Technical Director of Event Production

Title: Technical Director of Event Production
Division Name: Student Affairs
Department: Event Management, Dining and Hospitality

Job Summary

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.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$5,800 - $6,300 monthly

Required Qualifications

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.
4. Demonstrated expertise in audio, lighting, video, and integrated AV systems used in live event and performance environments.
5. Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex events across multiple venues or event spaces.
6. Demonstrated experience providing hands on technical leadership, including stepping in to perform subordinate duties when required to maintain operational continuity.
7. Working knowledge of event safety practices, including electrical safety, rigging awareness, fall protection, and risk management.
8. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, artists, administrators, vendors, and technical staff.
9 Availability to work evenings, weekends, extended hours, and irregular schedules based on event demands.<