Technical Director

About the role

The Technical Director is responsible for assessing and determining technical requirements for large-scale events during the concept design, pre-production, and execution phases. This position collaborates with Producers, Creative team members, and Project Managers to ensure the client’s vision is achievable based on technical requirements, budgetary parameters, venue location(s), and event schedule. The Technical Director serves as the primary technical authority, accountable for technical operations—including scenic, staging, audio, video, lighting, LED, and labor—per the project SOW. Responsibilities include overseeing and/or developing all technical designs and engineering plans (e.g., rigging), providing viable solutions to Creative and Producers, and identifying potential challenges. The Technical Director also sources appropriate production services, equipment, and technical leads in accordance with Encore’s Technical and Production Standards, and partners with Project Managers/Executive Producers for event planning, execution, and on-site delivery.

Responsibilities

• Event Design
  • Prepare and communicate preliminary production & labor schedules, project scope, and execution plans to Creative, Producers, and Project Managers.
  • Oversee development of event layouts, technical designs, engineering plans, wiring diagrams, and scenic build drawings based on production requirements.
  • Collaborate with Creative and Producers to assess technical feasibility of conceptual designs, provide viable solutions, and maintain the integrity of the customer’s vision.
  • Determine and secure resources and/or specialty vendors required for complex production elements.
  • Participate in event design evolution by attending internal and client meetings, creating preliminary show documentation, and responding to questions from Creative, Executive Producers, and Project Managers.
  • Confirm appropriate equipment, technical positions, and production services are included in proposals based on event needs.
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships, deliver outstanding customer service, and focus on client retention.
  • Act as a technical resource on industry trends and Encore products, services, and departments.
• Event Development
  • Serve as the point of contact for technical and logistical needs during the planning phase for Producers and Project Managers.
  • Manage assigned scope technical design, development, and logistical planning from client-approved SOW through Producer/Project Manager handoff.
  • Source and secure specialty vendors for unique production elements.
  • Own custom scenic solutions within assigned scope, ensuring builds align with approved design intent, technical specifications, load-in and rigging requirements, and safety standards.
  • Communicate technical deliverables as outlined in the SOW to Producer/Project Manager.
  • Inform Project Manager of client production standards, preferences, unique requirements, specific requests, and critical issues.
  • Support Producers/Project Managers with onsite technical challenges, design changes, and equipment modifications.
  • Mentor and communicate with Encore team members on event design and development, sharing best practices to improve local knowledge and experience.
  • Ensure compliance with established Technical and Production Standards.
  • Follow up with Producer or Project Manager on-site to confirm needs are met and the Creative team vision aligns with client expectations.
• Financial Management
  • Assist in creation, analysis, and execution of project budgets, partnering with regional leadership to mitigate external workforce and sub-rental spend.
  • Manage design and engineering costs to align with proposed budget and inform Executive Producer/Project Manager of unforeseen costs.
  • Confirm vendor hard costs and ensure target margins are maintained.
• Administrative & Training
  • Participate in development of Technical Director SOPs.
  • Conduct review and analysis of proposed events as required.
  • Assist in training and development of technical team members.
  • Counsel Producers/Project Managers on technical best practices and industry innovations.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of technical experience in Corporate Staging or Broadcast industry.
• 5+ years in a Project Manager role.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Functional competencies in event staging, scenery, theatrical rigging, sound reinforcement, production lighting, and video systems and displays.
• Intermediate-level drafting skills in Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong technical background.
• Strong client relationship skills.
• Familiarity with budgets and cost control.
• Operational logistics experience.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple complex job functions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office required.
• Technical diagram knowledge/experience preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 50% may be required.

Work Environment

Office work is performed primarily in an office environment. Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore both in-office and while traveling, on an individual venue or representation of venues in that city or area.

Hotel work is performed in a hotel/convention center environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust. Working conditions vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes. Team members use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and may be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders. Team members may be asked to work in multiple hotel locations. Working times include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based on an individual hotel or representation of hotels in that city or area.

Pay

Salary Pay Range: $93,065.00 – $120,984.00. The compensation offered is determined based on qualifications for the specified location, with consideration of travel, relevant work experience, or particular skills and expertise. Additional compensation such as potential overtime, bonuses, or incentives may be available.