Technical Director

• Location: Robertson College Community Center & School of Performing Arts

• Reports to: Executive Director of Conferences & Events and Venue Operations

Position Overview

The Technical Director (TD) serves as a key member of the Robertson College Community Center (RCCC) and School of Performing Arts team, providing technical leadership for a wide range of programming, including theatre, concerts, dance, film, and special events. The TD oversees all technical operations across three venues—Keppel Auditorium (1,500-seat proscenium) and the Hedrick Little Theatre (230-seat thrust), and manages scenery, stage operations, and associated technical elements for all building clients, internal and external.

The RCCC Technical Director works closely with other departmental production staff to ensure safe, efficient, and collaborative operations across the School of Performing Arts.

Specifically:

• The Theatre Arts Technical Director manages the scene shop, theatre arts storage, and theatre equipment.
• The Theatre Costume Director manages the costume shop, dressing rooms, and costume-related equipment.
• The Music Department Production Manager oversees instrument movement, storage, and event set-up for music performances.

Successful productions and events depend on effective coordination among these roles. The RCCC Technical Director partners closely with the Theatre Arts Technical Director and the Music Department Production Manager to align schedules, share resources, and maintain the highest professional standards in production quality and safety.

Responsibilities

Technical Oversight & Production Support

• Oversee safe operation of all technical aspects of productions and events, including lighting, sound, projections, rigging, staging, and scenery.
• Review and implement technical riders; budget, plan, and staff events accordingly.
• Supervise and participate in load-ins, technical rehearsals, performances, and strikes except for theatre and music department events that are separately staffed.
• Provide technical drawings, construction plans, and oversee scenic fabrication, installation, and maintenance for internal and external clients, except for theatre and music department events that are separately staffed.
• Train and supervise over-hire crews, student workers, and volunteers in safe operation of equipment and adherence to OSHA and DOL General Industry standards. Implement related certification processes.
• Serve as technical resource and collaborator for faculty, staff, designers, and guest artists.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during rehearsals and performances.
• Assist the Conferences and Events team with media services on campus, if needed.

Facilities & Equipment Management

• Operate, maintain, and safeguard all technical assets and stage facilities.
• Create and implement preventive maintenance plans for theatrical and facility systems.
• Monitor equipment condition; arrange for repair/replacement within budgetary limits.
• Maintain accurate technical space drawings, equipment inventories, and storage management systems.
• Create work orders for building systems as they impact production (HVAC, HEPA filtration, restrooms, dressing rooms, rehearsal and storage areas).
• Ensure facilities are ready and safe for use by productions, rentals, and community partners.

Planning, Budget & Administration

• Attend the RCCC Operations and Planning Committee, collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Assist with production and facilities budgets, including repair, replacement, and capital planning.
• Provide cost analyses for technical elements of productions and special events.
• Assist in budget preparation for production and facility needs.
• Help develop long-term strategies for upgrades and equipment purchases.

Leadership & Training

• Lead the Stage Operations Team in safeguarding technical assets and maintaining quality standards.
• Establish and enforce uniform safety training, OSHA and other related certification, and protocols for all stage and shop activities.
• Recruit, train, and supervise technical staff and student crews; evaluate, hire, and train temporary labor
• Support summer education programs and special events with technical planning and execution.
• Foster collaborative, positive working relationships with staff, faculty, students, visiting artists, and community partners.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic; effective working independently or as a team leader.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• 3+ years of experience as Technical Director or in a comparable production role.
• Thorough understanding of industry standards, methods, and safety protocols for theatrical venues and shops.
• Strong proficiency in scenic rigging.
• Demonstrated experience with theatrical lighting, audio, and visual systems (load-in, strike, maintenance, inventory).
• Proficiency with VectorWorks; ability to read, evaluate, and produce technical drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with, 25Live, Teams and Zoom preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Experience managing budgets, creating cost analyses, and coordinating production schedules.
• Ability to recruit, evaluate, and train staff and crews.
• Candidate preferably has attained OSHA General Industry and/or construction, rigging, and electrical safety certifications.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills to maintain positive relationships with coworkers, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
• Ability to work irregular hours, lift up to 100 lbs. (with appropriate tools), and work at heights above 25’.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• B.A. in Theatre or equivalent professional experience required.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of current technical theatre trends and emerging technologies.
• Experience managing facilities, including rehearsal and storage spaces.
• Familiarity with vendor negotiations, purchasing, and inventory management.

Compensation

• Full-time, 12-month exempt position
• Salary range: $50-65,000
• Benefits: medical, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, paid time off, voluntary pre-tax retirement plan (403[b]), and dental.

To Apply

Submit a single PDF to kewen@catawba.edu including:

• Cover letter
• Chronological résumé
• References

Equal Opportunity Statement

Catawba College is committed to fostering diverse voices within our organization. We value collaboration with individuals who bring a wide range of perspectives, skills, and experiences to our mission.

We strongly encourage applications from global majority individuals (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), people with disabilities, women, men, non-binary individuals, bilingual/bicultural individuals, immigrants, veterans, and queer/LGBT+ individuals.

Catawba College is an equal opportunity employer.