Technical Director/Audio Engineer in Washington, District of Columbia at Washington National Cathedral

JOB SUMMARY:

Washington National Cathedral seeks an experienced Technical Director/Audio Engineer to provide leadership for all audio and event technology operations across the Cathedral campus. This position is responsible for ensuring the successful execution of worship services, concerts, lectures, public programs, state occasions, and other special events by delivering exceptional technical production, operational reliability, and outstanding service to internal and external stakeholders.

Reporting to the Director of Event and Program Management, the Technical Director oversees the Cathedral's technical infrastructure, supervises the Assistant Technical Director/Audio-Video Engineer and other technical staff, and leads efforts to maintain, enhance, and modernize audiovisual systems across multiple venues. This individual serves as a trusted technical advisor and collaborative partner to clergy, musicians, event managers, staff, volunteers, and external organizations, helping create meaningful experiences that advance the Cathedral's mission and support its role as a house of prayer for all people.

LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT

• Provide leadership, vision, and operational direction for all audio, video, projection, streaming, recording, and event technology functions across Washington National Cathedral.
• Supervise, coach, develop, schedule, and evaluate the Assistant Technical Director/Audio-Video Engineer and any part-time or contract audiovisual staff.
• Establish departmental priorities, performance standards, operating procedures, and best practices to ensure exceptional technical execution and customer service.
• Collaborate with Cathedral leadership, Worship, Music, GEMS, Communications, Development, and external partners to identify and implement technology solutions that support organizational goals.
• Develop short and long-range plans for audiovisual infrastructure, equipment replacement, technology modernization, and system enhancements.
• Manage technical budgets, equipment inventories, maintenance schedules, and vendor relationships to ensure responsible stewardship of Cathedral resources.

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS

• Oversee the design, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all audio, video, projection, recording, streaming, and assistive listening systems throughout Cathedral facilities.
• Ensure operational readiness of all technical systems supporting worship services, concerts, state occasions, lectures, conferences, special events, and external rentals.
• Direct audio engineering activities for major liturgical services, musical performances, public programs, and high-profile events.
• Manage wireless microphone coordination, frequency management, spectrum analysis, and system optimization to ensure reliable operation in complex RF environments.
• Oversee preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, testing, and configuration of consoles, microphones, amplifiers, processors, video systems, networked AV equipment, and related technologies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend equipment purchases, upgrades, and system improvements that enhance operational effectiveness and visitor experience.
• Coordinate equipment rentals, technical contractors, and outside vendors to supplement Cathedral resources when required.

EVENT PRODUCTION AND EXECUTION

• Serve as the lead technical producer for major Cathedral events, ensuring seamless integration of audio, video, projection, streaming, recording, and broadcast requirements.
• Consult with clergy, musicians, event organizers, performers, guest speakers, production teams, and external stakeholders to determine technical requirements and deliver exceptional event experiences.
• Develop production plans, technical specifications, staffing plans, and event run-of-show documentation.
• Coordinate technical support for national broadcasts, livestreams, media appearances, and high-profile events involving government, faith, and community leaders.
• Provide technical oversight for events requiring collaboration with media organizations, broadcast partners, and external production companies.

TEAM MANAGEMENT AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• Recruit, train, schedule, mentor, and evaluate technical staff, contractors, and volunteers supporting Cathedral audiovisual operations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure appropriate cross-training and succession planning to maintain operational continuity.
• Establish clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and support professional development opportunities for staff.

STREAMING, RECORDING, AND DIGITAL MEDIA

• Oversee livestreaming, recording, archival preservation, and digital distribution of Cathedral worship services, concerts, lectures, and special events.
• Partner with Communications and Video Operations staff to ensure high-quality digital content and audience engagement.
• Maintain and expand Cathedral audio and media archives, preserving historic recordings and ensuring long-term accessibility.

COMPLIANCE, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, copyright requirements, licensing agreements, and operational policies.
• Maintain a safe working environment for staff, contractors, volunteers, performers, and guests.
• Respond professionally and effectively to changing priorities, technical challenges, and event-related issues.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to Cathedral leadership and stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in sound design or a related field of study.
• Substantial knowledge of sound engineering techniques and technology.
• 5+ years experience in audio/acoustics system development and/or technical direction.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Proven proficiency in computer based digital audio workstations.
• Proficient in programming and operation of Digital Audio Consoles i.e.Yamaha CL3.
• Proficient in operation of video and streaming technology.
• Acute hearing is required.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

ABILITIES:

• Ability to work collaboratively in a high stress, fast paced, deadline-driven team environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, balance competing responsibilities, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Proven Ability to record and edit on digital audio workstations..

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Background in electronics, audio engineering and music.
• Experience in choral, gospel, and orchestral music.
• Knowledgeable in many facets of electronics and computer technology.
• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Initiative to develop and implement strategic and/or operational planning improvements.

EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• A MS degree or related experience is preferred.
• Proficiency with Video production and Streaming Technology.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The position requires a flexible schedule, routinely working outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays.
• The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending and stooping in the performance of daily activities.
• Acute hearing is required.
• The need to lift, drag, push and pull Audio Visual equipment and other materials weighing up to 60 pounds is required.

Washington National Cathedral is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.

Washington National Cathedral seeks individuals who are committed to our mission. We appreciate interest from those who will contribute to an atmosphere in which diversity is valued and supported.