Technical Director Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Technical Director, or AV Director, is responsible for supervising the audiovisual and technological functions of a company. Their duties include analyzing the operations budget to determine strategies for using technology within the company, coordinating equipment purchases and interpreting project briefs to identify a business’s tech needs and project specifications.

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Technical Director duties and responsibilities

The main duty of a Technical Director is to provide technical direction on business decisions and execution of specific projects. They primarily work with the sound, lighting and visual production process, and they typically have the following daily responsibilities:

  • Overseeing the audio and visual production process
  • Designing, setting up and operating sound and lighting equipment for projects
  • Providing technical support for productions, programs and events
  • Supporting and advising the technical and sales teams on financial needs
  • Working with the Director to oversee the completion of projects and ensure that all technical needs are catered to
  • Providing accurate equipment costs and setup time estimates
  • Working directly with the design team to come up with mockups and technical drawings of scenes
  • Recommending and using new technologies to improve work for all employees and executives
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Technical Director Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Description: A Technical Media Producer (TMP) is a hybrid position which includes the responsibilities of a Master Control Operator and a Technical Director. The TMP is responsible for directing live or pre-recorded productions as assigned, monitoring on-air streams, FCC logs, and ingesting daily programming/commercials. Daily assignments will include directing at least one newscast, ingesting/segmenting various long-form programs, ingesting commercial spots, loading programming playlists for the following day, and performing various tasks as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities: Operation of Ross Overdrive automation (including robotic cameras, audio console, graphics, and production video switcher), and all supporting equipment in Production/Master Control; including the ability to effectively perform at the following: commercial/promo ingesting, satellite operation, program ingesting/segmenting, & a working knowledge of web production. Operation of Edius editing software, and studio teleprompter. Daily care & maintenance of equipment & studio. Work closely with all departments to meet daily demands. Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications: Master Control and Live Production experience. Experience with production automation system like Ross Overdrive, ability to work under pressure, great communication/people skills, ability to multitask under time sensitive deadlines, strong technical & computer skills, flexibility with scheduling & job assignments, understanding of FCC program logs & all FCC broadcast regulations. Willingness to learn new hardware and software.

TERMS OF Employment: This is a full-time position; rate of pay is hourly.

A PRE-Employment DRUG Screen AND Background CHECK ARE Required

EQUAL Opportunity Employer

MUST BE FULLY Vaccinated Against COVID-19 (Subject TO ANY Medical OR Religious Accommodations OR OTHER Applicable LAW).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $15.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    COVID-19 considerations:
    We require/provide masks, hand sanitizer, gloves & disinfecting wipes for employees. We practice social distancing, have hand sanitizer dispensers at doorways, Plexiglas placed between employees, and no-touch thermometers are at entrances to the Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Northlight Theatre is now hiring a full-time, year-round Technical Director. Working under the supervision of the Production Manager, the Technical Director is responsible for insuring that the best possible product goes on stage through implementing all scenic technical requirements within the pre-established budget parameters. The Technical Director is also responsible for the management of the Northlight Scene Shop.

    A full job description is available on our website at [website]

    Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community. A professional LORT D theatre located in Skokie, Illinois, programming includes a 5-play mainstage season, the Interplay new play development series, and a dynamic year-round audience engagement and education program. For more information about the theatre: [website]

    Qualifications: Must be an able carpenter/welder with excellent management, supervisory, and communication skills. Able to evaluate designer’s drawings, cost out productions, drafting skills (manual and computer), rigging skills, and labor/time estimates. Must be able to manage active scene shop including budgeting, bidding, and administrative duties. Valid driver’s license, able to drive 25’ truck. Access to a personal vehicle is preferred. Knowledge of electronics, hydrolics and automation/motor controls a plus.

    Compensation: Compensation range is $44,000 to $46,000, competitive with prevailing compensation for similar positions within the non-profit performing arts industry, and commensurate with qualifications and experience of the applicant. This position is eligible for benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid time off. High energy, collaborative environment with close involvement with the art and artists.

    How to Apply: As an equal opportunity employer, Northlight Theatre hires outstanding individuals into every position in the company. People who work with us have a high degree of engagement, a commitment to working effectively in teams, and a passion for the company's mission. We place the highest value on creating a safe environment where our employees can grow and contribute, and refuse to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, sex, age, disability, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Reflecting our commitment to be an inclusive and accessible employer, we welcome applications for all open positions from a diverse applicant pool that reflects our community and programming.

    Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume with relevant experience and three listed references via email by February 6, 2022. No phone calls please.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $44,000.00 - $46,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

    COVID-19 considerations:
    The safety of our company, staff, and audience is of paramount importance to Northlight. We are committed to following all applicable COVID-based modifications and restrictions. A Safety Plan is provided to all employees on a regular Location: Multiple Locations
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    Example 3

    Position Overview

    The Weston Public Schools is seeking a Technical Director the Winter Play. This is a Schedule C, group III stipended position reporting to the Drama Director. We are looking for a diverse pool of applicants who are inspired by our mission to educate, equip, and inspire all students to achieve their full potential and enrich their community.

    About the Weston Public Schools

    The Weston Public Schools enrolls approximately 2,000 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school district includes a high school for grades 9-12, a middle school for grades 6-8, an upper elementary school for grades 4-5, and two lower elementary schools for pre-kindergarten through grade 3. Since 1967, Weston has participated in METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) - a voluntary, desegregation program that places Boston residents in suburban schools. The Weston METCO program enrolls approximately 160 students (K-12).

    Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee all technical aspects of the production, including scenic, lighting, sound, and potentially projections

  • Expertise in carpentry and set construction

  • Collaborate with Stage Director and students to design an appropriate set

  • Train students in proper set design and construction; lead all set builds

  • Present at all technical week rehearsals

  • Coordinate the strike and resetting of the theater and theater spaces following the production

  • Schedule set builds and technical rehearsals with the Stage Director

    Anticipated Schedule
    Primarily Saturdays (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) and occasional weekday afternoons (3:30-6:00 pm).

    Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

    Pay: $1,500.00 per year

    Schedule:
  • Weekend Location: One location
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    What does a Technical Director do? 

    Technical Directors most commonly work at production studios that develop theatrical releases, television programs, video games and other creative projects. They can also hold a leadership role at technical companies that develop software or engineer different types of technology. Technical Directors assess a company’s needs for a project and determine the types of technical resources, equipment and knowledge essential for their goal. They track their expenses, help hire employees and create systems for implementing technology. 

    When working on a creative production, Technical Directors work with Production Managers and Creative Directors to determine how to achieve different visual, sound and editing effects using technology. Engineering Technical Directors help integrate technology into products and services, creating schedules for maintenance.

    Technical Director skills and qualifications 

    As a top-level position in the technical field, a lot is expected from the Technical Director, so they need a number of skills and qualifications to be able to do their job effectively, including:

    • Quality monitoring skills to make improvements and corrections where necessary
    • Thorough understanding of the operation and control of sound, lighting and other production equipment
    • Excellent computer and technical skills
    • Time management and organizational skills
    • Active listening and communication skills
    • Ability to think creatively
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Coordination and teamwork skills

    Technical Director salary expectations 

    On average, Technical Directors in the US are typically paid up to $90,762 annually.  This estimate is based on 369 salaries submitted on Indeed anonymously by other technical directors, users and collected from active and past advertisements.

    Technical Director education and training requirements

    Although there are some hardworking Technical Directors with just a high school diploma, it’s good to look for employees with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Remember, Technical Directors, need to have the highest level of expertise in their fields. This is why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that producers and technical directors need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Film or Cinema Production.

    Technical Director experience requirements 

    In most cases, Technical Directors need to start from minor assistant roles and work their way up the ladder. This is incredibly important since it allows the Technical Director to understand the operation, maintenance requirements and assessment of equipment needed for film production.

    Job description samples for similar positions 

    If this Technical Director job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, here is a similar example that you may be interested in:

    Ready to Hire a Technical Director? Build a Technical Director Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Technical Directors

     

    What are the daily duties of a Technical Director?

    Technical Directors work to implement new technology into their workplace, starting by researching developments on the market and determining company needs that technology could address. They collaborate with leadership teams to identify the best options for achieving goals with computer programs and mechanical equipment. Technical Directors are responsible for recording the technical specifications of the products they use to maintain consistency throughout the production process.

    Technical Directors make purchases of tech systems, oversee their installation and train their staff to use the new technology during production. During a project, they collaborate with other departments to build the ideal conditions for achieving complex effects or functions. They periodically meet with stakeholders and project leaders to discuss the effectiveness of current technical processes and brainstorm ways to optimize efficiency.

     

    What are the characteristics of a good Technical Director?

    Good Technical Directors have a clear vision of the goals they want to accomplish and use strategy, organization and technical knowledge to achieve benchmarks and objectives. They’re excellent at time management and predicting how long it will take to integrate new technical concepts. Successful Technical Directors meticulously record all of the details of current systems to track improvements and make it easier to train new employees to properly use old equipment and transition towards new systems.

    It’s important for Technical Directors to stay focused on their goals and communicate with others to determine the best way to solve day-to-day problems within a company. Good Technical Directors encourage collaboration on their team by acting as the main point of contact for resolving technical issues and implementing cutting-edge solutions.

     

    Do Technical Directors have different responsibilities in different industries?

    Technical Directors do have different objectives and tasks depending on their industry. The specific technical needs of their clients is a significant determining factor in what kinds of technology a Technical Director works with. Although Technical Directors help manage the technical budget and supervise staff to implement new systems, they do so in different environments. 

    Technical Directors working on a film set will with more AV equipment and editing tools while Technical Directors producing a video game may manage computer servers, websites and graphics processors. Each role requires different expertise and knowledge to effectively select the right tech systems and train their staff to use it efficiently.

     

    Who reports to a Technical Director?

    Technical Directors oversee a range of roles to implement new technology. Examples of positions that report to a Technical Director include AV Technicians, Hardware Technicians, Project Managers, Systems Administrators and Technical Analysts. They coordinate the activities of each of these roles to complete projects according to schedule and implement feedback across all of a company’s technical channels. Technical Directors collaborate with their team to determine equipment needs, learn about practical applications of technology and delegate key tasks.

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