Technical Director

Salary/Position Classification

• $45,000+ commensurate with experience 10-month contract, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Technical Director (TD) is a key member of the Department of Theatre Arts, responsible for overseeing all technical and production operations. The TD manages the construction of scenic elements for department productions in accordance with professional and NAST accreditation standards while supervising students in practicum courses, lab experiences, and work-study positions. This includes training students on shop safety, equipment, and industry best practices.

The TD develops and manages the annual production calendar, coordinates production schedules and meetings, and may serve as Production Manager. In collaboration with the Department Chair, the TD assists with annual production budgeting and manages the Scene Shop budget.

The TD oversees the maintenance and operation of Burtness and Starcher Theatres, associated shops, storage areas, and technical facilities, coordinating with Facilities as needed. Additional responsibilities include managing bookings for non-department events in Burtness Theatre; serving as the department's sound designer and projection/video technician; coordinating sound equipment and resources for productions; and overseeing stage management and props for departmental productions.

Duties & Responsibilities

Technical Director, Scene Shop Supervisor, & University Technical Resource

• Working with UND Safety Office, develop and monitor safety, and security procedures.
• Together with Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, and Chair, establish and monitor annual production budget.
• Maintain scenic and prop inventory.
• Establish and monitor operational procedures.
• With Production Staff, determine technical rehearsal schedule for each production.
• Draft shop drawings.
• Estimate time and material costs for each project.
• Establish and monitor construction schedules.
• Coordinate various steps in building process.
• Ensure the scene shop is open and functioning at least 20 hours per week during; supervise the building process and coordinate labor among shop assistants and crews.
• Set and monitor quality standards.
• Establish and monitor specific construction techniques.
• Supervise student technical work in Lab Theatre.
• Manage hours submitted by student employees.
• Schedule and supervise non-departmental events.
• Run UND Theatre Tech and Dress Rehearsals.

Supervise student heads/assistants of scene shop, sound/light, and props

• Hold regularly scheduled meetings with area heads/assistants of departments.
• Develop schedule and procedures with heads/assistants to ensure duties are performed in timely manner and that inventories are being maintained.
• Ensure props lists for shows are being built, purchased, or otherwise acquired and that storage areas are maintained.
• Coordinate with Stage Managers to go over production processes and schedules, and oversee Stage Managers’ work in coordination with faculty. 

Production Sound Design & Video Engineering

• Develop and execute sound design in collaboration with director and according to rehearsal schedule. 
• Oversee engineering for production video designs created for individual productions.
• Train and supervise Sound and Video Operators. 
• Maintain Sound and Video equipment. 
• Maintain Sound and Video libraries. 
• Train and supervise student stage managers and assistant stage managers. 

Purchasing Agent & Departmental Inventory 

• Maintain list of vendors.
• Purchase materials for each production; provide invoices and billing information to Dept. Administrative Assistant for processing.
• Coordinate Departmental bids by working through UND Procurement and Payment Services.
• Maintain Departmental inventory records. 
• Responsible for completion of annual inventory; supervise student workers or staff assisting with inventory.
• Process surplus properties, including finding or securing temporary storage.

Burtness Theatre, Starcher, and Sets/Props/Costumes Warehouse Physical Plant Supervision 

• Monitor Burtness, Merrifield, and Sets/Props/Costumes Warehouse building conditions.
• Work with UND Facilities on building changes or repairs.

Department General A/V Technical Support 

• Supervise use of technical equipment within the department.
• Advise and coordinate computer technology purchases in consultation with University Information Technology.
• Instruct in initial use of equipment.
• Coordinate, as needed, with College of Arts and Sciences and University Information Technology with Departmental computer technology projects.

Required Competencies

• Expertise in building theatrical scenic elements
• Expertise in all scene shop and lighting equipment
• Expertise in sound design equipment and microphone systems
• Expertise in computer projection/video equipment
• Expertise in computers and software
• Expertise in organization and interpersonal communication

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Design/Tech or 5 years of related professional experience
• Experience working with different types of materials including metals, wood, plastics/foams etc.
• Experience with Sound and Video systems for theatre
• Experience with Stage Management
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lighting equipment and systems
• Experience with welding
• Experience with scenic painting
• Experience supervising and training students in scene shop equipment, tools and best practices
• Supervisory experience with managing work study hourly records

To Apply

Submit cover letter, and resume by closing date.