Technical Director/Shop Supervisor

Seattle University; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance for employee and/or

Health plans

Job summary

Seattle University is seeking a Production Manager to lead its technical theatre shop, overseeing budgets, safety, and coordination with faculty, directors, and designers. The role requires deep experience in theatre production, welding, rigging, carpentry, and advanced CAD skills, with responsibility for load-ins, rehearsals, and show runs.

The position emphasizes collaboration, leadership, and the ability to mentor students while maintaining OSHA-compliant practices on a dynamic campus stage

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of related progressive experience.
• Must be familiar with all aspects of technical theatre production.
• Experience and/or working knowledge of theatrical safety protocols and systems.
• Expert knowledge of theatrical scene shop tool use and maintenance.
• Expertise in welding, rigging, and carpentry for theatrical scenery.
• Basic knowledge of theatrical show automation, lighting & sound systems, electrical concepts, paints, and props.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in AutoCAD, VectorWorks, creating CNC drawings and programming, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good working knowledge of financial administration & maintenance of theatre production budgets.
• Experience supervising crews and leading teams of work-study students.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Technical shop staff, including Costume Shop Supervisor, Paint and Props Supervisor, and ATD/Scene Shop Supervisor.
• Prepare and draft all technical drawings for productions and construction.
• Coordinate supervision of personnel, students, stagehands, equipment, and services for physical production.
• Manage load-in/load-out of sets and props, rehearsal tech, and show runs in performance venues.
• Develop, advise on, and track budgets for all technical department activities.
• Attend tech and dress rehearsals for University productions.
• Set and enforce safety guidelines and OSHA standards.
• Create shop timelines with design deadlines and deliverables with Faculty, Production Manager, and Shop Supervisor.
• Collaborate with faculty, guest directors, and designers.

Skills

AutoCAD

VectorWorks

CNC drawings

CNC programming

Theatre safety

Welding

Rigging

Carpentry

Budget management

Team leadership

Education

MFA or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

VectorWorks

CNC machines

Microsoft Office

Job description

Months Per Year: 12 Work Model: Onsite

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

• Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
• Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
• Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
• Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
• Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

Essential Functions

• Supervise Technical shop staff, including Costume Shop Supervisor, Paint and Props Supervisor, and ATD/Scene Shop Supervisor.
• Prepare and draft all technical drawings for productions and construction.
• Prepare, coordinate, and be responsible for the supervision of all personnel, students, stagehands, equipment, and services related to physical production.
• Prepare and coordinate the load-in/load-out of all sets and props, the technical aspects of rehearsals, and the run of shows in performance venues.
• Develop, advise on, and track budgets for all technical department activities.
• Attend tech and dress rehearsals for University productions.
• Set and enforce safety guidelines and familiarity with OSHA safety standards.
• In conjunction with Faculty, the Production Manager, and the Shop Supervisor, create shop timelines inclusive of design deadlines plus associated deliverables.
• Collaborate with faculty, guest directors, and designers.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of related progressive experience.
• Must be familiar with all aspects of technical theatre production.
• Experience and/or working knowledge of theatrical safety protocols and systems.
• Expert knowledge of theatrical scene shop tool use and maintenance.
• Expertise in welding, rigging, and carpentry for theatrical scenery.
• Basic knowledge of theatrical show automation, lighting & sound systems, electrical concepts, paints, and props.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in AutoCAD, VectorWorks, creating CNC drawings and programming, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good working knowledge/basic skills in financial administration & maintenance of theatre production budgets.
• Experience in supervising crews, training & leading teams of workers (work study students) with varying levels of experience in the safe operations of all shop, rigging, lighting, and sound equipment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills; analytical ability required.
• Participation in program and department planning meetings.
• Highly developed organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead teams effectively.
• Proven ability to collaborate with artistic staff and colleagues.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for productions.
• Self‑motivated with excellent time management and the ability to prioritize.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA or equivalent degree/professional experience in a theatrical or related field.
• Working with students in a mentorship/instructional capacity.

Compensation at a Glance

$28.72 per hour - $31.38 per hour Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

• Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person.
• Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs.
• Protect your income with life, short & long‑term disability coverage.
• Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar‑for‑dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%.
• You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events.
• Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
• For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Work Arrangements

Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter. Positions designated as on‑site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus. All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.

With a career at Seattle University, you’re joining a community of passionate people dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located on a beautiful campus of more than 50 acres in the dynamic heart of Seattle. Our diverse and driven population is made up of more than 7,200 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within six schools and colleges.

Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals who will further enrich the diversity of our educational community.

Our Mission - Seattle University is dedicated to educating the whole person, to professional formation, and to empowering leaders for a just and humane world.

Our Vision - We will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.

Our Values Care – We put the good of students first. Academic Excellence – We value excellence in learning with great teachers who are active scholars. Diversity – We celebrate educational excellence achieved through diversity. Faith – We treasure our Jesuit Catholic ethos and the enrichment from many faiths of our university community. Justice – We foster a concern for justice and the competence to promote it. Leadership – We seek to develop responsible leaders committed to the common good.