VSO (Voluntary Student Organization) Technical Director

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

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a Technical Director for Theatre and Performance Studies to oversee Voluntary Student Organizations. Hybrid role with on-site duties, reporting to the TAPS Production Manager and Office of Student Engagement.

The candidate will advise student groups on design, budgets, and build schedules, attend load-ins/strikes, and provide on-call support during tech and performances. Strong commitment to inclusivity is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Strong understanding of theatrical settings, technologies, and timelines.
• Experience with budgeting or managing finances.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the production team to align technical needs with artistic vision.
• Communicate features and advantages to contractors and vendors.
• Execute tactical plans to meet technical production objectives.
• Track logistics, scheduling, and progress against goals.

Skills

Theatrical tech

Budgeting

Student mentoring

AV systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

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

The 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

• 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.

Core Duties

Production

• Collaborate with other members of the production team i.e., directors, designers, stage managers, to ensure that technical aspects of production are aligned with the artistic vision of the program.
• Communicate the features, benefits, and advantages of the production/program to contractors and vendors.
• Execute a tactical plan to meet the technical production/program objectives.
• Keep track of logistical and scheduling details. Track production/program progress against project goals and schedule.

Relationship Mgmt

• Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of production/program elements (lighting, video rental, etc.).

Reporting & Improvements

• Gather, analyze, and report on production/program data for technical components such as sound levels.

Partnership/Team Dynamics

• Provide oversight and partner with stage technicians and contingent crew to execute program/product. Orient and teach new contingent staff.
• Review and audit vendor contractor invoices for accuracy and submit for approval and processing.
• May provide administrative support to Production/Program team.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient understanding and knowledge of technical equipment and machinery used in production.
• Able to communicate effectively with other team members.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Experience with managing projects/programs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently meeting expected deadlines and schedules.
• Good written and oral communication skills.