Jobs (Edmonton): Technical Director – Horowitz Event Centre, Theater News

This position offers a comprehensive benefits & retirement package, generous and flexible vacation benefits, as well as a great work-life balance opportunity!

The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) is seeking an experienced technical leader to become the Technical Director of the Horowitz Events Centre (HEC). The position directly manages the technical staff team, ensuring that all events are staffed effectively and executed safely by well-trained and well-supported team members.

The Technical Director is responsible for technical leadership, production management, and operational safety of HEC, with a particular focus on the flagship Myer Horowitz Theatre. The position also coordinates related equipment & production support services for venues across the Students’ Union Building (SUB) and other assets and events of the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU).

HEC is a prominent, multi-unit events, conferencing, and catering social enterprise on the U of A campus. With over 30,000 sqft of versatile space (theatre, conference halls, meeting rooms), HEC hosts 4,000+ events annually, including concerts, conferences, and weddings, with a focus on both financial return and social good for students.

What We Offer:
Comprehensive health, dental & vision benefits for you and your family
Life & disability insurance
A matching RRSP contribution program
Generous and flexible vacation benefits & other leave
An open, supportive, collaborative and innovative organization — we thrive on the great ideas of our team
The opportunity to make a difference by working at a not-for-profit organization
An annual Wellness Spending Account to better your life outside of work
Additional training & professional development opportunities

Key Job Responsibilities:

Staff Leadership & Management:
Hire, train, schedule, supervise, coach and discipline the team of full-time and part-time venue technicians.
Work with senior team members to delegate day-to-day maintenance tasks, equipment management, show planning, and supervisory duties as appropriate.
Develop and manage technical staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all events while exercising vigilance and control over labour costs.
Foster an inclusive and professional culture, ensuring crews comply with safety regulations (such as working at heights) and conducting regular safety inspections.

Facility & Equipment Operations:
Oversee the acquisition, inventory, preventative maintenance, and repair of all lighting, audio, video, and rigging equipment.
Manage the deployment of AV equipment across the HEC portfolio and research capital upgrades to maintain industry standards.
Build the team’s technical capacity and expertise to support these operational activities.

Departmental Leadership & Strategy:
Actively engage with the HEC management team to contribute to strategic plans, operational policies, and overall departmental decision-making.
Assist in developing operating budgets and capital plans by forecasting technical equipment, maintenance, and labour expenses.
Provide leadership to staff in other units during complex events, collaborate across teams to increase efficiency and revenue, and perform other assigned duties.

Production Management:
Coordinate with team members to ensure the review of technical riders and stage plots to determine event feasibility, equipment, and staffing needs.
Ensure the coordination of technical logistics, create accurate production schedules and load-in/load-out plans, and supervise technical billing estimates.
Liaise with clients and troubleshoot technical issues as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:
Post-secondary education in technical theatre production, live event management, or an acceptable combination of education and professional experience.
Minimum of three years of experience in a technical leadership role within a theatre or live event venue.
Demonstrated experience in advancing shows, interpreting technical riders, and coordinating logistics for touring productions.
Strong working knowledge of lighting, audio, video, and rigging systems, including experience with industry-standard consoles and intelligent lighting fixtures.
Demonstrated experience in supervising and scheduling a technical crew.
Superior communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, with a dedication to fostering strong relationships and providing excellent customer service.
Ability to work responsibly with minimal supervision and manage competing priorities.
Demonstrated commitment to high professional and ethical standards, and to embracing a diverse workplace.
Computer skills, including proficiency with Google Apps, Microsoft Office or equivalent.

Successful candidates will be required to maintain relevant Fall Protection/Working at Heights certifications, as well as ProServe, ProTect and provincially-recognized intermediate first aid certifications as conditions of continued employment.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:
Possession of relevant industry certifications or education.
Technical leadership experience in a roadhouse or rental venue environment.
Experience in managing a unionized staff environment.
Technical knowledge of entertainment control systems, CAD/layout software, IP networking, and/or other technology skills.
Awareness of the UASU, University of Alberta, or similar organizations.
Possession of a valid Class 5 or higher driver’s licence.

Working Conditions:
Average of 37.5 hours per week, with specific hours including some evenings and weekends as needed. The environment includes time in an office/desk setting and performing operational and physical duties.

Equity and Inclusion:
The UASU’s mission is to serve, engage, and represent students. To do that well we need an organization that is representative of the students we serve. We are committed to creating a diverse environment that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.

Does the job and the UASU sound like a good fit for you? Apply today — we’re excited to hear from you!
The review of applications will start on April 8, 2026, however, the competition will remain open until filled: https://uasu.bamboohr.com/careers/532
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.