Technical Director - Live Events

Empire is one of the world’s leading creative event production agencies, delivering award-winning live experiences and broadcasts. Headquartered in New York City, Los Angeles and Tokyo, Empire is a full-service experiential and event production agency that has produced in over 100 countries. We partner with corporations, governments, not-for-profits, brands and creators to produce moments that matter. 

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.

Key Responsibilities: 

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 inhouse 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

Qualifications / Requirements:

• 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 detail
• 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.
• Willingness to travel extensively & ability to work out of the office for production needs.
• For NY based candidates, this role requires to work at the office located in Soho for a minimum of three days a week (Tuesday-Thursday), contingent on projects' schedule, generally from 9:00AM-6:00 PM ET. 

Empire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full-time employee package includes healthcare stipend, 401K, medical and maternity leave, and paid vacation. Salary will be based on the candidate's experience. 

Salary range: $85,000-$120,000 annually

Contact: Please send your resume to HR@empireentertainment.com