Director of Keynote Production

ROLE: Director of Keynote Production

REPORTS TO: Sr. Production Director

What is a Production Director at salt:

The Director of Keynote Production leads all aspects of high-profile keynote development and execution—owning client relationships, managing complex timelines, and overseeing cross-functional teams to deliver world-class keynote experiences. They are equally capable of executive producing keynotes themselves and guiding teams across other projects.

This role requires deep expertise in live show production, executive speaker support, and storytelling under pressure. The Director works closely with creative, technical, and client teams to ensure content, show flow, and production elements align seamlessly.

They mentor and grow production talent, help develop new business opportunities, and constantly identify ways to elevate keynote impact. Calm, strategic, and solutions-oriented, they anticipate issues before they arise and communicate clearly across all levels.

They are comfortable navigating tough conversations with clients, executives, internal teams, and vendors—ensuring clarity, accountability, and high standards are maintained from concept through execution.

• Job Responsibilities:

  • Be the go-to partner for clients and executive stakeholders—communicating clearly, setting expectations, and building trust throughout the keynote production process.

  • Lead and guide teams to deliver standout keynote experiences that align with client goals, speaker vision, and creative direction.

  • Own/Support/Guide all aspects of keynote production—speaker prep, run-of-show, timelines, tech, and on-site execution—while supporting the team with clear delegation.

  • Keep creative, content, and production workflows moving in sync, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

  • Have a comprehensive knowledge of show development, including cue sheets, status documents, staging documents, and rehearsal schedules.

  • Have a comprehensive understanding of onsite show development, with basic knowledge of complex systems like D3 and Pixera to support developing proper timelines and aligning expectations.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of broadcast, camera placement, show calling, and general broadcast set-up.

  • Work with internal teams and vendors to lock in venues, staging, show tech, and executive support—always balancing quality and budget.

  • Manage multiple keynote timelines at once—tracking deliverables, flagging risks early, and keeping everyone aligned.

  • Staff projects with the right mix of in-house and freelance talent; know when to bring in help and how to get contracts moving.

  • Join key meetings—client kickoffs, internal reviews, show rehearsals—to make sure keynote production stays on track.

  • Collaborate with other directors and teams to keep communication flowing across the company and projects.

  • Check in regularly with your team—offer support, give feedback, and help them grow.

  • Make sure operations, finance, and reconciliation processes are followed throughout the project lifecycle.

  • After the show, review what worked, what didn’t, and where we can get better—content, experience, budget, all of it.

  • Lead as the Executive Producer on keynotes, or support another EP to make sure the show delivers at the highest level.

  • Keep calm under pressure while managing moving pieces—you’ll set the pace but also bring steadiness when it counts.

  • Travel as needed for rehearsals, speaker support, and live shows—both domestic and international.

  • This role requires in-person presence during prep and production—we’re a hands-on team.

  • Contribute to long-term team growth by identifying, mentoring, and developing emerging talent— such as Associated Producers, Breakout Producers, Stage Managers, and other supporting roles—to ensure a scalable and cohesive keynote team for future increased volume of projects.

  • Contribute to new business efforts by supporting responses to keynote-focused RFPs—crafting production strategies, staffing models, budget scenarios and creative approaches that win work and grow the vertical.

Requirements

• 8+ Years of experience

• Hands-on experience managing budgets over 5 million dollars and a nice-to-have of budgets over 8 million [this could be a collaborative experience]

• Confidence in proposing next steps and leading a team from a strategic thought through execution

• Understanding of the keynote/stage production business and able to forecast potential fires on a project in advance

• A deep understanding of roles and responsibilities of all staff in pre-production and on-site

• Comfort and confidence managing day-to-day project client relationships as well as big picture client relationships

• Understanding of the creative process for large-scale keynotes [audio visual, LED walls, fabrication & printed graphics]

• Proactive problem solver

• Approach projects as an opportunity to create premium work and develop client relationships and strong teams - it’s not just about the end result but also the process and the people

• Nice to have:

  • A wiz at Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

  • Passionate about the keynote world, keeping up with the day-to-day news about successful projects going on around the world.

You Are:

• A Trusted Leader Under Pressure – You thrive in high-stakes environments, navigating tight timelines, shifting priorities, and executive stakeholders with calm, clarity, and control.

• A Show Production Expert – You bring deep, hands-on experience in live event production, from cue sheets to camera setups, speaker prep to stage tech—and know how to seamlessly integrate every element.

• A Strategic Communicator – You can clearly articulate complex ideas to clients, creatives, executives, and vendors alike, ensuring alignment, accountability, and a shared vision from kickoff to curtain call.

• A Mentor and Team Builder – You know that standout shows come from standout teams. You support and grow talent, delegate with intention, and foster collaboration every step of the way.

Salt Core Values + You

• Redefine the Rules: Creative and production fighting like cats and dogs? Not here. We bring creative and production together from the start because a great idea is only as good as how it’s brought to life. For us, logistics and aesthetics go hand in hand. We’re all about delivering experiences that go beyond the ask.

• In Search Of: Tackling challenges is our favorite pastime. Obstacles? We call them plot twists. We are creative thinkers and problem-solvers who always find a way forward with curiosity and determination. Our focus is exceeding expectations, turning client asks into an opportunity to deliver something unexpectedly brilliant.

• Expect More, Get More: We hold ourselves to higher standards than anyone else, always looking for ways to elevate each project. We don’t stop at simply checking all the boxes; we push until time runs out. That extra 10% is where we surpass the competition, delivering results beyond what our clients could imagine—or even think to ask for.

• Compassion is Culture: We are powered by extraordinary humans, and we’re dedicated to cultivating an environment where company success is tied to team success. We combat burnout with inspiration, motivation, and genuine support. Without fun, work sucks.

Compensation Range: $160K - $185K