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Live Events Technical Director and Audio Engineer

The Buckley School, Los Angeles' oldest K–12 gender-inclusive learning institution, has an opening for a Live Events Technical Director and Audio Engineer. This position leads and executes the technical production of school-wide live events across campus venues, with full ownership of all related audio‑visual (AV) and theatrical systems. With experience in audio engineering, theatrical lighting, and event operations, this role supports high‑caliber production needs across all departments—including performing arts, admissions, advancement, athletics, student life, and administration—ensuring the professional execution of performances, assemblies, and community gatherings.

In addition to providing technical production leadership, this position manages AV systems and performance spaces in key venues, mentors students in the craft of live production and technical theater and maximizes the use of in‑house systems and resources. The role combines technical experience, creative judgment, and collaborative event execution, contributing to the school’s mission of fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovation across disciplines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Live Event Production & Technical Direction

• Serve as lead A1 audio engineer for school-wide events including concerts, theatre productions, ceremonies, panel discussions, and assemblies. This role also includes supervising, performing, and instructing others in the duties of an A2 audio assistant.
• Coordinate, plan, and execute technical live production logistics including setup, rehearsal support, and live operation of AV systems (audio, video, lighting).
• Maintain the readiness of performance spaces—particularly the flagship CCA theater—coordinating with Plant Operations and other departments to always ensure a functional and presentable space for users and visitors (e.g., drop‑in Admission tours by prospective families).
• Collaborate with event organizers and department stakeholders to elevate aesthetic, functional, and technical requirements for diverse event types.
• Optimize use of school event spaces and their production capabilities to ensure consistent, high‑quality experiences for presenters, performers, and audiences.
• Supervise and configure systems for live streaming, multi‑camera events, and sound reinforcement as needed.

Equipment Ownership & Venue Support

• Maintain full ownership and oversight of theatrical and AV‑related systems and equipment in:
  • Center for Community and the Arts (CCA)
  • Disney Pavilion Gym
  • Blackbox Theater (A105)
  • Other ad hoc spaces as needed
• Maintain and program theatrical lighting systems and associated control equipment.
• Organize and track all technical assets related to AV, theatrical production, and live events; ensure preventative maintenance and readiness.
• Identify needs for upgrades, repairs, or replacements and coordinate work with vendors and contractors as necessary.
• Reduce reliance on outside production firms by building in‑house capabilities.

Student Mentorship & Educational Integration

• Mentor students in the technical aspects of live production and technical theater in the areas of audio, lighting, and backstage operations.
• Provide structured hands‑on experiences via theater class drop‑ins, tech crews, performance preparation, and after‑school activities.
• Encourage interdisciplinary learning and help students build confidence in using and performing in and with the school’s performance venues and equipment.
• Create opportunities for faculty and students to practice and experiment in event spaces during scheduled downtime to better prepare them for performances in spaces that differ significantly from classrooms in audience size, acoustics, equipment, and overall feel.
• Train performing arts faculty on basic use of the theatrical lighting system in the Black Box Theater for theater classes, read‑arounds, auditions, and rehearsals.

Cross‑Departmental Collaboration

• Provide AV and technical production support to all departments as needed, including Advancement, Admissions, Athletics, Student Life, and others.
• Coordinate with Plant Operations and Technology teams where event support needs intersect (e.g., power, network access, room resets).
• As a subject matter expert in audio, advise on other campus implementations of audio / pro‑audio equipment as needed
• Support the school’s mission and brand by ensuring events are technically polished and professionally presented.
• Provide support to the Technology Department on special projects or operational tasks, as needed.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Degree or certificate in technical theater, live event production, audio engineering, or related field.
• 3‑5+ years of experience as a technical lead for performing arts and live events, including live sound engineering, theatrical lighting, technical direction, and/or venue management.
• Prior experience in K–12, higher education, or similar educational environments preferred.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or leading students in technical theater or production roles is strongly preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of audio systems and front‑of‑house (FOH) sound mixing for live performances.
• Proficiency with lighting systems (ETC, DMX), QLab, projection systems, and scenic support.
• Comfortable managing and maintaining a wide range of professional AV platforms and equipment, including but not limited to Crestron, QSC, Shure, Sennheiser, Meyer Sound, Yamaha, ETC, Zoom (video conferencing), and Blackmagic Design.
• Excellent troubleshooting and improvisational skills under live conditions.
• Strong organizational ability for asset tracking, documentation, and scheduling.
• Commitment to safety protocols and best practices in live event and theatrical environments.
• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment up to 50 pounds and work in elevated spaces as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, including students, parents, and faculty/staff.
• Good organizational skills—paperwork, patching, computer work, notes, remembering details.
• First Aid. (First Aid and CPR certification required.)

• Models the highest standards of professionalism, with an emphasis on maintaining confidentiality and supporting a team‑oriented work ethic, and creates warm, uplifting and trusting working relationships marked by humor, positivity, humility, empathy, excellent emotional intelligence, extraordinary interpersonal skills, and collaboration.
• Demonstrates great individual integrity, initiative, self‑awareness, commitment to personal and professional growth, and the ability to receive and apply feedback.
• Possesses a passion for education, particularly in an independent school environment conveyed by a solid understanding of educational practice.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated competency in diversity, equity and inclusion; demonstrated success working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrates adaptability, dependability, good judgment, strong social skills, impressive communication and presentation skills in writing and speaking, and the abilities to read, assess, imagine, evaluate, calculate, & make wise decisions.
• Thinks and acts strategically and creatively.
• Flexibility to work long hours, including nights and weekends to attend school events.
• Ability to drive a car.

COMPENSATION

$41.00 - $50.00 per hour ($96,000 - $120,000 annualized, which includes expected overtime pay).

The base salary is separate from fringe benefits, such as retirement contributions, daily lunch, on‑site parking, contributions to medical, dental, vision, life/AD &D plans, our generous time off policy, or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Our pay ranges are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at The Buckley School, your actual base salary will be determined by your education and experience.