Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in its students, faculty, and staff. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is the foundational core of community-building that supports the school’s mission and empowers all community members to be their whole selves and thrive-- especially those who historically have been and continue to be marginalized because of their cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, national, gender, sexual, spiritual, or socioeconomic identities and their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Riverdale enrolls about 1,200 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. Approximately 44% of our student body identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. At Riverdale we recognize that the work of DEIB is iterative and requires a consistent commitment. Ideal candidates display that commitment in their work and/or in their approach to teaching and learning. 

Position Overview

We have an opening for an enthusiastic and collegial Technical Director in our Theater, Dance, and Film Department. In addition to being the Technical Director for our main stage productions, this person will teach two courses and work closely with our existing full-time Technical Theater Teacher to develop the curriculum and oversee the student-run crew.

Our technical theater curriculum includes five classes/levels for grades 8-12. The outcomes are structured and scaffolded to provide artistic and personal growth opportunities for each student throughout the program. This is achieved through hands-on projects related to the production of the department’s co-curricular season in which every technical theater student builds each show, and the more advanced students take on design and production leadership roles.

Additionally, and with the support of the other full-time Technical Theater Teacher, this position manages the Jeslo Harris Theater and general school events.

Necessary Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or higher degree in Technical Theater or related field from an accredited college or university;
• Experience teaching middle and upper-school-aged students in a school or theatrical setting;
• Excellent carpentry skills to teach and supervise students in constructing scenery;
• Proficiency in at least one other aspect of technical theater, such as lighting, sound, scenic design, or video;
• Availability for after-school and weekend hours for performing arts events and technical rehearsals;
• Commitment to working collaboratively in all environments.

• Ability to lift more than 50 lbs. and comfort with working at heights;
• Background to teach other classes in the Theater, Dance, and Film Department in addition to technical theater;
• Experience with the setup and troubleshooting of theatrical control systems (lighting, audio, and video);
• Proficiency with EOS lighting control software, QLab, and/or Vectorworks.

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter. If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us. For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical: Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.

Retirement: Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA. The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.