Director, Production and Technology, Programs and Special Events

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director, Production and Technology, Programs and Special Events

Job Profile Title

Director C, Development, Events

Job Description Summary

The Director, Production and Technology is a senior member of the Programs and Special Events team within Penn’s Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) department. This position plays a vital role in enhancing the impact and reach of constituent engagement events by providing expert guidance, planning, and execution of technology and production solutions. They will manage a Senior Associate Director, Production and Technology and will evaluate event technology needs, coordinate technical support, serve as the primary liaison with vendors, and oversee technical aspects of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. This role ensures that DAR events are executed smoothly, meet the highest standards of professionalism, and align with University branding and accessibility expectations.

Working with the Senior Associate Director, this position is responsible for providing expert technical support for wide-ranging events in DAR. DAR events range from high-level volunteer and donor meetings requiring basic AV, to virtual events requiring Zoom room management, to large events in venues both nationally and internationally with audiences of 200-800+ where sound, lights, set décor, video assets, and dynamic presentations may be part of the program. Many events on campus will be outdoor events. Our events typically involve University leadership and other VIPs: seamless execution and a high degree of professionalism are vital for this role.

This position reports to the Executive Director, Programs & Special Events, with a dotted reporting line to the Senior Director, Programs and Special Events, who directly manages the team of event planners and all aspects of on-the-ground event execution. The ideal candidate will have exceptional technical skills, creativity in designing production elements, and excellent planning, organization, and management capabilities.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a Senior Associate Director to work together to deliver expert production and technical services within the Programs and Special Events Team of 15 people.
• Maintain expertise in production and technology solutions by keeping apprised of ongoing developments in the field.
• Serve as an internal production consultant for the team, recommending technologies based on event goals. Participate in event planning to advise on supporting technology to meet the vision of the event owner and stakeholders.
• Plan and arrange details of technology required for individual events, as determined in conjunction with the event owner and lead planner/s for each event: this may involve working with vendors or venue onsite tech teams depending on the scale of the event.
• Generate technical and