Associate Director, Event Production

Axios Live is looking for an Associate Director of Production to manage the technical execution, budget management, and vendor oversight for in-person and virtual events.

The ideal candidate will serve as the technical lead for Axios's most visible moments, from live-streamed policy interviews to international stage productions.

Responsibilities:

• Manage technical production of Axios Live events, including A/V systems, staging, lighting, livestreaming, video playback, and on-site recording.
• Serve as stage manager and show-caller, managing real-time production cues, backstage operations, and talent movement.
• Oversee A/V production vendors, including sourcing, scoping, budgeting, contracting, and on-site management.
• Coordinate site-specific tech builds, rehearsals, and contingency plans for both in-person and virtual platforms.
• Manage post-production editing workflows, including rapid content clipping in Adobe Premiere Pro and video asset delivery to marketing/editorial teams.
• Own end-to-end production timelines, task tracking, and staffing schedules for simultaneous events.
• Manage event production budgets at the line-item level,tracking vendor estimates, spend actuals, and reconciliations with minimal supervision.
• Negotiate cost-effective solutions with vendors while ensuring Axios's production standards are met or exceeded.
• Maintain internal tools and documentation for production planning, budget tracking, vendor database and show files.
• Collaborate with editorial, creative, and design teams to bring branded experiences to life across Axios IP and custom event formats.
• Act as a technical advisor to internal stakeholders on what’s possible, offering solutions grounded in experience and vendor capabilities.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to associates and freelance contractors, helping build a strong, technically savvy team culture.
• Support new production innovation by identifying technical opportunities to improve quality, reduce risk, or scale event offerings.

Requirements:

• 5–7 years of experience in high-volume event production, including technical design, A/V execution, and budget management.
• Deep understanding of A/V production workflows, including livestreaming, broadcast systems, LED, comms, rigging, and event safety.
• Demonstrated success managing production budgets line by line, including vendor estimates, POs, and invoice reconciliation.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with A/V and production vendors, including onsite teams.
• High proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro; experience with After Effects and Photoshop is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly with senior executives and high-profile participants.
• Ability to manage fast-paced, quick communication workflows with external and internal stakeholders.
• Experience managing open-press or public-facing events under tight timelines.
• Calm, adaptable, and solution-oriented under pressure.
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g. Wrike, Airtable) is a plus.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work early mornings, evenings, or weekends when required.

Starting salary for this role is in the range of $98,000 - $130,000 and is dependent on numerous factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, and skills.