Sr Manager - EPS Technical Director

Position Announcement

Utah Valley University seeks an experienced and collaborative Technical Director to provide leadership and operational oversight for scenic and technical production activities supporting theatre, dance, music, and multidisciplinary events at the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this position is responsible for planning, budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating scenic and technical operations across assigned performance venues, while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production execution.

The Technical Director provides leadership and direction to professional staff and coordinates and oversees student labor assignments across technical production areas, with a strong emphasis on training, safety practices, and alignment with both production and academic objectives. This role works closely with artistic leadership, operations staff, and venue management to support successful productions, maintain technical assets and shop operations, and contribute to long-range operational planning efforts. A strong technical background, with the ability to provide integrated support as needed, along with effective leadership skills and a commitment to student learning, are essential to success in this role.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Provides cost and labor estimates for scenic and technical execution supporting theatre, dance, music, and art and design departments. Directs purchasing of scenic materials and produces technical and construction drawings. Collaborates with the Director of Operations on long-range operational planning for production and shop facilities. Ensures compliance with safety standards for equipment and operations. Supervises professional staff and student employees (second-level supervision). Attends designated rehearsals, technical/dress rehearsals, and production meetings. Advises on technical requirements, costs, and appropriate use of equipment for performances and events across multiple venues. Coordinates venue-related technical planning and execution in collaboration with the Director of Operations and Venue Manager.
• Provides direct supervision of the Scene Shop Supervisor, who oversees the supervision and training of lab students, student employees, and staff engaged in scenic construction, installation, and strike activities. Ensures that training standards, safety protocols, and appropriate scope of work for lab students are met. Establishes expectations for staff training in scenic carpentry, welding, rigging, and safe operation of tools and equipment. Develops and maintains build, load-in, and strike schedules for production and event activities. Supports technical theatre academic programs by coordinating appropriate technical opportunities for student designers and technicians.
• Manages scene shop and properties operations for the School of the Arts. Maintains inventory of shops, venues, and stock scenic equipment and properties. Conducts regular inspections to maintain safe working environments. Coordinates equipment repair and replacement as needed. Aids in mentoring staff and students in the production of technical and construction drawings. Manages the load-in, maintenance, and operation of scenic elements and theatrical equipment to support theatre, dance, music, and other events; assists guest artists in technical matters. Keeps current with scenic construction practices, organizational methods, and improvements in technical production. Coordinates use of School of the Arts vehicles.
• Provides hands-on technical support as required, including special effects, projections, video, sound, lighting, or stage management support. Leads crews as assigned and is responsible for sourcing and procurement related to specialized production needs. Maintains a safe work environment and promptly addresses safety concerns with appropriate personnel.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

A bachelor’s degree in business or the arts and four years experience, or any combination of education and experience in a related field equaling eight years.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Technical Direction, or related field. Extensive (3 -5 years) supervisory experience in theater operations and shop management. Familiarity with theater equipment, design, setup, operation, and maintenance.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of theatrical scenic construction methods, materials, fabrication techniques, and drafting standards.
• Knowledge of structural systems, rigging practices, load calculations, and overhead safety requirements applicable to performance venues.
• Knowledge of industry safety standards and safe work practices for shops, stages, and production environments.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimation, purchasing, and resource planning for technical productions.
• Knowledge of shop operations, inventory management, and maintenance of technical and scenic assets.
• Working knowledge of other technical theatre disciplines, including lighting, sound, video/projections, and stage management.
• Knowledge of leadership, supervision, and training practices for professional staff and student employees.
• Working knowledge of office productivity tools and industry-related technical software.
• Knowledge of academic production environments and experiential learning objectives.
  
  

Skills

• Skill in planning and overseeing scenic and technical production activities across multiple venues.
• Skill in producing and interpreting technical and construction drawings.
• Skill in coordinating scenic operations with lighting, sound, video, and stage management teams.
• Strong communication, supervisory, and project management skills.
• Effective problem-solving and organizational skills.
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to manage multi-venue technical operations.
• Ability to integrate scenic and technical disciplines.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently.
• Ability to support student learning through mentorship.