Technical Director/Designer

DePauw University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Women, members of underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Position will remain open until filled.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship at this time.

The Technical Director/Designer oversees all technical operations for theatrical productions and performing arts events, including scenic design and construction, lighting, sound, video, and rigging systems. The incumbent ensures safety compliance and coordinates the installation and operation of all technical elements. The Technical Director may serve as scenic and/or lighting designer for productions as assigned, and provides technical support for Institute of Music performances, admissions events, student organizations, and other campus events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Technical Director Role

• Approve set and lighting designs with regard to safety, compatibility and scheduling considerations.

• Coordinate technical rehearsals and load-ins for productions, including scheduling rehearsals, managing technical crews, and overseeing the installation of production elements.

• Recruit and schedule technical crew members, including shop workers, board operators. Provide training, guidance, and support to ensure that all crew members understand their roles and responsibilities.

• Develop production budgets for technical elements including sets, lighting, sound, and special effects. Monitor expenses, negotiate vendor contracts, and make budgetary decisions to ensure productions are executed within financial constraints. Mentor and evaluate student designers in collaboration with directors and faculty.

• Coordinate the procurement, construction, and maintenance of props for productions. Work with prop designers and artisans to ensure that props are created or acquired according to the artistic vision of the production, and manage their storage, transportation, and use during rehearsals and performances.

• Work with lighting designers to develop lighting plots and cues for productions. Oversee the installation and operation of lighting equipment, including hanging and focusing lights, programming light cues, and managing lighting effects during performances.

• Coordinate backstage activities during rehearsals and performances, including cueing actors, managing scene changes, and ensuring the smooth flow of the production. Serve as a liaison between the production team and the cast and crew to facilitate communication and resolve issues as they arise.

• Oversee all theatrical rigging operations including counterweight fly systems, calculate load capacities for flown elements, conduct regular inspections, train crew on safe rigging practices, and maintain inspection logs and documentation required for annual certifications.

• Maintain comprehensive inventories of scenic materials, stock scenery, lighting equipment, and related supplies. Develop and implement comprehensive safety procedures and protocols for all production activities to ensure compliance with OSHA, fire codes, and industry safety standards.

• Attend production meetings and operations meetings.

Design

• Act as scenic designer and/or lighting designer for productions as assigned, which may include set design, lighting design, and video projection design for theatrical, music, and other performing arts events.

• Generate technical drawings for scenic and lighting elements as needed for construction and installation of materials.

General

• Collaborate with the Director of Productions to review the performing arts production calendar and identify technical design needs.

• Review technical riders for guest artists as needed by the Director of Production.

• Provide technical support for guest artist events.

• Assist with events and performances as assigned in the Green Center, Music on the Square, and produced under the Creative School.

• Conduct regular safety inspections of equipment, facilities, and performance spaces, addressing any hazards and maintaining documentation of all safety checks.

• Support technical theatre courses by providing equipment access, technical demonstrations, and guidance to students as requested by faculty. Oversee production strikes.

• Assist in developing a technical plan for space upgrades.

• Other duties as assigned.
  

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to change in the workplace.

• Assertiveness - Ability to act in a self-confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea.

• Coaching and Development - Ability to provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas.

• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.

• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.

• Diversity Oriented - Commitment to valuing a variety of different experiences, encouraging input and collaboration from campus stakeholders, including being mindful of experiences related, but not limited to: age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, LGBTQ, and/or job type.

• Management Skills - Ability to organize and direct oneself and effectively supervise others.

• Negotiation Skills - Ability to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties.

• Judgment - The ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information.

• Project Management - Ability to organize and direct a project to completion.

• Resource Management (People & Equipment) - Ability to obtain and appropriate the proper usage of equipment, facilities, materials, as well as personnel.

• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

• Assist with Summer Camps and Programs as necessary.

• Support events in the Green Center for the Performing Arts and other venues as assigned.
  

Physical Demands

Lift/Carry

Stand

F (Frequently)

Walk

F (Frequently)

Sit

C (Constantly)

Handling / Fingering

C (Constantly)

Reach Outward

F (Frequently)

Reach Above Shoulder

F (Frequently)

Climb

F (Frequently)

Crawl

F (Frequently)

Squat or Kneel

F (Frequently)

Bend

F (Frequently)

10 lbs or less

F (Frequently)

11-20 lbs

F (Frequently)

21-50 lbs

F (Frequently)

51-100 lbs

O (Occasionally)

Over 100 lbs

O (Occasionally)

Push/Pull

12 lbs or less

F (Frequently)

13-25 lbs

F (Frequently)

26-40 lbs

F (Frequently)

41-100 lbs

O (Occasionally)

Speak

F (Frequently)

N (Not Applicable)

Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally)

Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently)

Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly)

Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral, Depth Perception)

Hearing (Auditory perception, or audition)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

We are proud to recognize the active participation of faculty and staff in adding to the heritage of building and supporting vibrant, intellectual and creative lives for students and for ourselves. Principles of collaboration, respect for each other, diversity, freedom of expression, accountability and service guide the daily decisions and interactions across campus.

DePauw University, in affirmation of its commitment to excellence, endeavors to provide equal opportunity for all individuals in its hiring, promotion, compensation and admission procedures. Institutional decisions regarding hiring, promotion, compensation and admission will be based upon a person’s qualifications and/or performance without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender, gender identity or gender expression, except where religion, gender, or national origin is a bona fide occupational qualification.

DePauw University’s goals and commitments are best served if the institution reflects the diversity of our society; hence, DePauw seeks diversity in all areas and levels of employment and abides by all local, state, and federal regulations concerning equal employment opportunities. The University admits, hires and promotes individuals upon their qualities and merits.

Employee Benefits Overview

There are many benefits offered to DePauw Employees.

For full time benefits eligible employees these benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance . Basic Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Long Term Disability are paid for by DePauw University. Full time employees may elect to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for themselves and their dependents. Additional voluntary benefits , Tuition Remission and Exchange , as well as Relocation Allowance are also employee benefits. See the Benefits Hub.

All employees may participate in the retirement savings plan , as well as employee discounts and access to University resources.

At DePauw, we recognize that our employees need to balance work and home. Please refer to University Policies for Vacation Time , Personal Time (hourly) and Sick Time policies in the Employee Handbook for more information on these and other benefits. When you need support, the Cigna Employee Assistance benefit is available to all employees and their households.

ENJOY ACCESS TO THE AMAZING FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS DEPAUW UNIVERSITY HAS TO OFFER, SUCH AS:

• Welch Fitness Center and wellness classes
• Indoor Tennis and Track Center
• University Libraries
• Peeler art galleries
• Green Center for the Performing Arts events and programs
• Ubben lecture series
• Free athletic events
• Bookstore and Starbucks (Greencastle) discounts
• Employee discounted meal plan
• Free parking
• Nature park, including walking and biking trails
• Personal duplicating and printing discounts

EEO is the law.