Director, Production Technology (Ballpark)

About the Organization

The Athletics (A's) are a baseball franchise established in 1901, boasting a celebrated history highlighted by nine World Series titles and 15 American League pennants. Famous for adopting the "Moneyball" analytics-driven approach to assembling teams, the A's combine on-field success with a workplace culture recognized twice as one of the Best Employers in Sports by Front Office Sports. The organization embraces values of Dynamism, Innovation, and Inclusion, fostering an environment where employees thrive and creativity is encouraged.

Role Overview

The Director of Production Technology for the Ballpark will provide strategic oversight and leadership in the design, operation, and continuous enhancement of all broadcast, audio-visual, control room, scoreboard, digital signage, and live event production technologies at the ballpark. This leadership role entails management of game presentation technology, live event production frameworks, broadcast engineering, venue AV systems, and production teams. The director will ensure exceptional fan experiences throughout baseball games, concerts, special events, and community activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Craft long-term technology strategies that support venue expansion and enrich fan experiences.
• Oversee the deployment, maintenance, and operation of all production technology systems within the ballpark.
• Manage control room functions, IPTV services, LED and ribbon displays, audio systems, replay capabilities, broadcast infrastructure, and digital signage components.
• Act as the chief contact for Major League Baseball broadcast partners, production vendors, system integrators, and touring production teams.
• Keep venue production technology aligned with the latest industry practices and emerging trends.
• Lead technical operations during baseball games, concerts, and special events.
• Supervise live event workflows encompassing switching, replay, graphics integration, audio coordination, camera operations, communications, and content playback.
• Collaborate with entertainment, marketing, sponsorship, and operations departments to synchronize technical efforts.
• Provide support for television, streaming, radio, and internal productions.
• Guarantee flawless coordination of all production elements during events.
• Direct maintenance, troubleshooting procedures, and optimization of production technologies.
• Manage broadcast IP workflows, network infrastructure, signal routing, fiber optic systems, and comprehensive AV integration across the venue.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance and lifecycle upgrades programs.
• Develop and enforce technical standards, detailed documentation, operational protocols, and disaster recovery plans.
• Partner with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure system security and operational resilience.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and oversee a diverse production workforce including full-time employees, part-time staff, freelancers, and union labor where applicable.
• Foster a cooperative, service-driven production culture emphasizing innovation and operational excellence.
• Manage relationships with vendors and contractors, monitoring performance and maintaining technical partnerships.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication between technical and venue stakeholder teams.
• Prepare and control annual operating budgets and capital expenditures for production technology.
• Supervise procurement, system installations, commissioning, and integration of new equipment and upgrades.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage project schedules.
• Oversee asset inventory, equipment management, and utilization efficiency.
• Support emergency response planning and business continuity strategies.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• 7 to 10 or more years of advancing experience in live sports, broadcast engineering, stadium operations, or large-scale live event production.
• Proven leadership in production technology management within professional sports venues, arenas, theaters, broadcast centers, or similarly complex live-event environments; prior experience in launching new venues or arenas is strongly favored.
• Comprehensive knowledge of broadcast/control room systems, large-format LED and video technologies, live audio systems and acoustics, replay and graphics systems, IP-based broadcast infrastructures such as SMPTE 2110, fiber transport and signal routing, and intercom/communications systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage intricate live-event operations across multiple disciplines including audio, video, lighting, rigging, event presentation, and staffing.
• Strong project management, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to excel in fast-paced, high-pressure live environments with multitasking capability.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe and verifiable driving history.
• Willingness and availability to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts during events.
• Comfort and capability to work in environments involving loud noise, elevated positions, production equipment, and other typical live-event conditions.
• Physically able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in broadcast engineering, production technology, audio engineering, media production, IT, or related disciplines is preferred.
• Experience supporting professional baseball, sports, or major league operations is advantageous.
• Familiarity with top industry production and broadcast tech platforms such as Daktronics, Ross Video, Evertz, EVS, Lawo, Cisco, or similar systems.
• Certification credentials like CTS, PMP, SBE, or equivalents are preferred.
• Experience with cloud-based broadcast solutions, remote production workflows, and AI-enhanced production technologies is an additional benefit.

Additional Information

The Athletics organization is deeply committed to social impact and fostering an inclusive culture where innovation and diversity thrive. They maintain a steadfast dedication to equal opportunity employment, ensuring all qualified candidates receive fair consideration regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.