Since 1920, Mount St. Joseph University has provided an education that is based on interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing mission, values, integrity, and social responsibility. Faculty and staff deliver high-quality academics, hands-on experiential learning, and personalized attention to support student success. Join our award-winning team, recognized for four consecutive years as a 'Best College to Work for,' and be part of a vibrant culture that places a premium on inclusion and belonging.
The technical director works within the School of Arts & Sciences to support performance and other University events and manage and supervise the University Theatre, Williams Recital Hall, and, when appropriate, additional performance and event spaces at Mount St. Joseph University. The technical director executes all aspects of Theatre Arts production designs and oversees health and safety for performances, events, productions, and assigned courses. This role additionally provides support, guidance, and education for MSJ students. The Theatre/Event Technical Director teaches within the School of Arts & Sciences.
Essential Job Duties:
- Executes and/or manages all aspects of production designs and safety for performing arts productions and courses, manages the build, load-in and technical schedule for productions and concerts for both the performing arts and MSJ university events.
- Manages and approves use of University Theatre, Williams Recital Hall, and adjacent theatre spaces (shop, storage, etc.) in coordination with the Coordinator for the School of Arts and Sciences. Facilitates communication between Theatre Arts and campus and community partners to ensure proper use, risk management, safety, inspections, and community building. The position will be the point person with facilities, housekeeping, EHS, OSHA, and Hazmat compliance.
- Oversees of safety and maintenance of the scene shop, theatre space, and Theatre Arts program storage including tool machinery, lighting equipment, and rigging. Manages budgets, purchasing and inventory in coordination with departmental and collaborators utilizing the University Theatre. Contributes to long-range plans to meet facility goals, ongoing capital equipment replacement, and technology replacement.
- Serves as the technical director for MSJ Theatre Arts program. This program typically produces at least two fully-staged productions a year. In addition, within this role there is opportunity for training, education, and mentorship to occur. This role will work in conjunction with the organization’s faculty and program advisors.
- Serves as the instructor for technical theatre courses. This provides an introduction to technical aspects of theatre through hands-on experience working and executing on campus productions. Focuses on basic principles of set, lighting, props, costume, makeup, and sound production. Supervises lab hours for this course.
- Recruits, hires, and supervises part-time technical staff of students/student workers, co-ops, and contractors. Schedules the team to cover events, maintenance/repair activities, and support outside rental opportunities. Approves timesheets for payroll, manage contracts, and create a positive collaborative environment. The position works as point-person in case of emergencies for all events within University Theatre and Williams Recital Hall while following university protocol.
- Provide technical support in partnership with ISS for MSJ and community partner events that take place in MSJ performance spaces.
Primary Contacts: Chair of Department of Creative Arts, Performing Arts Personnel, Coordinator for the School of Arts & Sciences, other members of the University community, Fiscal, ISS, Buildings and Grounds.
Supervision Exercised: Direct supervision of students/student workers, co-ops, and contractors.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Chairperson for the Department of Creative Arts
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
Education:
- B.A. with 2-5 years' professional experience in a professional theatre or scene shop environment
Experience:
- Knowledge of theatrical engineering and experience with successful practical applications
- Knowledge of theatrical construction techniques, including, but not limited to carpentry
- Knowledge of scene shop equipment and machinery
- Experience with basic rigging, lighting and theatrical sound equipment; including industry-standard rigging practices and safety
- Practice working in a collaborative environment and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population
- Ability to work with students and provide education, supervision, and ensure health and safety requirements are being met
- Ability to communicate with clarity and collegiality, fostering teamwork and a collaborative environment
Skills:
- Knowledge of ADA and OSHA compliance
- Skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and ability to learn all required business systems
- Skill in customer service and communication skills
- Skill in supervision
- Skill in scenery fabrication
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Ability to use industry-standard software such as CAD, Digital Audio Workstations, Vectorworks, Wirecase, and OBS
- Working knowledge of sound and lighting equipment
- Teaching experience and experience working with student theatre
- Experience in a higher education setting
- Experience teaching theatre or production
- Ability to troubleshoot problems in a prompt and efficient manner
- Ability to work varying hours including evenings, weekends and holidays
Benefits
Mount St. Joseph University offers a wide array of benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.
- Tuition Remission for you and your family.
- 403b Retirement
- Excellent benefits including medical, employer HSA contributions, dental, vision, life, parental leave.
- Generous PTO.
- 16 paid holidays.
- Competitive salaries.
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive educational environment.
- Professional development opportunities.
To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information with three professional references via Paycom.
A review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Mount St. Joseph University is an Equal Opportunity Employer