FIT NYC Technical Director, Events Management & Facilities Rental

Job DescriptionThe Technical Director leads all technical operations and production support for events and performances across FIT's event venues. This role oversees lighting, audio, video, rigging, staging, and projection systems to ensure high-quality, safe, and professional production outcomes for academic programs, institutional events, rentals, and special initiatives.The Technical Director partners with internal departments, student groups, and external clients to provide strategic planning, staffing, and execution support from pre-production through event strike. This position supervises professional staff, freelance technicians, and student employees while maintaining operational excellence, safety compliance, and fiscal responsibility.Essential FunctionsTechnical & Production LeadershipLead and oversee all technical operations for FIT-supported events, including lighting, audio, video, rigging, staging, and projection systems.Provide technical direction and real-time problem solving throughout planning, rehearsal, live production, and strike phases.Ensure consistent production quality across academic events, performances, ceremonies, fashion shows, conferences, and rentals.Event Planning & Client CollaborationConsult with internal and external clients to assess production scope, recommend venue usage, and define technical requirements.Lead and participate in pre-production meetings to align technical plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets.Serve as the primary technical point of contact during live events, including escalation and issue resolution.Staff Supervision & Workforce ManagementSupervise full-time staff, supervisors, freelance technicians, and student employees.Develop and manage event staffing schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and labor alignment.Train, mentor, and evaluate staff and student technicians, reinforcing safety standards and professional practices.Systems, Facilities & Equipment ManagementOversee the operation, maintenance, and inspection of technical systems and event spaces.Manage inventories, preventative maintenance, repairs, and equipment upgrades.Ensure compliance with institutional policies, safety regulations, and industry standards.Operations, Budget & Process OversightProvide technical planning input, cost estimates, and operational guidance in support of EMFR leadership.Improve operational workflows, documentation, and standard operating procedures.Monitor event execution to ensure timelines, budgets, and customer expectations are met.The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position; other duties may be assigned consistent with the classification of the position.RequirementsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Production Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in technical direction, production supervision, or live event operations.Demonstrated expertise in lighting, audio, video, rigging, and projection systems.Proven supervisory experience with professional staff, freelance crews, and/or student employees.Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Technical Theatre, Arts Administration, or a related field.5+ years of experience in a university, performing arts, or large-scale event environment.Experience mentoring student technicians in an educational setting.Professional affiliations (e.g., USITT, IATSE, AEA) or a strong NYC technical production network.Experience managing complex, multi-venue event operations in an urban environment.Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesKnowledge of professional event production environments and technical systems, including lighting, audio, video, projection, rigging, and staging across multi-venue operations.Knowledge of end-to-end production workflows, including pre-production planning, live event execution, post-event strike, and operational evaluation.Knowledge of safety regulations, institutional policies, and industry standards applicable to live events, technical production, and facilities operations.Technical leadership skills to plan, coordinate, and oversee complex event productions involving multiple stakeholders, venues, and concurrent priorities.Supervisory and mentoring skills to lead professional staff, freelance technicians, and student employees, including performance oversight and staff development.Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively partner with internal departments, external clients, vendors, and technical teams.Advanced problem-solving and decision-making abilities to resolve technical and operational issues in fast-paced, live event environments.Ability to manage multiple events, resources, and staffing demands simultaneously while maintaining production quality, safety, timelines, and customer satisfaction.Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to meet the physical and situational demands associated with overseeing live event operations.Additional InformationPlease note all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process.SalarySalary: $105,000 - $130,000 per year; commensurate with experience and qualifications.Hiring Salary: $105,000 per year with step increments after one year of service and annually thereafter.Work ScheduleDays/Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm, in person; work schedule subject to change based on needs of the department.BenefitsThe Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to help keep our faculty and staff and their families healthy, safe, happy, and productive. Our programs also include a variety of components to help our employees improve the quality and balance of their work and family lives, and to help them prepare for their futures.Retirement PlansHealth Care Plan and Dental PlanEmployee Assistance ProgramFlexible Spending AccountCommuter Benefit PlanFIT Tuition Exemption ProgramPaid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holidays)4-day Summer WorkweekQualifying Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) ProgramFor a full list of FIT benefits, visit our benefits webpage.Pay Equity by State EmployersPursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.Visa SponsorshipThis position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Fashion Institute of Technology.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementFIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people from a range of backgrounds. FIT is firmly committed to creating a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual's ability. The FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, uniformed service, height, weight, any lawful source of income, status as a victim of domestic violence or as a victim of sex offenses or stalking, whether children are, may be or would be residing with a person or conviction or arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT's non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Chief Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, 212.217.3360.Annual Security ReportThe safety and well-being of FIT's students, faculty, staff, and visitors is of paramount importance. Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, FIT publishes an annual report containing crime statistics and statements of security policy, accessible here: Safety Statistics . A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request by contacting Public Safety's administrative office number at (212) 217-4999.Physical Requirements And Work EnvironmentThe working conditions for this position will be in any combination of an office space, classroom, lab, event venue, or loading dock. Work may be performed in a confined space with potential exposure to equipment requiring specialized training. The physical requirement for this position will require occasional sitting, constant standing, constant bending or twisting, constant walking, frequent climbing, constant pulling, pushing, or reaching, constant repetitive motions, constant use of hands to handle tools, frequently lifting up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lifting over 50 lbs.Application InstructionsIn order to be considered for this position, please submit the following documents online:ResumeCover letterUnofficial TranscriptA list of three references with telephone numbers and email addressesReturning Applicants - Login to your FITNYC Careers Account to check your submitted application material.Review of applications will begin immediately until the position is filled.Please note that due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to contact each applicant individually.Additional information about the Fashion Institute of Technology can be found at: http://www.fitnyc.edu .About Fashion Institute Of TechnologyThe Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York and an internationally renowned college of art, design, business and technology with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, invites nominations and applications for a Technical Director in Events Management & Facilities Rental.