecycle replacement plans, and service contracts.
Knowledge of emerging technologies, industry standards, and best practices in live event production and audiovisual systems.
Experience supporting hybrid, broadcast, or live streamed events.

Responsibilities

Planning, coordination, and execution of events requiring audio visual and production support within EMDH facilities.
Overseeing all technical elements of event production, including sound, lighting, video, presentation systems, and production infrastructure.
Ensuring safe, reliable, and high quality delivery of technical event production.
Serving as both a technical expert and project coordinator.
Collaborating with clients, vendors, and internal partners to assess needs, develop technical solutions, and manage on site operations.
Providing leadership and supervision for full time staff, student employees, and union stagehands.
Maintaining training programs.
Managing labor and resources in a fiscally responsible manner.
Ensuring compliance with University policies and safety standards.
Performing hands on technical and operational duties, including coverage for subordinate staff during absences or high demand events.