Title: Technical Director
Location: Alexandria, VA (On-Site)
Travel: Flexibility in working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on project needs.
Summary:
The Technical Director (TD) is responsible for the technical execution of live broadcasts, recordings, and productions in a studio or remote environment. The TD ensures all technical aspects are operating smoothly and coordinates with other departments to achieve a high-quality broadcast. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Live Production:
- Direct and switch multi-camera broadcasts and live events, ensuring seamless transitions and high-quality output.
- Collaborate with the producer, director, and other crew members to execute the creative vision of the production.
- Manage the technical aspects of the control room during live broadcasts, including video switching, audio mixing, graphics insertion, and camera operation.
- Pre-Production:
- Participate in production meetings to understand the technical requirements of each project.
- Set up and configure control room equipment, including video switchers, audio boards, and graphics systems.
- Create lower thirds and other on-screen graphics, ensuring they align with the broadcast's style and content.
- Test and ensure all equipment is functioning correctly before the start of any production.
- Post-Production:
- Coordinate with the editing team to ensure the recording of live broadcasts meets post-production needs.
- Provide feedback to the production team for improving future broadcasts.
- Equipment Management:
- Maintain and troubleshoot all control room and studio equipment, ensuring it is in good working order.
- Coordinate with engineers to repair or replace faulty equipment as necessary.
- Team Leadership:
- Supervise and direct a team of camera operators, audio engineers, and other technical staff during live broadcasts.
- Provide training and guidance to team members on the use of control room equipment and production processes.
- Foster a collaborative environment that promotes effective communication and teamwork.
- Freelancer Coordination:
- Identify the need for additional technical staff, such as cameramen or another Technical Director, for larger productions.
- Contact and coordinate with freelancers to ensure all technical roles are adequately staffed.
- Manage the scheduling and logistics for freelance personnel.
- Technical Support:
- Act as the primary point of contact for any technical issues during a broadcast.
- Quickly diagnose and resolve technical problems to minimize disruption to the broadcast.
- Work closely with the engineering team to implement technical solutions and improvements.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Create and maintain detailed documentation of technical setups, signal flows, and equipment configurations.
- Provide regular reports on equipment status, technical issues, and production outcomes.
- Participate in post-event debriefs to discuss technical performance and areas for improvement.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a technical director role or similar position within a broadcast environment.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating broadcast equipment such as video switchers, audio consoles, routing systems, graphics systems, and camera controls. Familiarity with broadcast standards and signal flow.
- Software Proficiency: Experience with broadcast software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Avid, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools. Knowledge of video codecs and formats is a plus.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities with experience managing technical teams in high-pressure environments.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with creative and technical teams.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by production schedules.
Benefits at Red Carrot: - Training and Development - Tuition reimbursement and professional trainings for eligible employees.
- Healthcare - Top-tier medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
- 401(k) Plan - 401(k)-retirement and Roth plan with company matching and no vesting period.
- Profit Sharing - Discretionary profit-sharing plan to all eligible employees after one year of employment.
- Paid Time Off - Provides flexible work hours, paid time off, and 11 federal holidays.
