Technical Director/Shop Supervisor

Seattle University; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle University seeks a Production Manager to oversee the technical shop, supervise multiple supervisors, and coordinate all aspects of production from design to run of show. The role requires hands-on leadership, budget tracking, and strong collaboration with faculty and designers across university productions.

Responsibilities include drafting technical drawings, coordinating load-ins, ensuring safety, and managing timelines for design deadlines and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of related progressive experience.
• Must be familiar with all aspects of technical theatre production.
• Experience with theatrical safety protocols and systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Technical shop staff and supervisors.
• 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, rehearsals, and performances.
• Develop and track budgets for technical department activities.
• Attend tech and dress rehearsals for university productions.
• Enforce safety guidelines and OSHA standards.
• Collaborate with Faculty, Production Manager and Shop Supervisor on timelines and deliverables.
• Coordinate with faculty, guest directors and designers.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Collaboration with artistic staff

Time management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Willingness to work nights/weekends

Education

MFA or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

VectorWorks

CNC drawings

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 and 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.
• This position requires a criminal history background check.
• Valid Driver's license.

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.

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