Freelance Audio Visual Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

The Audio-Visual Manager provides strategic and hands-on leadership for the audio-visual team, ensuring high-quality delivery of AV systems and services. This role is responsible for leading, training, and developing AV staff while overseeing the planning, installation, operation, and ongoing maintenance of audio-visual technologies that support events, meetings, and organizational needs

This role will pay an hourly rate of $40.00

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching

This position will remain open until September 25, 2026.

NOW Arena is an 11,800-seat multipurpose family entertainment, cultural, and sports center. Seating capacity for the arena ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 for theater shows; 9,400 for football, hockey, lacrosse, and soccer games; 10,000 for basketball games; and 11,800 for concerts. The Hideaway Brew Garden is adjacent to the arena where we provide live music and entertainment to the local community over the summer months. 

• Manage AV staff during event load-ins, setups, rehearsals, live events, and load-outs.
• Oversee all audio, video, lighting, LED, and control systems, including PA systems, scoreboards, ribbon boards, projectors, cameras, and intercoms.
• Ensure all AV systems are properly installed, configured, tested, and event-ready prior to doors opening.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in real time during events and on non-event days.
• Work closely with event managers and internal teams to understand production needs and deliver effective AV solutions.
• Manage, train, schedule, and assign tasks to AV technicians and support staff while enforcing best practices and safety procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance, inventory management, and upkeep of AV equipment to ensure reliability and readiness.
• Assist with the installation and integration of new AV equipment throughout the facility.
• Ensure all AV operations comply with safety standards and regulations.
• Stay current with emerging AV technologies and industry trends.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Associate degree or higher in AV Technology, IT Technology, Broadcast Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience as an AV technician or similar role.
• Proven experience training and supervising technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of AV equipment and software, including troubleshooting and repair techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.
• Physical ability to lift and maneuver heavy equipment and work at heights when necessary.
• Basic understanding of electricity and single/3-phase connections.

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.