Production & AVL Director

The Production & AVL Director oversees all audio, visual, lighting, and technical production for church services and events, ensuring quality and consistency across live and online formats. This role focuses on managing AVL operations, directing services, and supporting media projects while leading volunteers and staff. The Director is responsible for maintaining AVL equipment, managing budgets, and collaborating with church leadership to enhance the worship experience and church programming.

Main Purpose of Role
The Production & AVL Director is essential for creating an immersive worship experience aligned with the church’s vision, overseeing technical production, recruiting and training volunteers, and ensuring excellence in all technical aspects of church gatherings.

Key Responsibilities
Production Leadership & Operations
Develop and implement AVL strategies to achieve high-quality audio, video, and lighting across all services and events.
Direct AVL production for weekly services, collaborating with Worship and Communications teams to ensure seamless service execution.
Maintain an organized production schedule, ensuring all equipment and resources are tested and ready for use.

Audio/Visual Production
Oversee setup, operation, and maintenance of AVL equipment, ensuring smooth transitions and high-quality experiences for in-person and online audiences.
Monitor and mix live sound during services, ensuring quality audio for in-person and live-stream experiences.
Coordinate live video production, including camera operation and streaming, ensuring smooth broadcasts for all digital platforms.
Troubleshoot technical issues promptly, minimizing disruptions to worship experiences.
Direct audio and video recording, mixing, and processing for post-production.

Lighting Design
Program and operate lighting consoles, designing schemes that enhance worship services and events.
Adjust lighting for optimal atmosphere and to support the tone of sermons, worship sets, and multimedia presentations.

Technical & Creative Media Support
Ensure high-quality live-streamed and in-person worship experiences.
Produce and edit weekly sermon podcasts and assist with additional video production.

Volunteer Training & Leadership
Recruit, train, and disciple AVL volunteers, providing ongoing development and support and empowering them to execute the church vision.
Develop training resources (videos, guides) to empower volunteers to operate A/V/L equipment effectively.
Coordinate and schedule volunteers for services, events, and rehearsals, fostering readiness and ongoing development.
Lead weekly production meetings and mentor volunteers through an apprenticeship model, cultivating future leaders in AVL.

Administrative & Strategic Responsibilities
Manage the AVL budget, tracking expenses and providing data-driven recommendations for system improvements.
Engage with other churches and industry professionals to stay informed on best practices and new technology trends.
Maintain an organized production schedule, ensuring all resources are prepared and tested.

Equipment Maintenance & Budget Management
Manage inventory, maintain AVL equipment, recommend upgrades for AVL systems to stay current and efficient, and oversee repairs and upgrades.
Operate within the annual AVL budget, prioritizing maintenance and strategic purchases, including soundboards, lighting consoles, and video equipment (Dante, ProPresenter, etc).

Qualifications and Experience
Education & Experience:
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with 3+ years of experience in production management, AVL, or live event production, ideally in a church setting.

Technical Proficiency:
Proficiency with AVL equipment and software, including ProPresenter, Logic, Ableton, Dante, Sound Consoles, DMX lighting, and video editing software (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, etc.).
Experience effectively utilizing Planning Center Online (PCO) Services to program production rehearsals and experiences is preferred.

Key Qualities for Success
Strong organizational and communication skills, adept at balancing multiple projects and deadlines.
An ear for music and tempo and an eye for lighting, video, and graphic design to enhance the worship experience.
Ability to manage priorities, maintain attention to detail, and show accountability in a structured, team-oriented environment.
Alignment with church theology and a commitment to active participation in church life.

Inquiries: dwood@calvarydover.org
Application: calvarydover.org/jobs
Overview: calvarydover.org/tech-team