Event Producer, Print Production Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

TED is a global nonprofit dedicated to spreading ideas that matter — through talks, conferences, and experiences that connect and inspire. Our events bring together diverse voices to share ideas that shape the future.

TED is an equal opportunity employer and contractor engager committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.

Job Description

TED is seeking an Event Producer & Print Production Lead (Contractor) to join the Event Operations team. This is a role built for someone who thinks like an event producer first — comfortable owning full conference production, from logistics to load-out — and who brings that same operational rigour to TED's print and signage operations. Day-to-day, you'll own the full lifecycle of every printed asset from brief through on-site installation, across a busy calendar of world-class conferences and events.

The strongest candidates will come from an event production background. That experience translates directly: you already understand how to manage vendors under pressure, navigate production timelines, maintain brand standards on-site, and juggle competing priorities across complex projects. Print and signage coordination, for the right person, is a natural extension of that skillset.

You will flex across both functions as the event calendar demands — serving as TED's internal lead on all printing, environmental graphics, and signage, while stepping into full event operations ownership during peak production phases. This role suits someone equally at home building a production schedule and reviewing a print proof.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Print & Signage Production

• Serve as TED's primary point of contact for all event print and signage production, owning the process from brief through installation
• Develop and manage print production budgets; negotiate vendor pricing and contracts
• Manage the end-to-end workflow: sourcing vendors, submitting and approving proofs, coordinating production timelines, and overseeing delivery and installation at event sites
• Maintain a centralized asset management and approval workflow for all visual production requests
• Recommend materials, finishes, and installation approaches appropriate to the event environment and design intent
• Conduct quality checks and resolve discrepancies with vendors promptly
• Integrate sustainable materials and practices into print production where feasible
• Ensure all signage and printed materials adhere to TED's branding and identity guidelines

Event Production

• Lead end-to-end operational execution for assigned TED events, from pre-production through load-out
• Source, vet, and manage vendors from start to finish, becoming their first point of contact on behalf of multiple stakeholders. 
• Develop and manage production schedules, load-in/load-out logistics, shipping, and on-site coordination
• Build, track, and reconcile event budgets; manage vendor invoices and change orders
• Represent operational progress at weekly production meetings; maintain project documentation, databases, and event records
• Coordinate cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to align on operational requirements
• Uphold TED's brand and quality standards across all event touchpoints

Qualifications

• 5+ years of event production experience with demonstrated growth in responsibility
• Hands-on experience managing print and signage production for large-scale events or environmental graphics
• Degree or diploma in event management, project management, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Demonstrated vendor management and contract negotiation experience across event services and print/fabrication suppliers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Airtable
• Strong project management instincts: able to run parallel workstreams, manage competing deadlines, and self-direct without close oversight
• Operationally rigorous — strong instinct for logistics, sequencing, and follow-through
• Detail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger event picture
• Comfortable switching context between production disciplines
• Direct communicator; manages up and across proactively
• Calm under pressure; solution-oriented when things shift on-site

Additional Information

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• This position requires regular on-site presence at event venues.

About TED

TED is a global nonprofit dedicated to spreading ideas that matter — through talks, conferences, and initiatives that foster curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Our events bring together diverse voices to share insights, drive innovation, and inspire action toward a better future.

TED is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

To apply:  Please submit your resume and cover letter telling us why you’d like to join our team. Only applications with cover letters will be considered.

Location:  San Diego, CA 

Project Fee - $20,000K - $25,000K project fee

Contract: July 19, 2026 – March 30, 2027  

TED Conferences LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.