Technical Director

Technical Director

Company:
State University of New York at Cortland

Job Location:

Category:
Arts and Museum Administration

Type:
Full-Time

Salary Range: $52,500 + depending on experience

Salary Determination

Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.

Is this a temporary position?
No

Position Summary

The Technical Director for the Performing Arts Department will manage and execute the planning, construction, and implementation of all scenic and technical elements for departmental theatre productions. This includes, but is not limited to, four productions per year, including two musicals, as well as supervision of additional events held in departmental theatre facilities. The Technical Director collaborates closely with faculty, guest artists, staff, and students to ensure productions are completed safely, on time, and within budget. This position includes significant physically demanding and hands-on technical work in addition to planning and oversight responsibilities.

Salary: $52,500 + depending on experience (DOE)

What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?
* Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
* Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
* SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university's state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. SUNY Cortland's Child Care Center welcomes the children of employees and community members, as space allows. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval.
* Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
* Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings

Major Responsibilities

Production & Scenic Construction/Design

• Collaborate with directors and designers to provide input on the scope, scale, scheduling, and technical feasibility of scenic designs.
• Serve as the technical designer for all scenic elements of departmental productions.
• Select, order, and manage construction materials.
• Make independent, daily decisions to ensure timely completion of scenic elements.
• Complete occasional evening and weekend work as required by production schedules.

Planning, Budgeting & Scheduling

• Plan and coordinate all aspects of scenic construction and installation.
• Prepare, review, and communicate labor and materials cost estimates.
• Manage the scenery budget and ensure compliance with institutional policies.
• Establish build priorities in collaboration with faculty, directors and designers.

Supervision & Student Mentorship

• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate student employees.
• Instruct student crews in safe practices for construction, load-in, and strike.
• Manage workflow, expectations, accountability, and quality standards for technical staff and student workers.

Facilities, Equipment & Safety

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized scene shop.
• Supervise storage, inventory, and maintenance of all scene shop tools and equipment.
• Oversee maintenance, inspection, and upkeep of onstage and backstage areas.
• Coordinate with the Facilities Department regarding theatre maintenance.
• Plan and supervise the repair, purchase, and upgrade of scene shop and stage equipment.

Collaboration & Production Support

• Attend all production meetings and technical rehearsals.
• Participation in season planning and long-term production forecasting.
• Support all university events held in theatre facilities.
• Collaborate closely with the Production Manager to plan and coordinate the use of student crew members, including the assignment of roles and responsibilities, scheduling, and organization of workflows required for technical rehearsals and performances.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, guest artists, and staff to support production goals.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships

• Reports to the academic department chair.
• Supervises scene shop staff and student employees.
• Collaborates with directors, choreographers and designers in all production work.
• Works closely with the faculty, staff and students in the Performing Arts department.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in theatre or a related field.
• Professional or academic experience as a Technical Director, including scenic construction.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience in a theatre setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency as a carpenter, draftsman, welder, or theatre technician.
• Experience with rigging systems and mechanical devices (e.g., electric winches, turntables, pneumatic systems).
• Demonstrated fundamental understanding of lighting and sound design.
• Commitment to student-centered teaching and mentorship in an educational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA or BFA in Technical Theatre or a related field.
• Experience using AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks.
• Demonstrated proficiency with common software platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Adobe programs).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective communication, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Knowledge of applied mathematics is relevant to scenic constructions, measurement, and load calculations.
• Knowledge of advanced skills relating to scenic operations.
• Knowledge of all relevant tools associated with the construction, installation, and finishing of theatrical sets.
• Knowledge of computer applications associated with scenic design.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, theatrical safety standards, and effective risk management practices within production environments.
• Ability to quickly and effectively troubleshoot and solve technical or operational problems.
• Ability to plan, manage, and execute designs within established budgets and production schedules.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment and scenery.

About the University

A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine's "Best Colleges for Your Money List," fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

EEO Statement

The State University of New York at Cortland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act (AA/EEO/ADA) employer. The university actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the university.

Posting Number: S25085

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