Assistant Technical Director

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University is seeking an Assistant Technical Director for the Meadows School of the Arts. This on-campus, in‑person role supports the Theatre, Dance, and Opera programs with scenic construction, drafting, and technical leadership.

The position also supervises scene-shop students, drafts construction drawings, and ensures a safe, organized shop environment while coordinating with the Technical Director and production staff to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Degree in Theatre with specialization in technical direction preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides construction support and builds scenery for Theatre, Dance, and Opera productions.
• Supervise students in the scene shop and train them for run crew.
• Drafts construction drawings and prepares technical documentation.
• Maintains shop equipment and ensures a safe working environment.
• Liaises with TD and production staff to meet deadlines.
• Assists in setting up and tearing down events in performance spaces.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Time management

Customer service

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theatre

Master's degree preferred

Specialization in technical direction

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Description - Assistant Technical Director (MEA00000162)

Job Description

Assistant Technical Director - ( MEA00000162 )

Description

Salary Range

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department

SMU Meadows School of the Arts educates visionary artists, scholars and arts and communications professionals to create sustainable and transformative impact on both local and global society. Today, the Meadows School has achieved prominence as one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States and offers training in an unusual mix of the arts – visual (art and art history), performing (dance, music, and theatre) and communications (advertising, film and media arts, corporate communication and public affairs, and journalism) – as well as a preeminent program in arts management and arts entrepreneurship.

About the Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Assistant Technical Director provides scenic, drafting, and construction support for productions produced by the Theatre, Dance, and Opera programs within the Meadows School of the Arts, as well as special projects as delegated by the Technical Director (TD).

The position works under the supervision of the TD to support artistic staff and production personnel, ensuring safe and professional scene shop operations while providing technical leadership and mentorship.

Essential Functions

• Provides construction support and builds scenery for productions produced by the Theatre, Dance, and Opera, within the Meadows School of the Arts, as well as special projects as delegated by the Technical Director (TD). Is knowledgeable of ongoing projects to support the overall plan as laid out by the TD.
• Supervise all students who work in the scene shop including but not limited to practicum students and work study students. Train students as needed to for run crew and supervise technical rehearsals as delegated by the TD. Assists the TD in the supervision of Shop Foreman and Over‑Hire.
• Supplements and reinforces Graduate Design Curriculum by imparting knowledge of industry standard practices the students will be expected to know and follow once they graduate and work professionally.
• Drafts construction drawings and provides technical documentation to support ongoing projects as delegated by the TD. Makes material recommendations for ongoing projects.
• Maintains shop equipment and keep tools and supplies organized and maintain a clean, safe working environment in all areas of the shop and performance spaces.
• Purchases materials and supplies as needed for productions and to maintain shop inventories. When the TD is unavailable, acts as a liaison by attending meetings as delegated and communicating relevant information while supporting a positive, inclusive, and educational working environment.
• Provides assistance to lighting, sound, and properties personnel as needed to support production deadlines and to promote collaboration and unity among production staff. Assist the Operations and Events personnel in the setting and removal of special event set‑ups in Owen Arts and Garson public spaces.
• Position requires a valid drivers license, as there may be some local travel for supply runs.
• Position requires regular evening or weekend work for tech rehearsals.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

A Bachelor’s degree is required. Masters preferred. A degree in Theatre with specialization in technical direction preferred.

A minimum of three (3) years of work experience in scenic engineering, construction, Computer Aided Drafting, and rigging is required.

Experience in use of pneumatics, motorized scenery, CNC operation, and advanced rigging preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions.

Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Strong project management skills and a focus on attention to detail are essential.

Candidate must be a self‑starter and have a commitment to creating a work atmosphere that is safe, positive, and productive. Must also be able to analyze theatrical drafting.

A strong understanding of theatrical engineering and the ability to operate and teach students to operate standard shop equipment such as table saws, band saws, grinders, pneumatic tools, etc. is essential.

Candidate must have a beginning/intermediate knowledge of proper rigging procedure. The ability to weld and use a CNC router preferred.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Vectorworks and/or Autocad preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, crawl, squat, climb, stand, kneel, push/pull
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift over 50 lbs.

Deadline to Apply

The position is open until filled.

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by July 24, 2026

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.