Assistant Technical Director

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

Job summary

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications for the Assistant Technical Director position. The role oversees planning, production, and direction of AV for Illini Union programs, supervising student technicians, with a focus on evenings and weekends.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 18 months of related experience or coursework. The duties include event planning, budgeting, staff supervision, and continuous AV skill development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 18 months of related coursework or work experience in technical operations of event production.
• Experience in technical operations of event production or closely related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct technical activities for events, including planning, time management, and staff direction.
• Stay up-to-date on AV technology and assist with procurement decisions.
• Routinely check AV equipment setup and functionality and coordinate with clients.
• Advise event clients from planning to completion using AV resources.
• Assist in staff hiring, training, and evaluation of student employees.
• Prepare regular reports and assist with billing when needed.
• Enforce policies for use of facilities and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Audio-visual knowledge

Lighting systems

Sound production

Video production

Time management

Autonomous work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Assistant Technical Director

As the community center of the University, the 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.

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

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or combination totaling eighteen months (18 months) from the categories below:
   1. 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:
      1. 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
      2. Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
   2. 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

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.

• 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.

Champaign-Urbana

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].