Audio Visual Technical Director

Job Description

Job Description

The Technical Director, Audio Visual (AV) will serve as the national technical subject-matter expert for complex live-event productions. This role will provide hands-on technical direction, develop and review technical drawings and system designs, and advise the Production Management and Sales teams. The Technical Director, AV will also serves as the client-facing technical lead on designated events and establishes technical standards that improve production quality, consistency, safety, efficiency, and margin performance.

Key Contributions of the Role

• Manage designated large-scale or complex events as Production Manager as assigned by the General Manager or Vice President of AV Operations, with full accountability for event margins.
• Participate in client and internal planning calls to evaluate event objectives, technical requirements, design feasibility, risk, and execution strategy.
• Partner with the Design team to develop viable concepts and supporting drawings.
• Develop and maintain technical standard operation procedures (SOPs), design standards, documentation requirements, and planning tools.
• Collaborate with AV Operations leadership to standardize audio, video, lighting, projection, LED, rigging, and staging workflows across all locations.
• Provide training, coaching, review design, and escalated technical support to Production Managers and technical personnel.
• Evaluate the labor, equipment, safety, and cost implications of technical plans and recommend adjustments that protect execution quality and event margins.
• Assess emerging production technologies and recurring technical challenges, and present documented recommendations on investments, deployment, and process improvements to AV Operations leadership.
• Support technically complex sales opportunities and customer presentations in collaboration with the Vice President, General Managers, and Sales Managers.
• Enforces Shepard policies, safety requirements, technical standards, and approved operating procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten years of progressive audio visual or live-event production experience, including at least three years as Technical Director on large-scale or technically complex productions.
• Advanced knowledge of live-event audio, video, lighting, projection, LED, rigging, staging, power, networking, signal flow, and system integration.
• Advanced ability to create and interpret technical drawings, production plans, equipment specifications, and system documentation.
• Proficiency using Vectorworks or another approved CAD platform.
• Strong client-facing presentation, facilitation, problem-solving, organization, prioritization, and deadline-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design and event-support priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and short-notice assignments.
• Bachelor’s degree in event production, engineering technology, theater technology, business, or a related field; or relevant experience may be substituted for formal education.

Aligning With Our Values for Success

• Demonstrate Core Values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork.
• Ability to perform as a responsible ESOP owner, by making daily decisions to benefit the client and the company.
• Treat all internal and external customers with courtesy and respect, as outlined in our Blue Diamond Customer Service Program.

Please note that the roles and responsibilities outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to meet the evolving needs of the company.

Shepard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military status, veteran status, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, or any other non‑merit factor. All employment decisions are made based on business need, job requirements, individual qualifications, and merit.