CMU School of Drama


Sunday, September 16, 2012

J-O-B TD



Job Title: Technical Director

Reports to: Director of Artistic Administration

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory Responsibility: Craftsman’s Guild, IATSE and non-union crews

General Position Summary:
The Technical Director is responsible for managing the production-related resources of time, personnel, and money to assure that functions proceed smoothly and within budget. This position will function as Technical Director for all Opera Omaha productions and special events and technical supervisor/advisor for all Opera Omaha rental productions.

Essential Functions/Major responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• In consultation with General Director and Director of Artistic Administration negotiates technical support contracts, coordinates all personnel, equipment and services related to physical production
• Researches and coordinates construction, purchase, rental and transportation of all sets, costumes, props, lighting, sound and video equipment, and instruments for mainstage productions, outreach performances and special events
• Maintains production records, updates website rentals, manages rental inquiries, rental contracts and grows set rental business, assists in developing production budgets.
• Sets production schedule in coordination with Director of Artistic Administration, arranges rental and access of rehearsal spaces, researches and supervises scenery builds/purchases for productions.
• Supervises load-ins, load outs, technical rehearsals, performances and special events, sets crew calls for shows and determines labor needs
• Advises General Director with regard to labor negotiations with IATSE maintain
• Responsible for the yearly inventory of warehouse, maintenance of its contents, which includes repair and /or refurbishment of sets.
• Acquisition of supertitles, lighting and additional gear needed for production and events
• Drawing, drafting and distribution of plots, including rail, for shows and for onsite set construction

Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in music, theatre or other arts. Experience working in a non-profit arts organization, is preferred.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
·         Strong computer skills, including a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher) and CAD and/or Vector Works
·         Excellent written and verbal communications skills
·         Excellent organizational skills
·         Able to work effectively as part of a team
·         Works well under pressure
·         Results and team-oriented work style
Interpersonal Contacts:
Opera Omaha staff, Board of Directors, seasonal production, design, technical personnel, community organizations, and any external constituents needing assistance.
Job Conditions and Work Hours:
Opera Omaha is a high-energy organization with a demanding mission. Employees will sometimes experience heavy workloads under very tight timelines. In addition, work may be required outside of normal business hours, including some evenings and weekends to support programming, performances, and other Opera Omaha initiatives.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Jenny Daggett, Director of Finance and Human Resources: jdaggett@operaomaha.org. Please include "Technical Director” in the subject line of the email.

3 comments:

tspeegle said...

This job posting missed a pretty key piece of information right off the bat. Where is the job? The posting goes on to say where it is, but I feel this should be included in the opening.
Also, Reports to who? Director of Artistic Administration - I love how varied our job titles can be in the industry.
This seems like a nice start for a new TD. Not a high profile gig, but I imagine that the experiences gained with this company would be useful. Omaha Opera seems like a "all hands on deck" kind of place.

AAKennard said...

The job seems pretty exciting especially as a first year TD grad. I see that as a list of things I need to learn, practice,experience and hone over the next 3 years. Many of the tasks and responsibilities I see on the posting are already being worked on 4 weeks into the year and some I know will come over time. Think this posting is a nice check list for myself of keeping in mind things I need to make sure I cover while in school.

Unknown said...

"Opera Omaha is a high-energy organization with a demanding mission. Employees will sometimes experience heavy workloads under very tight timelines. In addition, work may be required outside of normal business hours, including some evenings and weekends to support programming, performances, and other Opera Omaha initiatives."

Run. RUN!! It's code for, "You're salary and we WILL make you change over in 24 hrs by yourself." RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!