VSO (Voluntary Student Organization) Technical Director

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Stanford seeks a Technical Director to oversee the Voluntary Student Organizations and support design, budget, and build schedules. You will supervise Build Supervisors, attend load-ins, provide on-call tech support, and coordinate with student engagement.

The role emphasizes inclusive, student-facing mentorship and reliable production leadership. This 3-year fixed-term exempt position is hybrid (on-site at Stanford) with potential

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of theatrical settings, technologies, and timelines.
• Head Carpenter or Technical Director experience.
• Knowledge of Vectorworks, AutoCAD or other drafting software.
• Experience working with students.
• Experience with budgeting or managing finances.
• Strong experience with AV systems in live entertainment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee VSOs and advise on design, budget, and build schedules.
• Supervise Build Supervisors and build sessions.
• Attend VSO load-ins and strikes.
• Provide on-call support during tech and performances.
• Backup Space Supervisor as needed.

Skills

Theatrical tech

TD experience

AV systems

Budgeting

Student engagement

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

Please submit applications by September 23rd, 2026.

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid work schedule (at least 4 days per week on-site).

Budgeted Salary

The budgeted base salary range for this position is $87,000-$91,000 per annum.

Department/Program Description

School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university's largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Brief Position Summary

The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) is seeking a Technical Director to oversee the Voluntary Student Organizations (VSOs). This position advises VSOs on design, budget, and build schedules and oversees Build Supervisors and build sessions. The role attends VSO load-ins and strikes, provides on-call support during tech and performances and is a backup Space Supervisor as needed. This position reports to the TAPS Production Manager, with Office of Student Engagement oversight.

It is critical that this position exhibit the abilities to practice sound judgment and decision-making, strong attention to detail, and respectful relationship management. This position is heavily student facing and a dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for everyone is of the utmost importance.

This is a 100% FTE, 3-year fixed term exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional highly preferred qualifications for this position include:

• Strong understanding of theatrical settings, technologies, and timelines.
• Head Carpenter or Technical Director experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to teach Vectorworks, AutoCAD or other drafting software.
• Experience working with students.
• Experience with budgeting or managing finances.
• Strong experience with AV systems in live entertainment.

Ability to prioritize and multi-task.