metroConnections is hiring: Technical Director in Minneapolis

Technical Directors assume technical and budget management for all programs assigned during the sales process, through implementation and post production and will assist on programs for other team members as needed. The Technical Director will help with internal tasks/projects as needed for the Production Team, Content team and Events Team. The goal is always to provide exceptional service and to ensure customer satisfaction.

The Technical Director can accomplish this goal by implementing the metroConnections Brand Pillars in everyday work functions with internal colleagues and external clients and partners: Connection, Innovation, Adaptability, Partnership, Dependability, Execution.

This is a full-time, salary, bonus-eligible, hybrid position. Work locations will include independent remote/work from home, occasional team office work in Burnsville, MN, and on-site event work (within the Twin Cities, domestically, and internationally, including overnight travel).

Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist Technical Operations team members with ongoing and forward‑looking production challenges.
• Proposal creation and management in conjunction with sales. Working with sales to create production proposals, including:
• Create 2D drawings to establish design parameters.
• Create 3D plots and venues for the creative team to assist in 3D rendering, when applicable.
• Create an in‑scope RFP and delivery of those RFPs to vendors.
• Deliver a complete financial document for sales including vendor, venue, scenic and metroConnections costs.
• Provide direction and informed suggestions to sales based on budget considerations, i.e. out‑of‑scope options.
• Revise financials and layouts as directed by client, sales, or budget changes.
• Contract vendors including: audio visual equipment, labor, and freelancers, as needed.
• Create diagrams for the scene shop for any custom scenic.
• Work with the shop and warehouse to build, test, and ship any custom scenic elements.
• Maintain and secure internal resources through Flex following established processes.
• Vendor management, negotiation, and coordination, following established processes.
• On‑site technical lead or support for productions
• Production Management Lead – On‑site duties include but are not limited to: Overseeing truck unload and reload, scenic build, directing vendors and hired labor in setup of General Sessions, Breakouts, Events and all program related elements that include technical elements.
• Support Production Services team members with requirements and requests of speakers and clients.
• Serve in or as a support role or show call during General Sessions.
• Serve as breakout manager/assistant as needed on programs.
• Support the Post‑Program Follow‑Up Phase of assigned projects:
• Post show budget reconciliation and financials.
• Audit, approve, and submit vendor invoices for payment.
• Upload or direct to upload all final show content.
• Upload, save, and share photos.
• Finalize financial details with Accounting Team: accounts receivable, accounts payable, etc.
• Vendor management, negotiation, and coordination.
• Oversight of Technical Specialists and/or Production Assistants if assigned to the project; ensuring that responsibilities are completed in a timely, professional manner.
• Onsite production lead for setup of General Sessions, Breakouts, Events and all program related elements that include technical elements.
• Support Producers and Associate Producers with requirements and requests of speakers and clients.
• Act and think independently and use discretion, especially with respect to significant matters and information.
• Work collaboratively with all service teams within metroConnections.
• Participate in all aspects of metroConnections where appropriate/when assigned.

Minimum Qualifications include:

• Experience and familiarity with AV equipment and operation. Including but not limited to:
• Audio, Lighting, Projection, LED, Streaming
• Proficient technical operations skill level.
• Self‑sufficient; effectively manages workload.
• Excel in written and verbal communication (English is the primary language).
• Exhibit strong computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Provide excellent customer service via email, on the phone and in‑person.
• Work well with a team – both as the lead and in a support role.
• Work independently to come up with viable solutions.
• Take direction from multiple managers or team members, as well as having a good understanding of with whom to advise/consult in the event of conflicting instruction.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Prior work with an Audio‑Visual provider
• Proficiency in: Vectorworks, Adobe CC, or Mac OS

Requirements:

• Overnight travel – to support onsite program operations as needed, which may include nights and weekends up to 30%

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Comp Time for on‑site program hours worked over 40
• Overnight Program Travel Bonuses – $50.00 per night for overnight program travel
• Paid Time Off – Starting with 15 PTO Days
• Paid Holidays – 9.5 Days Annually, including Employee‑Owner Appreciation Day (first Friday of March)
• Summer Fridays – Reduced Business Hours on Fridays during Summer Months
• Employee‑Owned – Employee Stock Ownership Plan – Retirement Plan 100% funded by the company
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Medical and Dental Insurance – 50% company paid
• Options for Voluntary Disability Insurance, Voluntary Vision Insurance, Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Bereavement – Up to 5 Days Paid per occurrence
• Annual Uniform Allowance
• Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement

Compensation:

• $75,000

AI for screening candidates has its limitations and potential biases and should not replace human decision‑making in hiring. To find the best candidates for our organization, metroConnections does not utilize AI for candidate screening.

metroConnections is proudly employee owned and operated. An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is an employee benefit plan that gives workers ownership interest in the company.

Equal Opportunity is metroConnections, Inc.’s policy. We are committed to policies of non‑discrimination to promote diversity in employment regardless of race, sex, parental or marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other criteria not specifically related to relevant aptitudes, potential, skills, and abilities.

We value the diversity in society and the diversity amongst our employees, and we believe that by successfully managing this diversity, we can gain from it and become a more effective business. If you are excited about this opportunity but your past experience does not align perfectly with the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. This or another opportunity may end up being a great fit for you!

metroConnections is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact metroConnections’ Human Resources team at 612.333.8687.

Company Description

metroConnections specializes in creating exceptional meetings, conferences, and events by combining expertise across four service areas: conference services, event services, production, and transportation. As a trusted partner, the company seamlessly integrates these services to deliver memorable experiences that amplify your brand and engage attendees. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, metroConnections ensures every program is executed with precision and creativity to achieve impactful results.

Role Description

This is a full‑time hybrid role for a Technical Director located in the Greater Minneapolis‑St. Paul Area, with the flexibility to work remotely on occasion. The Technical Director will oversee the successful execution of production projects by managing teams, leading technical operations, and collaborating closely with clients and staff. Key responsibilities include managing project schedules, coordinating technical logistics, supervising software and technology development, conducting research and development, and ensuring all projects are delivered on time and within scope and budget.

Qualifications

• Team Management and Team Leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide cross‑functional teams effectively.
• Expertise in Research and Development (R&D), with a focus on leveraging innovative solutions and identifying emerging technologies.
• Proficiency in Software Development, with experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining technical solutions.
• Strong Project Management skills, including planning, prioritization, and ensuring project milestones and deliverables are met.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with clients and team members.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering is preferred.
• Experience in event production or conference industry is a plus.