Head of Audio

San Francisco Ballet Company; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

San Francisco Ballet seeks a Head of Audio reporting to the Production Director. The role oversees the Audio Department, maintenance and installations for performances across venues, supervising personnel and coordinating with visiting designers to ensure production values.

Seasonal, regular full-time exempt; union Local 16 IATSE. Bachelor's degree in a related field and 10+ years in theatrical/dance/operatic production required; 5+ touring years preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater or equivalent required.
• 10+ years in theatrical, dance or opera production.
• Union membership with IATSE required or willingness to join.
• Minimum 5 years touring experience.
• Advanced knowledge of current industry practices.

Responsibilities

• Hire and supervise audio department personnel and schedule daily calls.
• Supervise setup and strike of productions at venues and assist with touring activities.
• Manage payroll submissions and procure rentals/equipment for performances.
• Coordinate with visiting sound designers, composers, and choreographers; support RF/intercom/video needs.
• Ensure safety and maintain inventory in warehouse; keep equipment organized.

Skills

Leadership & supervision

Production coordination

Audio Systems knowledge

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Vendor & procurement

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Technical Theater, Sound Design, Acoustic Theory, or similar field

Tools

Luminex Gigacore AV Network Switches

Blackmagic Design SDI Video Router

Job description

DEPARTMENT: Production

POSITION: Head of Audio

REPORTS TO: Production Director

WORK SCHEDULE: Seasonal

CLASSIFICATION: Regular Full-Time Exempt Position, Union Position - Local 16 IATSE

COMPENSATION: $163,770 - $190,550 annually (Based on CBA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

Purpose

Reporting to the Production Director, the Head of Audio provides leadership, oversees and ensures the successful operations of the Audio Department. The Head of Audio is responsible for the oversight of maintenance and installations for the audio department in performance venues. The incumbent ensures good relationships and personnel supervision of all audio related matters that will contribute towards the successful production of SF Ballets Repertoire.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Hire and supervise audio department personnel. Make all daily calls based on production calendar and weekly technical schedule, in consultation with Production Director and Technical Manager. Work closely with management and advise Ballet management on best practices of audio equipment operations, and to find solutions and efficiencies in the operation of the Audio Department
• Supervise and assist in the set up and strike of productions at the War Memorial Opera House and touring venues. Provide support for SFBs extra-performance activities, which include - Meet the Artists (MTA) Points of View (POV) and other SFB sponsored events as required.
• Track, document, and submit weekly payrolls to Production Director. Procure rentals and equipment costs as required for performances during the season. Provide quotes, bids, invoices and Purchase Order requests to Production Director.
• Work in conjunction with visiting Sound Designers, Composers, and Choreographers, as required. Setup and run all audio equipment that fall within the Audio Department's duties. Provide communication support (RF, intercom, video) to other Departments as required. Provide additional technical support in the orchestra pit as required.
• Work with all stage departments to assure a smooth running of rehearsals and performances. This includes War Memorial personnel.
• Organize and staff annual War Memorial Opera House maintenance. This includes working with the San Francisco Opera Head Audio and the City Electrician. All audio equipment, controls and speaker locations will be cleaned and repaired as seen fit by all parties mentioned above.
• Maintain a clean and organized warehouse area. All audio equipment and supplies owned by the Company are stored in our warehouse. Keep up to date inventories of all equipment.
• Assure that all work is done in a safe and methodical manner. In the event of accident or injury, see that injured personnel are taken to a medical center and all paperwork is complete. File accident reports with San Francisco Ballet management.
• Available for touring as needed. Plan equipment needed for touring shows. Assemble equipment at our warehouse to load in trucks for shipment to cities on tour schedule. Contact local audio personnel at the theaters to be visited and coordinate with them to make the visit a success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts in Technical Theater, Sound Design, Acoustic Theory, or similar field.
• 10+ years' experience with theatrical, dance or opera production in a major performing arts organization (dance preferred). Membership in IATSE Stage Employees union required (or willingness to join if not a member).
• Minimum of 5 years touring experience.
• Advanced knowledge of current industry practices and standards.

Technical Competencies

• Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills in managing all audio production elements and personnel for San Francisco Ballet performances and rehearsals and diligently maintains the highest possible production values for SFB performances.
• Supervises audio crew in a manner that motivates, supports, and challenges them, and provides objective feedback.
• Ensures timely and accurate payroll submission for audio crew.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with the production staff, visiting sound designers and composers as well as other stage employees and artists, other departments, union leadership, and outside vendors by building rapport, listening to their needs, and responding in a positive and timely manner.
• Effectively maintains WMOH maintenance. Establishes productive and collegial relationships with SF Opera Head and City Electricians.
• Maintain clean and organized warehouse. Maintain accurate inventories of all equipment.
• Ensure personnel safety. Effectively follow all established SF Ballet protocols in the event of accidents or injuries.
• Effectively coordinate all audio matters relating to touring.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Production Director in a timely manner and with a creative and positive attitude.
• Maintain a professional and organized demeanor when dealing with stressful situations that do and will occur during production, rehearsal, and performance periods.
• Possess good work ethics; be motivated and able to work with others to meet deadlines.
• Understanding of High-Speed networking applicable to audio/video system architecture - Luminex Gigacore AV Network Switches and an understanding of Unicast vs Multicast, Qos and IGMP
• Understanding of Video Distribution (Blackmagic Design SDI Video Router and Control) SDI (both Electric & Fiber Optic based).
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment

Physical Demands

• While performing duties of this job, the incumbent must have the ability to walk and stand on stage for long periods of time. Must have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Special Equipment Used

• Network Digital Intercom Systems, Backstage Program and Priority Paging Systems, Digital Audio Transport (MADI-Dante-AES67-AVB) Digital Audio Signal Control Equipment

About San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Ballet embodies the spirit of its city: innovative, forward-thinking, and unafraid to challenge convention. Founded in 1933, the company has long understood that ballet's power lies in its ability to blend timeless tradition with modern relevance — from presenting America's first full-length productions of Nutcracker and Swan Lake to consistently pushing the boundaries of contemporary choreography. Under the artistic direction of Tamara Rojo and executive leadership of Branislav Henselmann, SF Ballet is leading boldly into a new era, where artistic vision, organizational momentum, and civic energy converge to create a genuinely rare moment of opportunity. The company is reimagining what ballet can be, and making the case that its most compelling chapter is still ahead.

San Francisco Ballet Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse staff.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).