VSO (Voluntary Student Organization) Technical Director

Abundance Network; United States; Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University, Department of Theater and Performance Studies, seeks a Technical Director to oversee the Voluntary Student Organizations (VSOs). You will advise on design, budget, and build schedules, and supervise Build Supervisors and builds.

This role emphasizes sound judgment, detail-orientation, and respectful relationship management with students, ensuring an inclusive learning environment while coordinating on-site and off-site work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years related experience is required.
• Strong understanding of theatrical settings, technologies, and timelines.
• Experience budgeting or managing finances is preferred.
• Experience working with students is desirable.
• Proficiency with AV systems in live entertainment.
• Ability to teach Vectorworks, AutoCAD or similar drafting software.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with production team to align technical aspects with artistic vision.
• Coordinate with vendors for timely delivery of production elements.
• Track production schedules and progress against goals.
• Provide oversight and mentorship to contingent staff and student crews.

Skills

Theatrical settings knowledge

Head Carpenter/Technical Director

Vectorworks/AutoCAD drafting

Working with students

Budgeting/finances

AV systems for live entertainment

Education

Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years related experience

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Drafting software

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.

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.

Department/Program Description:

STANFORD UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF THEATER & PERFORMANCE STUDIES (TAPS)

At TAPS, theory and practice are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing.We prepare our students to become scholar-artists fluent in both of these languages. The integration of the practical knowledge of theater-making with the humanistic knowledge of the history and theory of performance is central to our department’s vision.

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.

Responsible for the technical, physical production and maintenance aspects of live performances, events, and programs.

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.