Director, Technical Production - Football
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The department consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These programs include more than 850 student‑athletes who participate annually in the National Collegiate Athletics Association.
Position Summary
The Director, Technical Production - Football orchestrates and elevates Cal athletic events into premier entertainment experiences, rivaling professional and NCAA Power 4 Conference standards to drive deep fan loyalty and measurable revenue growth. This position serves as the primary architect and show caller for the in‑venue experience, reimagining gameday as a high‑stakes, full‑scale production. The Director spearheads the end‑to‑end execution of live shows, from creating and managing video board content and technical control room direction to halftime spectacles and integrated sponsorship activations. The role mobilizes the crowd through data‑driven atmosphere strategies, using video, music, and storytelling to enhance Cal’s national reputation. By aligning internal marketing, production, and athletic units, this position creates a seamless emotional arc that attracts elite recruits and brands.
Application Review Date
The first review date for this job is: June 22, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical expert and lead architect for the video board at all home athletic events; orchestrate end‑to‑end production including content creation and management, technical control room oversight, video board integration, and musical atmosphere to ensure a professional‑grade fan experience while meeting the standards of a premier entertainment event.
- Align marketing campaigns, sponsorship activations, and NIL initiatives into the live show flow, broadcast and streaming initiatives; transform commercial requirements into organic, high‑energy entertainment segments that drive partner ROI and department revenue.
- Mobilize and supervise a scalable workforce of students and interns; architect a professional‑level training program that mentors staff in live production, technical execution, and brand‑consistent storytelling.
- Synchronize with Facilities, Operations, Marketing, and Spirit squads to ensure seamless logistics; act as the primary point of contact for integrating departmental goals into the live event and broadcast frameworks.
- Spearhead the evolution of gameday traditions by integrating emerging technology (lighting, mobile apps, AI) and data‑driven fan feedback to modernize the atmosphere and attract elite recruits and brands.
- Manage gameday entertainment budgets, track expenses, and evaluate fan engagement via feedback and data to improve future events.
- Govern the post‑game review process by analyzing fan sentiment and production performance; implement continuous improvements to maintain Power 4 conference excellence.
Required Qualifications
- Expert ability to direct live, multi‑camera productions, cueing audio, video, lighting, and on‑field talent with precision.
- Deep knowledge of professional broadcast hardware and show‑flow software.
- Skill in drafting minute‑by‑minute rundowns of show (ROS) that integrate technical cues with entertainment segments.
- Proficiency in integrating modern fan‑engagement tools like synchronized LED lighting, mobile app triggers, and AI‑driven content.
- Ability to translate corporate partner KPIs into organic, high‑energy in‑venue moments that drive ROI without losing the crowd.
- Skill in analyzing fan sentiment and attendance data to engineer emotional arcs that increase loyalty and revenue.
- Expert understanding of brand storytelling to ensure every video, graphic, and announcement reinforces the Cal identity.
- Knowledge of navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations to highlight student‑athletes within the live show flow.
- Problem‑solving skills; multi‑task, work with frequent interruptions, and effective listener.
- Strong skills in coaching and mentoring lower‑level staff.
- Time and project management skills to effectively establish priorities and meet competing deadlines both for themselves and the team.
- Interpersonal communications and people management skills to interact effectively with a variety of clients, staff, and vendors.
- Strong fiscal responsibility to plan and manage the gameday entertainment budget.
- Experience recruiting, supervising, and scheduling numerous students/interns across multiple simultaneous events.
- Ability to synchronize goals between units.
- Familiarity with the production benchmarks of elite NCAA conferences or professional sports leagues.
- Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the Pacific‑12 Conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the Berkeley campus of the University of California adheres, and avoid any violations of these rules and standards.
- Advanced knowledge of program activity and best practices.
- Proficiency in the use of computer applications relevant to job duties and/or the ability to learn.
Education / Training
- Bachelor’s degree in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Salary & Benefits
The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $105,000 – $115,000.
- Exempt, monthly‑paid position.
- Full‑time (40 hours/week) contract position eligible for UC benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Background Check and Mandated Reporter Requirements
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
As a mandated reporter, this position must report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law‑enforcement or social‑service agencies. The University reserves the right to require a signed statement acknowledging these responsibilities.
Driving Requirement
Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record in accordance with local policies, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Other Information
- Not a visa opportunity; no new H‑1B visa sponsorship.
- Covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW and the University of California Regents for CM.