Director of Production & Labor

In this role, you will utilize a professional level of knowledge and experience in live production systems to ensure and deliver well-planned and executed services and events. This position requires a blend of high-level technical expertise, crew management, and strategic planning skills. Key competencies include managing, scheduling, and training technical crews, working with complex AV systems, overseeing live event production, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise, manage and train direct reports.


• Oversee Dome Production and Operations staff for events.


• Review production plans for potential clients and contractors to ensure successful execution of events.


• Coordinate production orders with in-house departments of Explore St. Louis.


• Organize the operation and maintenance of the Stadium video system, Daktronics system, and audio equipment (including turnaround with select operators).


• Respond to queries from potential customers regarding production requirements.


• Coordinate manpower requirements with applicable unions.


• Serve as the primary contact regarding events in the Ferrara Theatre


• Monitor audio and visual rigging in the facility ballroom, meeting rooms and exhibit halls.


• Maintain effective working relationships with production unions. Serve as the primary building contact for all production requirements.


• Serve as a liaison between Convention, Trade Show Management and Labor.


• Stay informed on industry trends pertaining to labor regulations.


• Evolve with technological advances and best practices to stay on the leading edge of technology.


• Provide follow-up to management regarding continual aspects of exhibitor labor challenges or concerns.


• Collaborate with the Explore St. Louis sales team to answer Labor-related questions and support sales efforts for booking events in the building complex.


• Work with the VP-Operations regarding in-house trade union agreements.


• Perform other duties as assigned by management.


• Travel as required and work a flexible schedule as necessary to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong understanding of A/V technologies and systems.


• Experience with installing, maintaining and troubleshooting sound and video equipment.


• Strong attention to detail with effective multi-tasking and organizational skills


•  Effective client communication and rapid troubleshooting under pressure. 


•  Experience with the convention industry, audio visual unions, sports stadiums and event production


• Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds.


• Ability to perform calmly, professionally and efficiently under tight timelines.


• Effectively work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.


• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, industry colleagues and guests in a clear, professional and courteous manner which fosters a positive, enthusiastic and cooperative work environment.


• Adherence to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethics; maintaining clear, respectful communication with clients and staff.
   

 Leadership & Oversight

• Demonstrated leadership and technical oversight of large production crews.


• Team-oriented approach.


• Ability to successfully lead, train, develop and build a unified and skilled team across all areas of production.

This position can be high pressure at times. Our ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree with 5 to 7 years’ related experience and/or training. Demonstrated experience with live production and broadcast, corporate audio visual, and production graphics + editing programs is critical. Knowledge of Daktronics and digital message systems is preferred.  Familiarity and knowledge of the convention and event/hospitality industry, audio-visual unions, sport stadiums and event production is required.  Strong technical, multi-tasking and organizational skills plus the ability to establish active communication and professionally engage with team members + clients is critical.  Effective problem-solving and customer service skills with a commitment to excellence are essential.  The candidate will also demonstrate effective team management and leadership abilities.  Excellent presentation, troubleshooting and decision-making skills are key.

Explore St. Louis offers a robust compensation and benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance as well as pension, paid holidays and PTO.  Apply on our Explore St. Louis Careers URL or email a resume and cover letter to [email protected].  Please include your cover letter and resume when applying online. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

Explore St. Louis is the sales and marketing organization responsible for selling and promoting St. Louis as a convention, meeting site, and leisure travel destination. Explore St. Louis manages and operates the America’s Center Complex which includes the Cervantes Convention Center, the Dome at America’s Center, the Ferrara Theatre, and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement: Explore St. Louis values diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, past or present military service, marital status, gender identification or expression, medical condition or any other protected characteristic as established by law.