Assistant Technical Director

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Illini Union seeks a 100% full-time Civil Service Assistant Technical Director to plan, produce, and direct audio/visual support for programs, supervising student technicians. This in-person role requires coordination of events, budgeting, and client communications.

The position focuses on ensuring high-quality AV outcomes for evenings and weekends while maintaining safety and equipment standards at UIUC facilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 18 months from the categories below (arts/theatre/music related coursework or equivalent).
• Work experience in technical operations of event production or closely related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead/direct technical activities in all phases of event productions and presentations, including planning, time management, and budgeting.
• Stay up-to-date on AV production tech; assist with procurement decisions and new methods.
• Routinely perform room checks to ensure equipment is set up and functional; confirm with clients.
• Advise event clients from planning stages through completion of productions.
• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising student staff; prepare regular reports.

Skills

AV knowledge

Event production

Time management

Autonomy

Shared services

Education

Associate’s Degree or 60 semester hours

Tools

Audio-visual equipment

Lighting systems

Job description

Illini Union draws together all members of the University with approximately 16,000 visits of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We are seeking individuals with varying backgrounds who can help create and foster communities that strive toward this vision. This includes supporting the academic mission of the University by developing environments conducive to student learning and academic success, respecting, appreciating, and advocating for our student population, and supporting the holistic development of all our students.

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 1031 - Assistant Technical Director position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the posting closes.

Job Summary

Serves the Illini Union in the planning, production, and direction of various media including audio, video, and lighting support for programs and activities for evenings and weekends. Supervises student technicians.

Duties & Responsibilities

• At the direction of the Audio-Visual Production Supervisor, lead and/or direct technical activities in all phases of event productions and presentations of Illini Union events, including planning, time management, and budgeting, and the creative direction of staff.
• Remain up-to-date on knowledge and developments of audio-visual and production technology, including research of new performance/theatrical lighting, audio-visual equipment, and video/computer equipment. Assist with procurement decisions and implementation of new production methods within the operation.
• Routinely perform room checks to ensure audio-visual equipment is properly set-up and functional. Confirm accuracy and function with the client. Understand and assist with physical set-ups of audio-visual equipment and for events.
• Advise event clients utilizing audio-visual resources from the planning stages of their productions through to completion.
• Assist supervisor in the inventory of periodic maintenance of audio-visual equipment and expendable components to ensure safety and proper performance. Evaluate all functions to determine necessary repairs.
• Assist in the process to hire, train, supervise and evaluate student employees responsible for operation of equipment and events in Illini Union facilities.
• Prepare regular reports and recommends methods for improvement. Some billing assistance may be required.
• Recommend and enforce operational policies and procedures pertinent to the use of the Illini Union facilities and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

This position is eligible only for an in-person work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or combination totaling eighteen months (18 months) from the categories below:
• course work in arts, theatre, theatre management, music business, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• work experience in technical operations of event production or closely related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Two (2) years of audio-visual or theater experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of audio-visual media practices in technology with some working knowledge of particular media disciplines, sound production, film, video production, and presentation.
• Knowledge of professional lighting systems and their applications which includes adjusting and focusing stage lighting and outdoor lighting for program, events, and presentations.
• Esthetic and technical skills in area of music, composition, arranging, sound recording, sound reproduction, reinforcement and video production.
• Results oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and possess a strong commitment to the concept of shared services.

Appointment Information

• Salary Information: The budgeted salary range for this position is $52,500 - $57,500 per year.
• Fully Onsite position: This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
• Work Schedule: The scheduled work hours for this position are 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Central Time) Wednesday to Sunday.
• Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 18, 2026.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Shared AHW HR at [e-mail].

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].