Jobs (Edmonton): Technical Director – Horowitz Event Centre

Theatre Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision benefits

Life & disability insurance

RRSP matching

Flexible vacation benefits

Wellness Spending Account

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) is seeking a experienced Technical Director for the Horowitz Events Centre. You will lead a team of venue technicians, plan shows, and ensure safe, efficient operation across events.

This role focuses on staffing, budgeting, and strategic collaboration with management to deliver high-quality technical services in a not-for-profit context. A strong background in technical theatre and crew leadership is required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in technical theatre production or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years in a technical leadership role within theatre or live events.
• Strong knowledge of lighting, audio, video, and rigging systems; experience with consoles and intelligent lighting.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, coach and discipline venue technicians.
• Oversee maintenance and deployment of lighting, audio, video, and rigging equipment.
• Develop budgets and operational policies, forecast equipment and labour expenses.
• Coordinate production schedules, stage plots, and rider reviews for events.
• Ensure safety inspections and compliance across the team.

Skills

Staff leadership

Safety compliance

Budgeting awareness

Communication

Team coaching

Education

Post-secondary education in technical theatre production

Tools

Google Apps

Microsoft Office

Job description

Home » Blog » Jobs (Edmonton): Technical Director - Horowitz Event Centre

The Virgin Trial - Alberta Theatre Projects The Virgin Trial
Alberta Theatre Projects
Directed by: Glynis Leyshon
Written by: Kate Hennig
Actors Pictured: Nigel Shawn Williams, Jamie Konchak, Emma Houghton, Conrad Belau & Sarah Orenstein
Set Design: Scott Reid.
Lighting Design: David Fraser
Costume Design: Heather Moore
Photo: Benjamin Laird

Photo Credits

The Virgin Trial - Alberta Theatre Projects The Virgin Trial
Alberta Theatre Projects
Directed by: Glynis Leyshon
Written by: Kate Hennig
Actors Pictured: Nigel Shawn Williams, Jamie Konchak, Emma Houghton, Conrad Belau & Sarah Orenstein
Set Design: Scott Reid.
Lighting Design: David Fraser
Costume Design: Heather Moore
Photo: Benjamin Laird

Photo Credits

Jobs (Edmonton): Technical Director - Horowitz Event Centre

This position offers a comprehensive benefits & retirement package, generous and flexible vacation benefits, as well as a great work-life balance opportunity!

The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) is seeking an experienced technical leader to become the Technical Director of the Horowitz Events Centre (HEC). The position directly manages the technical staff team, ensuring that all events are staffed effectively and executed safely by well-trained and well-supported team members.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive health, dental & vision benefits for you and your family
• Life & disability insurance
• A matching RRSP contribution program
• Generous and flexible vacation benefits & other leave
• An open, supportive, collaborative and innovative organization - we thrive on the great ideas of our team
• The opportunity to make a difference by working at a not-for-profit organization
• An annual Wellness Spending Account to better your life outside of work
• Additional training & professional development opportunities

Key Job Responsibilities:

Staff Leadership & Management:

• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, coach and discipline the team of full-time and part-time venue technicians.
• Work with senior team members to delegate day-to-day maintenance tasks, equipment management, show planning, and supervisory duties as appropriate.
• Develop and manage technical staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all events while exercising vigilance and control over labour costs.
• Foster an inclusive and professional culture, ensuring crews comply with safety regulations (such as working at heights) and conducting regular safety inspections.

Facility & Equipment Operations:

• Oversee the acquisition, inventory, preventative maintenance, and repair of all lighting, audio, video, and rigging equipment.
• Manage the deployment of AV equipment across the HEC portfolio and research capital upgrades to maintain industry standards.
• Build the team’s technical capacity and expertise to support these operational activities.

Departmental Leadership & Strategy:

• Actively engage with the HEC management team to contribute to strategic plans, operational policies, and overall departmental decision-making.
• Assist in developing operating budgets and capital plans by forecasting technical equipment, maintenance, and labour expenses.
• Provide leadership to staff in other units during complex events, collaborate across teams to increase efficiency and revenue, and perform other assigned duties.

Production Management:

• Coordinate with team members to ensure the review of technical riders and stage plots to determine event feasibility, equipment, and staffing needs.
• Ensure the coordination of technical logistics, create accurate production schedules and load-in/load-out plans, and supervise technical billing estimates.
• Liaise with clients and troubleshoot technical issues as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in technical theatre production, live event management, or an acceptable combination of education and professional experience.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a technical leadership role within a theatre or live event venue.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing shows, interpreting technical riders, and coordinating logistics for touring productions.
• Strong working knowledge of lighting, audio, video, and rigging systems, including experience with industry-standard consoles and intelligent lighting fixtures.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising and scheduling a technical crew.
• Superior communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, with a dedication to fostering strong relationships and providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to work responsibly with minimal supervision and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to high professional and ethical standards, and to embracing a diverse workplace.
• Computer skills, including proficiency with Google Apps, Microsoft Office or equivalent.

Successful candidates will be required to maintain relevant Fall Protection/Working at Heights certifications, as well as ProServe, ProTect and provincially-recognised intermediate first aid certifications as conditions of continued employment.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of relevant industry certifications or education.
• Technical leadership experience in a roadhouse or rental venue environment.
• Experience in managing a unionised staff environment.
• Technical knowledge of entertainment control systems, CAD/layout software, IP networking, and/or other technology skills.
• Awareness of the UASU, University of Alberta, or similar organizations.
• Possession of a valid Class 5 or higher driver's licence.

Working Conditions:

• Average of 37.5 hours per week, with specific hours including some evenings and weekends as needed. The environment includes time in an office/desk setting and performing operational and physical duties.

Equity and Inclusion:

The UASU's mission is to serve, engage, and represent students. To do that well we need an organization that is representative of the students we serve. We are committed to creating a diverse environment that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.

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