Production Director

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

In this role, you will lead the technical production and event audio/visual functions of the Student Union, Events, and Conferences Services (SUECS) department; including the Auditorium, Recital Hall, Student Union event spaces, and related special events on and off campus. The Production Director also works to support staff at satellite campuses (El Centro, Carruther’s Center) to advise on proper staffing, upkeep, training, and development of production technologies.

The Production Director oversees a team including the Assistant Production Director, Building Sub-Foreman, Stagehands, and student employees, and manages staff scheduling and hiring, equipment usage, and technical event planning. This critical role develops safety and use policies, procedures, operational manuals, and other training materials for production teams. The Production Director works closely with the Executive Director to carry out departmental and university initiatives, and assists in purchasing, contract administration, and budget planning.

The Production Director serves as the departmental expert in production technologies including sound systems, lighting systems, rigging and counterweight systems, set construction and materials, meeting/conferences audio-visual systems, and associated software. They work closely with external audio/visual vendors and consultants to provide regular maintenance, service calls, and installations.

The Production Director works closely with a variety of constituents across campus and from outside organizations in technical planning for events, programs, and performances.

Job Description:

1. Management and Supervision

Provides leadership and direction to production teams and technical functions
Oversees the daily scheduling of both staff and equipment resources for all events, concerts and programs
Develops plans and programs for areas of safety, customer service and venue operations training
Directs and coaches the work activities of subordinates involving technical equipment and materials
Directs the operation, maintenance, repair and training of equipment or materials by staff, students or other personnel
Interviews and selects employees, establishes work schedules, assigns work and performs regular meetings and evaluations with employees
Continuously reviews procedures, schedules and operations to ensure equipment and facilities are safe, effective and up to current standards.

2. Manages Operations and Facilities

Oversees the set up and operations of all technical equipment including: Audio/Visual systems, live sound and lighting, staging, rigging and virtual meeting technology.
Enforces and maintains facility and university policies and procedures
Maintains records and prepares reports on budgets, labor costs, equipment needs and inventory
Develops purchasing needs and budgets
Conducts regular inspections of facilities and equipment
Completes all necessary correspondence regarding technical and production services

3. Technical Services Management and Consultation

Works closely with event and program planners to determine technical needs
Act as main point of contact and technical support for internal partners and groups
Coordinates technical and production services with other departments and facilities as needed
Creates and regularly updates materials (both web and print) to inform users of technical capabilities, best practices and restrictions.
Attends event and program planning meetings as needed to provide input and direction for technical and production needs.
Serves as the area expert for all technical, production, and conferencing technology and works across departments to improve systems, services and communications.
Works with teams and Executive Director to continuously improve, develop and modernize technical/production capabilities

4.       Performs related duties as assigned.

Assists Executive Director with planning and implementing new initiatives
Coordinates transportation and logistics of off-site equipment and services needs
Serves on the Commencement Planning Committee
Serves on other committees and groups as assigned by Executive Director
Assists Executive Director and Departmental staff with various events, programs and services as needed (i.e. all-campus programs, social events, etc.)

Minimal Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree.
A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.

5 years of experience working in a technical role in live productions required.
Departmental preferences:

Experience working in a leadership role in audio/visual production preferred.

(This position requires a background check.)

Salary: $72,000

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off plans, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Educational Benefits: 6 credit hours per semester after probationary period is met.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Hours may vary depending on departmental needs)

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University’s positions are contingent upon the University’s receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.