The Department of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality is one of 15 departments within the Division of Student Affairs. It provides the campus community and guests with high-quality, efficient, and innovative event services and dining options in a variety of settings dedicated to accentuating and enhancing the campus experience in a diverse community.

This position oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of events requiring audio visual and production support within Braden Auditorium, the Bone Student Center, and other EMDH facilities. Direct all technical and production elements of events, including sound, lighting, video, presentation systems, staging, and production infrastructure, ensuring safe, reliable, and high-quality event delivery. Supervise full-time staff, student employees, and union stagehands, including scheduling, training, coaching, and performance oversight. Collaborate with clients, vendors, and internal partners to assess event needs, develop technical and operational solutions, coordinate production schedules, and manage on-site event operations. 

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Theatre Production, Entertainment Technology, Event Production, Audio Visual Technology, Communications, Engineering Technology, Hospitality Management, or a closely related field.
2. Five (5) years of professional experience in technical operations for live event production, audiovisual services, or performing arts venues, two (2) years of which must have included supervision or management experience overseeing technical staff, which may include full time employees, part time employees, student employees, and/or unionized labor.
3. A final candidate must complete a post-offer pre-employment physical exam. Employment is contingent on the successful result of the pre-employment physical.
4. Demonstrated expertise in audio, lighting, video, and integrated AV systems used in live event and performance environments.
5. Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex events across multiple venues or event spaces.
6. Demonstrated experience providing hands on technical leadership, including stepping in to perform subordinate duties when required to maintain operational continuity.
7. Working knowledge of event safety practices, including electrical safety, rigging awareness, fall protection, and risk management.
8. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, artists, administrators, vendors, and technical staff.
9 Availability to work evenings, weekends, extended hours, and irregular schedules based on event demands.

About Illinois State University

Illinois State University, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. Illinois State is a co-educational, residential university that emphasizes undergraduate study with more than 20,000 students. Our 34 academic departments in six colleges offer 78 undergraduate programs and 83 graduate programs in over 300 fields of study. Illinois State works as a diverse community of scholars, educators, and staff to support our commitment to fostering a small college atmosphere with large university opportunities. We promote the highest academic standards in our teaching, scholarship, public service, and the connections we build among them. We devote all of our resources and energies to creating the most supportive and productive community possible to serve the citizens of Illinois and beyond.

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