Role Summary
The Technical Director (TD) leads all technical aspects of Cornerstone-led events and venue operations, bridging creative vision with practical execution. The TD plans, budgets, staffs, and executes audio, video, lighting, staging, rigging, power, and networking systems for corporate, entertainment, sports, and experiential programs. This role ensures safe, compliant, and flawless delivery across pre-production, on-site, and post-production phases and contributes to technical standards and continuous improvement across Cornerstone Technologies.
Key Outcomes
- Flawless technical delivery that meets creative intent, budget, and schedule.
- Standardized technical plans (CAD, gear lists, labor calls) and documentation for repeatability.
- Safe operations with zero recordable incidents; strict adherence to venue and hotel standards.
- High-performing technical crews and vendor partners; clear run-of-show and comms.
- Accurate cost tracking and change-order management; post-event technical recap within 72 hours.
Primary Responsibilities
Technical Planning & Design
- Translate creative concepts into technical requirements and system designs (audio, video, lighting, staging, rigging, power, IT).
- Produce CAD drawings, system flows, power plots, and rigging plans; maintain version control.
- Validate venue capabilities; coordinate with hotel/venue for approvals and compliance.
Event Execution & Live Operations
- Lead load-in, rehearsals, live show operation, and strike for all technical departments.
- Own signal integrity, broadcast/streaming quality, and show transitions; troubleshoot in real time.
- Implement contingency plans and escalation paths for critical shows.
Team Leadership & Vendor Management
- Build labor calls; lead department heads (Audio, Video, Lighting, Rigging, Carpentry, Network).
- Issue RFPs, evaluate bids, and manage vendor performance and contracts.
- Coach crews and foster a culture of professionalism and safety.
Budget, Procurement & Logistics
- Develop and manage technical budgets; track equipment and labor against plan.
- Oversee rentals, freight, and onsite logistics; manage change orders.
- Maintain equipment inventories; recommend upgrades and new technologies.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Enforce technical standards and QA checks across audio, video, and lighting systems.
- Ensure OSHA, ETCP, local code, and venue/hotel policies are met; obtain rigging approvals.
- Conduct job hazard analyses and toolbox talks; maintain safety documentation.
Innovation & Systems
- Evaluate and integrate new tools (e.g., screen switchers, media servers, remote production).
- Contribute to SOPs and best practices; support training on key systems (e.g., Barco E2/S3).
- Partner with IT for networking, streaming, and broadcast workflows.
Documentation & Reporting
- Publish show books (gear lists, schematics, run-of-show, comms plan).
- Capture post-event technical notes, incident reports, and lessons learned.
- Maintain vendor/crew contacts and rate cards; update standard templates.
Qualifications
- 7+ years in live event technical production (corporate, entertainment, sports, broadcast or experiential).
- Hands-on mastery across audio, video (projection/LED, screen switching), lighting, rigging, power, and networking.
- Proficiency with Vectorworks or equivalent CAD; ability to read/update drawings.
- Experience with media servers and screen control (e.g., Barco E2/S3) and streaming/broadcast workflows.
- Strong leadership, project management, vendor negotiation, and real-time problem solving.
- Excellent communication with clients, producers, creatives, and hotel/venue stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel; ability to work nights/weekends and extended hours when required.
Preferred
- ETCP certification (Rigging — Theatre or Arena) and/or OSHA 10/30.
- Experience in hotel/resort environments and adherence to venue AV and rigging policies.
- Advanced Vectorworks; Adobe Creative Suite familiarity is a plus.
Working Conditions
- Primary work locations: Cornerstone HQ (American Fork, UT), client sites, and partner venues (including resort event centers).
- On-site work includes extended standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, work at height with appropriate PPE, and variable lighting/noise environments.
- Hybrid/remote planning and documentation as business needs dictate.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Production Director (or designated senior production leader). Oversees department leads and contracted technical staff.
Classification
Full-time, Exempt. Compensation commensurate with experience and market conditions.
Top Skills
What We Do
Cornerstone is the leading producer of event tech and experiential marketing. We have the production solutions, technology, and creative prowess to differentiate and elevate your event. We are a full-service provider including concept creation, design, set building, lighting, sound, video, signage, talent, shipping and logistics.
