What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Technical Director (Full-time) position at BlackRock Center for the Arts?
BE PART OF THE BLACKROCK BUZZ.
At BlackRock Center, we are building an accessible and inclusive community where creative expression, cultural exchange, and a sense of belonging can flourish. We celebrate the diverse voices of Upper Montgomery County, Germantown, and surrounding areas through the arts, fostering artistic growth and cultural understanding. Our mission is to nurture artistic, cultural, and educational experiences that uplift historically excluded communities and dismantle systemic barriers.
We are committed to four core values:
TRUST – We build and maintain accountability to our community, valuing open, honest relationships.
EQUITY – We strive to make art accessible to all, prioritizing populations who have been systemically oppressed.
CURIOUSITY – We embrace learning and creative exploration, constantly evolving through the process.
COMMUNITY – We believe in the power of intentional, inclusive engagement to uplift individuals and transform society.
Our Statement of Equity affirms our dedication to confronting and addressing the exclusionary practices that have long permeated arts and culture, from systemic biases to inequitable access to resources. We are actively working to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background, can engage with and contribute to the world of art.
Join us in creating a space where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and belong.
Assistant Technical Director (Full-time)
The assistant technical director performs intermediate technical and administrative work, aiding in logistical support for performances, rehearsals, changeovers, classes, camps, maintenance, and other events at BlackRock Center for the Arts. This position uses a proactive approach, requiring both technical skills to support a production and customer service/interpersonal skills to work with non-technical users and clients. The Assistant Technical Director reports to and assists the Technical Director in evaluating and implementing technical requests, and providing support in a safe and practical manner, with meaningful impact. The work is accomplished with moderate physical demands under safe working conditions. The candidate is responsible for limited supervision of part-time staff.
Key Responsibilities:
With advisement and supervision from the technical director, the assistant technical director will:
- Assist with day-to-day operations at BlackRock Center, including, but not limited to, changeovers, rehearsals, performances, rentals, special events, camps, classes, and maintenance.
- Complete, review, and distribute Technician Event Reports for rehearsals, performances, and events.
- Evaluate, coordinate, and implement user group technical requests
- Design, install, and operate audio and lighting support for clients and user groups at BlackRock Center.
- Lead work crews of part-time staff and/or volunteers during load-ins, strikes, events, changeovers, etc.
- Assist the technical director and director of operations & facilities on tracking capital needs and improvements for all BlackRock Center performance spaces and their necessary equipment and infrastructure.
- Assist with maintaining, repairing, and replacing all lighting, lighting control, audio, audio control, projection, projection control, rigging, and all other technical and theatrical equipment.
- Maintain and update inventory information for the BlackRock Center production department.
- Ensure that all lighting, audio, and projection equipment is stored and organized safely and efficiently.
- Work with the technical director and director of operations & facilities to determine purchasing needs and to acquire necessary items for venue operations.
- Meet with clients and user groups to determine requirements for technical support, while providing excellent customer service.
- Act as technical director in their absence.
- Perform other duties as required.
- Assist with scheduling, supervision, and training of part time technical staff
Who You Are:
At BlackRock Center, we strive to create a welcoming workplace that inspires curiosity. An ideal individual lives BlackRock’s values daily: care deeply, trust the process, and embrace equity and inclusivity in every interaction.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Any combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by courses in theatrical production
- Three years of experience in the professional field, including event technology, venue management, and crew supervision
- Personal transportation and valid driver’s license preferred.
- Knowledge of theatrical production, design, and build processes
- Knowledge of best practices in theater and event production
- Working knowledge of theatre lighting, projection, and sound equipment, including use and repair
- Strong critical thinking and proactive problem-solving ability
- Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented approach to planning
- Knowledge of drafting programs (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Drafty app, LXFree etc.) desirable, but not required
- Knowledge of QLab is desirable, but not required
- Ability to work well with a team, both as a lead and in a supporting role
- Ability to lead part-time personnel and volunteers of varying skill and experience levels
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, holidays, and weekends as required
- Ability to adapt to change, trouble-shoot, and make decisions while maintaining a calm demeanor
- A willingness to take direction from multiple managers or team members, as well as having a good understanding of with whom to advise/consult in the event of conflicting direction
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Exemplify a commitment to BlackRock’s mission to bring performing and visual arts experiences to diverse audiences and providing accessible opportunities to engage in the arts
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Sit, stand, walk, and work at a computer, relative to an office environment
- Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including weekends, holidays and evenings, as required
- Ability to lift, push, or maneuver up to 75 lbs.
- Ability to climb ladders and work in high places.
We are challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We believe in an employee experience that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose.
Compensation and Benefits
- The assistant technical director is a regular full-time position.
- The pay range is $21.64 - $22.60 depending on experience
- We offer Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance-BlackRock pays 50% of the employee’s premium. We also provide up to $1200 towards deductibles and co-pay annually.
- This position earns vacation pay at 120 hours per year (3 weeks)
- 12 paid holidays
- Flexible hours
- All employees are covered by Maryland’s Sick and Safe Leave Policy. Staff also have access to the Maryland Saves retirement savings program as well as free and discounted tickets and classes.
Salary : $22 - $23