Assistant Technical Director
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, San Diego, CA, United States
Who We Are
La Jolla Music Society is one of the most prestigious and highly respected performing arts presenters in the United States. Our winter season presentations showcase a rich variety of classical, jazz, global roots, spoken word, family, and dance programming, at its state‑of‑the‑art venue, The Conrad, as well as off‑site venues throughout San Diego. In addition to our winter season and award‑winning Learning & Engagement Programs, La Jolla Music Society also produces SummerFest, a renowned four‑week chamber music festival featuring world‑class artists and ensembles performing an array of concerts and programs curated by SummerFest Music Director, Inon Barnatan.
Job Title: Assistant Technical Director Department: Production & Operations Reports to: Technical Director Status: Full‑time, exempt Start Date: May 1st, 2026 Salary Range: $65-72,000/yr. Job Type: In‑person
Summary The Assistant Technical Director (ATD) supports the Technical Director in the planning, coordination, and day‑to‑day execution of technical aspects for all live events and performances at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. This role emphasizes day‑to‑day execution and coordination, along with documentation and resource management, to ensure productions run smoothly from planning through show day. The ATD provides direct leadership for the Technical Coordinators, leads show readiness processes, and contributes to the efficiency and professionalism of the technical team. This is an event‑focused position. La Jolla Music Society’s standard office hours are M‑F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., but the schedule of this position will fluctuate based on event needs. This position will need to regularly work nights and weekends.
Job Description Direct Reports / Team
Direct Report: Technical Coordinators (2).
Full team includes: Director of Production & Operations, Assistant Production Manager, Technical Director (TD), Production Coordinator/Stage Manager, Technical Coordinators, IATSE crew, and other seasonal positions.
Event Coordination & Execution (50%)
In conjunction with the TD, create and manage technical schedules, budgets, and resource allocations for all events and performances.
Actively communicate with the production team to ensure technical needs align with show requirements and that all departments are prepared for show days.
Assist with the development, tracking, and communication of technical timelines to ensure all elements are prepared for production.
As directed by the TD, manage crew scheduling, ensuring proper coverage during rehearsals, load‑ins, and load‑outs.
Support the Technical Coordinators in overseeing IATSE crews during setup and execution of performances, ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
In conjunction with the Technical Coordinators, guide the technical crews to ensure all members understand their roles, responsibilities, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.
As directed by the TD, set up, operate, and break down technical elements during events, supporting the TD and ensuring seamless production execution.
As needed, manage building opening and closing duties to ensure the facility is properly secured at the start and/or end of events and operations.
Equipment Coordination & Maintenance (20%)
Participate in technical advance conversations to clarify equipment, crew, and resource requirements.
Confirm available resources against incoming requests and flag potential challenges to the TD and Production team.
Ensure accurate documentation of technical needs is shared with the TD, Production, and technical crew in a timely manner.
In the absence of the TD, step in to provide technical support and guidance for rental client calls/walk‑throughs.
Documentation & Reporting (20%)
Document technical systems, show reports, production notes, and technical execution outcomes, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
Manage and oversee technical inventories, working with the Technical Coordinators to ensure equipment is available, well‑maintained, and properly stored.
In conjunction with the TD, create technical SOPs and operational protocols, and ensure day‑to‑day compliance in show execution and maintenance work.
In conjunction with the TD, manage technical resources, prepare post‑show reports, and ensure that all technical aspects are accounted for after each event.
Maintain show documentation, including technical rider details and production reports.
Team Leadership & Supervision (10%)
Directly oversee the Technical Coordinators, provide guidance and skill training as needed to ensure they have the tools and support to execute show day tasks.
As directed by the TD, onboard, train, and support seasonal and contracted technical crew members.
Research and coordinate professional development opportunities for the Tech team and technical crews, identifying areas for growth and skill development.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required
Four to six (4–6) years of professional experience in live event production or performing arts technical environments.
Ability to demonstrate hands‑on working knowledge (enough to independently set up, operate, troubleshoot, and support live productions) in at least two of the following technical areas: Audio Systems, Lighting systems, or Video and projection systems.
At least one industry‑recognized technical certification, such as: Dante, ETCP, AVIXA, or equivalent manufacturer or industry certification demonstrating professional technical competency.
Strong understanding of signal flow and system integration across audio, lighting, and video.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, particularly for production documentation and show notes.
Ability to work calmly and effectively in time‑critical, show‑day conditions.
Ability to work nights and weekends.
Preferred
Experience leading or supervising IATSE or other union technical crews.
Familiarity with audio, lighting, and visual system networking in a permanent venue environment.
Strong organizational skills in managing technical details across multiple events and maintaining clear, accurate production documentation.
Coursework or equivalent training/experience in technical theatre, theatre production, entertainment technology, audio, lighting, or media production.
Manufacturer or platform training related to professional audio, lighting, or video systems.
Experience maintaining accurate technical documentation, including advances, run‑of‑show notes, and post‑show reports.
Comfort supporting and guiding other technicians during live production environments.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement By exemplifying broad representation throughout the institution, it is our goal to dissipate traditional lines of separation, enabling audiences, artists, staff, donors, and students to connect with those who are different from themselves. We believe that through that connection—both on stage and off—we can enrich all our lives, broaden our experience, open our minds, and achieve La Jolla Music Society’s mission. We seek to create a working environment where everyone knows they are welcome and valued regardless of who they are or how they identify; where difference is encouraged; and where those differences help us learn from one another.
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Job Title: Assistant Technical Director Department: Production & Operations Reports to: Technical Director Status: Full‑time, exempt Start Date: May 1st, 2026 Salary Range: $65-72,000/yr. Job Type: In‑person
Summary The Assistant Technical Director (ATD) supports the Technical Director in the planning, coordination, and day‑to‑day execution of technical aspects for all live events and performances at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. This role emphasizes day‑to‑day execution and coordination, along with documentation and resource management, to ensure productions run smoothly from planning through show day. The ATD provides direct leadership for the Technical Coordinators, leads show readiness processes, and contributes to the efficiency and professionalism of the technical team. This is an event‑focused position. La Jolla Music Society’s standard office hours are M‑F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., but the schedule of this position will fluctuate based on event needs. This position will need to regularly work nights and weekends.
Job Description Direct Reports / Team
Direct Report: Technical Coordinators (2).
Full team includes: Director of Production & Operations, Assistant Production Manager, Technical Director (TD), Production Coordinator/Stage Manager, Technical Coordinators, IATSE crew, and other seasonal positions.
Event Coordination & Execution (50%)
In conjunction with the TD, create and manage technical schedules, budgets, and resource allocations for all events and performances.
Actively communicate with the production team to ensure technical needs align with show requirements and that all departments are prepared for show days.
Assist with the development, tracking, and communication of technical timelines to ensure all elements are prepared for production.
As directed by the TD, manage crew scheduling, ensuring proper coverage during rehearsals, load‑ins, and load‑outs.
Support the Technical Coordinators in overseeing IATSE crews during setup and execution of performances, ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
In conjunction with the Technical Coordinators, guide the technical crews to ensure all members understand their roles, responsibilities, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.
As directed by the TD, set up, operate, and break down technical elements during events, supporting the TD and ensuring seamless production execution.
As needed, manage building opening and closing duties to ensure the facility is properly secured at the start and/or end of events and operations.
Equipment Coordination & Maintenance (20%)
Participate in technical advance conversations to clarify equipment, crew, and resource requirements.
Confirm available resources against incoming requests and flag potential challenges to the TD and Production team.
Ensure accurate documentation of technical needs is shared with the TD, Production, and technical crew in a timely manner.
In the absence of the TD, step in to provide technical support and guidance for rental client calls/walk‑throughs.
Documentation & Reporting (20%)
Document technical systems, show reports, production notes, and technical execution outcomes, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
Manage and oversee technical inventories, working with the Technical Coordinators to ensure equipment is available, well‑maintained, and properly stored.
In conjunction with the TD, create technical SOPs and operational protocols, and ensure day‑to‑day compliance in show execution and maintenance work.
In conjunction with the TD, manage technical resources, prepare post‑show reports, and ensure that all technical aspects are accounted for after each event.
Maintain show documentation, including technical rider details and production reports.
Team Leadership & Supervision (10%)
Directly oversee the Technical Coordinators, provide guidance and skill training as needed to ensure they have the tools and support to execute show day tasks.
As directed by the TD, onboard, train, and support seasonal and contracted technical crew members.
Research and coordinate professional development opportunities for the Tech team and technical crews, identifying areas for growth and skill development.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required
Four to six (4–6) years of professional experience in live event production or performing arts technical environments.
Ability to demonstrate hands‑on working knowledge (enough to independently set up, operate, troubleshoot, and support live productions) in at least two of the following technical areas: Audio Systems, Lighting systems, or Video and projection systems.
At least one industry‑recognized technical certification, such as: Dante, ETCP, AVIXA, or equivalent manufacturer or industry certification demonstrating professional technical competency.
Strong understanding of signal flow and system integration across audio, lighting, and video.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, particularly for production documentation and show notes.
Ability to work calmly and effectively in time‑critical, show‑day conditions.
Ability to work nights and weekends.
Preferred
Experience leading or supervising IATSE or other union technical crews.
Familiarity with audio, lighting, and visual system networking in a permanent venue environment.
Strong organizational skills in managing technical details across multiple events and maintaining clear, accurate production documentation.
Coursework or equivalent training/experience in technical theatre, theatre production, entertainment technology, audio, lighting, or media production.
Manufacturer or platform training related to professional audio, lighting, or video systems.
Experience maintaining accurate technical documentation, including advances, run‑of‑show notes, and post‑show reports.
Comfort supporting and guiding other technicians during live production environments.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement By exemplifying broad representation throughout the institution, it is our goal to dissipate traditional lines of separation, enabling audiences, artists, staff, donors, and students to connect with those who are different from themselves. We believe that through that connection—both on stage and off—we can enrich all our lives, broaden our experience, open our minds, and achieve La Jolla Music Society’s mission. We seek to create a working environment where everyone knows they are welcome and valued regardless of who they are or how they identify; where difference is encouraged; and where those differences help us learn from one another.
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