Technical Director - Live Events

New York, NY or Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid)

About Empire

Empire is a global experiential production agency creating award-winning live events, broadcasts, and immersive brand experiences around the world. With headquarters in New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, we’ve produced projects in more than 100 countries for leading corporations, governments, nonprofits, brands, and creators.

From high-profile live productions to innovative digital experiences and large-scale installations, we create moments that connect audiences and leave lasting impact.

As our team continues to grow, we’re seeking an experienced and highly creative Technical Director based in New York (or possibly in Los Angeles) to lead technical production across a diverse portfolio of projects.

The Role

Empire’s team is growing, and we are seeking an organized, resourceful and highly professional NYC-based (or possibly Los Angeles) Technical Director candidate to support a wide range of events, installations, broadcasts and productions, managing all design and implementation of technical elements for live productions, including audio, video, lighting, staging, rigging, labor, vendor sourcing and management and onsite supervision. This role requires deep collaboration and seamless coordination between creative, production, and technical teams to deliver high-quality live experiences.

What You’ll Do

Technical Design, Planning & Execution

• Design and oversee technical setups for live events (video, lighting, audio, staging, broadcast and livestream systems, etc.)
• Work hand in hand with venues and in-house and external AV vendors to ensure coordination
• Interpret production requirements and translate them into technical designs and plans
• Create and manage technical drawings, schematics, layouts, production schedules, and run-of-show documents
• Conduct prep, rehearsals and equipment checks to ensure all technical aspects are tested and ready before the event.

Team Leadership

• Lead and supervise technical crews (audio engineers, lighting technicians, stagehands, riggers, etc.)
• Coordinate with vendors, freelancers, and production staff
• Integrate efforts with program producers, show callers, stage managers, ASMs, wranglers, etc.
• Assign tasks and ensure deadlines are met

Equipment Management

• Specify, negotiate, source, and manage technical equipment suppliers 
• Oversee load-in, setup, testing, technical and presenter rehearsals, and load-out processes
• Ensure proper maintenance and safe handling of gear

On-Site Event Management

• Act as the primary technical lead throughout the design, planning and onsite execution of events
• Manage the installation and setup of lighting, sound, video, and staging equipment.
• Troubleshoot issues in real time under pressure
• Ensure all technical elements run according to schedule

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce safety protocols and industry standards
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and venue requirements
• Conduct risk assessments and safety briefings

Budgeting & Logistics

• Develop and manage technical budgets
• Coordinate logistics including transportation, scheduling, and staffing
• Optimize resources to stay within budget

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of related work experience in technical production management / technical direction and design 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Degree in technical theater, broadcast production, or related field preferred
• Technical proficiency in: 
• Audio, video, and lighting systems
• Live production workflows 
• Labor management and relations 
• Proven experience in live event production and technical direction
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to details
• Familiarity with production software and tools (e.g., CAD, VWX, show control systems)
• Certifications in rigging, safety, or AV systems
• Experience in live events including large-scale corporate events, and concerts. 
• Experience in livestream and broadcast events 
• Experience working with union and non-union crews and labor teams 
• Experience working closely with a wide range of venues (convention centers, theaters, arenas, hotels, etc.) 
• Experience working with talent and particularly headline musical artists 
• Excellent communicator (both written and verbal) 
• Comfortable with client-facing role with executives and senior-level professionals
• Demonstrated ability to manage deadlines, time, writing, editing
• Strong interpersonal skills including aptitude for building and maintaining professional relationships, understanding team dynamics, taking initiative, and solving problems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as Google Drive, DropBox, Slack, Power Point and Google Slides.

Work Environment & Travel

• This role is based in New York City (or Los Angeles) and follows a hybrid schedule, with a minimum of three in-office days per week (Tuesday–Thursday) at our SoHo office, depending on production schedules.
• The role also requires flexibility for travel and onsite production support as needed.
• Cultural alignment withEmpire’s values of collaboration, professionalism, integrity, creativity and excellence.
• Passion about creating world-class experiential programs while fostering strong team culture.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $85,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience.

Full-time employees are eligible for:

• Healthcare stipend
• 401(k)
• Paid vacation
• Medical and parental leave

Empire is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLY

Please send your resume and portfolio to HR@empireentertainment.com