Lead Event Technical Director

Tennessee Performing Arts Center; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A performing arts venue in Nashville seeks a Lead Event Technical Director to oversee technical operations across its venues. This role will involve managing Event Technical Directors, coordinating event logistics, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have at least 3 years of professional experience in theatrical carpentry and rigging, with a strong focus on leadership and communication. The position offers flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Flexible full-time availability including evenings and weekends.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in theatrical carpentry and rigging.
• Knowledge of rigging hardware, load limits, and fly systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical operations for events at TPAC venues.
• Supervise and manage Event Technical Directors.
• Serve as primary technical liaison for assigned events.
• Conduct safety briefing and enforce safety protocols.

Skills

Theatrical carpentry

Rigging

Crew leadership

Problem-solving

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Microsoft Suite

Concur

MomentusElite

Connecteam

Job description

Position Overview

The Lead Event Technical Director is a key member of TPAC’s Production team, responsible for leading technical operations and ensuring the safe, efficient, and professional execution across TPAC venues. This role requires advanced skill and hands‑on experience in theatrical carpentry, rigging, and stage operations with a strong focus on crew leadership, client interaction, and safety compliance.

Working closely with visiting productions, internal departments, and local crews, the Lead Event Technical Director manages technical logistics, verifies scenic and rigging integrity, and ensures all backstage operations reflect TPAC’s core values. The Event Technical Directors will report directly to the Lead Event Technical Director.

Primary Responsibilities

Management of Event Technical Directors:

• Fosters a team-based culture focused on respect, communication, inclusivity, and collaboration.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for Event Technical Directors ensuring clarity of expectations and efficiency of workflow.
• Oversee scheduling and workload distribution, maintaining balanced staffing across all venues.
• Conduct regular one‑on‑one check‑ins, mid‑year check‑ins, and annual evaluations to support staff growth and long‑term retention.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and training for new employees.
• Address employee relations concerns in conjunction with Director of Production, SVP of Operations, and Human Resources team as necessary.

Event and Client Coordination:

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for assigned events, coordinating schedules, technical logistics, equipment usage, and load‑in/load‑out operations.
• Prior to load‑in, thoroughly review advance details and technical notes to create an actionable plan in conjunction with technical operations team and external clients.
• Provide real‑time problem‑solving during rehearsals and performances, maintaining calm, professional communication under pressure.
• Oversee preparation and restoration of spaces for all scheduled events.

Carpentry, Rigging, & Stage Operations

• Lead and participate in scenic construction, stage builds, rigging installations, fly rail operation, softgoods, and automation elements as needed.
• Inspect and approve all flown elements, chain hoists, truss configurations, ground support systems, and scenic installation to ensure compliance with industry safety standards.
• Maintain constant, professional, and solution‑focused communication with crew members, visiting productions, and internal departments.
• Support event‑related department head responsibilities that may include stage management, lighting, audio, carpentry, or other areas of support as needed.

Administration and Reporting

• Prepare accurate post‑event billing including labor and equipment charges.
• Document pre and post event notes, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
• Attend organization‑wide, departmental, and advance meetings as required.
• Respond to internal and external communications in a timely, professional manner.

Crew Supervision and Safety

• Communicate expectations clearly to all crew members at the start of each call, including safety priorities, workflow, and client‑specific needs.
• Act as crew lead or steward, assign tasks to stagehands ensuring efficient workflow.
• Enforce TPAC’s safety protocols including fall protection, weight ratings, and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate with building security and local authorities in emergency response or audience evacuation situations.

Facility & Equipment Management

• Primary manager of rigging and scenic maintenance projects year‑round.
• Primary manager of backstage workspaces, technical systems, tools, and inventory. Proactively identify and complete repair or improvement projects.
• Assist with identifying long‑term planning for technical equipment upgrades and capital improvements.

The responsibilities listed above are not all inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned.

Skills and Knowledge

Required:

• Flexible full‑time availability, including evening, weekend, and possible holiday hours.
• Demonstrated knowledge/expertise in theatrical carpentry and rigging (minimum of 3 years of professional experience).
• Knowledge of rigging hardware, load limits, bridles, truss, and fly systems.
• Daily email access.
• Consistent professional and neat presentation.
• Ability to work well in a group.
• Ability to solve problem and remain calm in stressful situations.

Preferred:

• Experience in a touring house, regional theatre, or performing arts venue.
• ETCP or comparable rigging certifications (arena or theatre).
• Knowledge of lighting, audio, or stage management.
• Forklift, aerial lift, or OSHA safety certifications.

Software and Services Used:

• ADP Workforce Now, Microsoft Suite, Concur, MomentusElite, Connecteam

Frequent Functions and Working Conditions

• Standing and being stationary for long periods of time. Pushing/pulling. Ascending and descending flights of stairs and ladders. Face‑to‑face contact. Working in the dark with loud noises and flashing lights. Basic math skills. Analysis, problem‑solving/decision making. Lifting and moving equipment up to 30 lbs.

Occasional Functions include:

• Bending and stooping. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions including hot and cold temperatures. Working at a high elevation.

TPAC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All aspects of the employment process will be merit‑based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship or other protected characteristics.