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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.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s degree or advanced coursework in Theatre, Entertainment Technology, Production Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in technical or production management within a large public assembly facility, such as a student union, performing arts center, arena, or conference venue.
3. Experience managing technical operations in large capacity venues (1,000+ seats) and multi space event facilities.
4. Experience supervising or coordinating union labor (e.g., IATSE) and managing labor calls, contracts, and work rules.
5. Experience with capital projects, renovations, or system upgrades, including project planning, equipment specification, vendor selection, and installation oversight.
6. Demonstrated experience managing budgets, equipment inventories, lifecycle replacement plans, and service contracts.
7. Knowledge of emerging technologies, industry standards, and best practices in live event production and audiovisual systems.
8. Experience supporting hybrid, broadcast, or live streamed events.

Work Hours

Hours will vary based on event schedules, and regular evening and weekend work should be expected. During non-event periods, core hours are generally Monday–Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

Ability to lift 70 pounds.
Ability to push/pull up to 80 pounds.
Ability to climb, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach overhead.

Proposed Starting Date

August 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
References

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Transcripts - See Special Instructions section for additional options
Certification of Retirement Annuity

Please Note: These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

College or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.

To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts and/or military service documentation may be faxed or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:

Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Breanna Crippen
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview. The active register for this classification will be voided when the position is filled.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the U.S. without ISU sponsorship. Sponsorship for work authorization will not be considered for this position.

A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.

Contact Information for Applicants

Breanna Crippen
Human Resources
309-438-8315
bcplese@ilstu.edu 

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.