Company Description

The New World Symphony (NWS) prepares graduates of music programs for leadership roles in professional orchestras and ensembles. Since its co-founding in 1987 by Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas and Lin and Ted Arison, NWS has helped launch the careers of more than 1,200 alumni worldwide. In 2022 Stéphane Denève was named Artistic Director of the New World Symphony. Artistic excellence, connection to audiences, engaging communities and entrepreneurial activities are pillars of the experiential curriculum. Diversity, equity and inclusion are high priorities for the NWS and are critical in the preparation of Fellows for leadership positions. NWS pursues its work in the New World Center (NWC), a Frank Gehry-designed campus that is uniquely suited to embrace the digital future of education and artistic expression. 

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lighting Director oversees all aspects of NWS’s institutional lighting design and operations and plays a crucial role in creating and executing visually immersive experiences for audiences and clients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the Artistic Director and pertinent staff, manage all aspects of institutional lighting design and operations, including design strategies and scheduling
• Develop lighting plots for environmental lighting and organizational activities, including creative design for performances, video productions, video-recorded educational and coaching activities, and rental events
• Oversee lighting operations for all institutional activities and events; serve as primary lighting board operator for major, lighting-intensive projects and events
• Liaise with rental clients and other external parties regarding lighting-related activities for their events at NWC and adjacent SoundScape Park; oversee lighting-related activities for select rental events
• Liaise with visiting lighting and video artists, and provide necessary technical information and production support to ensure effective presentation of their work
• Oversee functional integrity of all lighting equipment and infrastructure throughout NWC by supervising and/or performing routine maintenance and repairs, managing externally performed repairs, and recommending and managing future lighting-related equipment purchases and rentals
• Maintain inventory of all lighting-related equipment and detailed records of lighting designs
• Develop and manage lighting equipment and design-related budgets in consultation with Vice President, Program Operations; monitor and provide initial approval of lighting-related check requests, purchase orders and expense reports
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in theatrical production or a related field
• Minimum of three years of creative lighting design experience, preferably at a manager or director level in the performing arts field
• Experience with current-technology lighting equipment and applications (GrandMA lighting consoles, ETC Ion lighting console, Highend Solaframe Theatres, Highend Solaframe Studios moving lights, Lustr series 3 conventional fixtures, ETC Sensor 3 Dimmers and Vectorworks visualization software, ETC Paradigm architectural control programming language)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of personalities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Possess high degree of organization and attention to detail
• Commitment to the highest standards of creative lighting design
• Ability to manage numerous simultaneous projects in a multi-activity work environment
• Ability to read music and follow musical scores
• Familiarity with classical orchestral and chamber music
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and database usage
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work a varied schedule, including frequent nights and weekends

Additional Information

BENEFITS: NWS offers an excellent benefits package to eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, long and short term disability, life and AD&D, 401(k), generous paid time off and comprehensive flexible work arrangements program.

EEO STATEMENT: The New World Symphony is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is an equal opportunity employer. The New World Symphony prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, genetics, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.