Job Description

TED is seeking an Event Producer (Contractor) to join our Event Operations team. This is a hands-on production role for an experienced events professional who brings craft knowledge, operational rigour, and a genuine curiosity for what's next in live events. You will independently own assigned workstreams — from vendor sourcing through on-site execution.

The ideal candidate is well-rounded and solution-focused: someone who can navigate ambiguity, manage complex logistics without losing sight of the guest experience, and bring vendors and timelines under control with equal confidence. You stay current on event production trends, emerging formats, and sustainable practices, and you apply that knowledge practically.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Production & Execution

• Execute end-to-end production for assigned event workstreams, from sourcing through on-site delivery and post-event reconciliation, in alignment with approved creative and operational briefs.
• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules, workback plans, and milestone trackers; proactively flag risks and manage schedule shifts across multiple concurrent projects.
• Oversee physical event environments, including staging, scenic, décor, temporary structures, furnishings, fencing, flooring, florals, signage, and outdoor activations
• Coordinate load-in and load-out logistics, setup and teardown, and on-site production flow, ensuring safety, accessibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Consolidate and place orders for front-of-house and back-of-house technical needs, including AV, electrical, IT, lighting, plumbing, and rigging.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Source and evaluate vendors across furnishings, scenic builds, custom fabrication, technical services, logistics, and signage; present options and recommendations for approval prior to engagement.
• Manage day-to-day vendor communications, change orders, and deliverables.
• Monitor vendor performance against approved scope, timeline, and quality expectations; escalate issues promptly.
• Build and maintain complex production schedules, coordinating across multiple vendors, internal teams, and site requirements simultaneously.
• Manage logistics including shipping, deliveries, and on-site movement plans.
• Anticipate conflicts and constraints early; bring contingency options to the manager for direction, then execute against approved plans.
• Keep all operational details current in shared project management tools and documentation.

Budget & Financial Tracking

• Manage assigned production budgets within approved parameters; track committed spend, process invoices, and flag variances promptly.
• Bring cost-saving opportunities and any spend requiring approval for sign-off.
• Provide accurate financial summaries and updates at production check-ins.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Serve as a reliable point of contact for assigned workstreams, providing clear and timely communication to vendors, partners, and internal teams.
• Contribute to weekly production meetings with consistent progress updates and proactive problem-flagging.
• Maintain accurate project archives including layouts, vendor data, schedules, and production notes.
• Participate in post-event debriefs and contribute to process improvement.
• Adhere to TED branding, identity, and operational guidelines at all times.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Event Management, Hospitality, Production, or a related discipline — or equivalent professional experience.
• 4–5 years of hands-on event production experience with demonstrated growth in responsibility.
• Strong working knowledge of live event production craft: scenic, furnishings, temporary structures, technical services, and logistics.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-vendor schedules across concurrent projects in fast-moving environments.
• Solution-focused mindset: you identify problems early and bring options to your manager, not just escalations.
• Solid contract negotiation and vendor management experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to manage up, across, and externally with clarity.
• Comfortable working within defined parameters and approval structures while maintaining strong operational momentum.
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Airtable, and project management tools; familiarity with floor-planning software ( CAD, or similar) an asset.
• Familiarity with sustainable event practices and accessible event planning principles.
• Stays current on event industry trends, emerging formats, and production technologies.

Additional Information

• Must be authorized to work in Canada or the United States.
• This position requires regular on-site presence at event venues.

About TED

TED is a global nonprofit dedicated to spreading ideas that matter — through talks, conferences, and initiatives that foster curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Our events bring together diverse voices to share insights, drive innovation, and inspire action toward a better future.

TED is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter telling us why you’d like to join our team. Only applications with cover letters will be considered.

Location: San Diego, CA preferred, but not mandatory, open to US or Canada based.

Project Fee - $25,000K - $28,000K project fee

Contract: July 19, 2026 – March 30, 2027

TED Conferences LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.