Job Description Summary:

William and Mary's Department of Theatre and Performance invites applications for an experienced Technical Director to manage the department's production, instructional, and facility's needs. Reporting to the Department Chair, the Technical Director plays an essential role in supporting the department's artistic and educational objectives. The successful candidate will bring strong technical theatre expertise, organizational skills, and a collaborative approach to working in an educational production environment. Additionally, this position requires extensive carpentry knowledge and skills to oversee the construction of theatrical scenery, while also organizing, training, and supervising work-study student employees and overseeing the work of the Associate Technical Director, all of whom support departmental Theatre and Dance productions.

Primary responsibilities include:
-Operational management and supervision of the scene shop.
-Organization, supervision and execution of the build, load-in, run, and strike of all Departmental Mainstage and Studio Season productions.
-Preparation of technical drawings for all scenic fabrication.
-Oversight of student run crews for departmental productions in addition to mentoring Stagecraft students and supervising work-study employees.
-Oversight of the planning, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation of scenic lighting, audio, projection, and related technical elements for departmental Mainstage and Studio Season productions.
-Collaborating with the Production Manager and communicating with faculty, staff, students, and guest artists to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality technical production practices.


Job Description:

Required Qualifications:
-BA/BFA in Theatre or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
-Prior technical experience in a performing arts environment.
-Fluent in AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks.
-Advanced knowledge of theatrical construction techniques (wood, metal, fabric, foam, and other composite materials) and properties construction.
-Advanced knowledge of stage rigging and electrics for theatrical spaces and other entertainment venues.
-Demonstrated attention to detail with an ability to prioritize and execute tasks accurately in a fast-paced work environment.
-Experience supervising staff, students and crews in both shop and performance environments.
-Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
-Demonstrated problem-solving and effective leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
-Master of Fine Arts in Technical Direction or the equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.
-Certificate in OSHA-10 training.
-ETCP Certification in rigging, arena, and theatre.
-Demonstrated ability to train others in the safe and responsible operation of equipment and systems.

Conditions of Employment:
-Evening and weekend hours in support of departmental productions and events are required.
-Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
-Must be able to lift, haul, and/or carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
-Must be able to work at heights of 25 feet or greater using ladders and mast lifts.
-Must hold a valid U.S. driver+rsquo;s license.

Duties:
55%- Oversight of Technical Operations:

Manage technical aspects of the production of department performances both directly and through management of work study programs.

Translate scenic designs into buildable, safe, and cost-effective construction plans. Oversee the construction of theatrical scenery.

Supervise the build, load-in, run, and strike of Mainstage and Studio Season productions.

Oversight of the planning, schedule, and implementation of scenic, lighting, audio, projection, and other related technical elements for department Mainstage and Studio Season productions.

Develop and manage scenic and technical budgets in collaboration with Production Management.

Attend departmental, design and production meetings, and technical rehearsal, dress rehearsals, crew views, load-ins and strikes. 

Provide technical support for the sound engineer.

Provide training of the safe and responsible use of theatre production equipment and systems.



15%- Administration:

Provide support to the Department Chair and Production Manager for all departmental productions.

Develop and oversee the build and tech schedules in collaboration with the Production Manager.

Facilitate the scenic procurement needs of Theatre and Dance productions.

Liaise with the Office of the Arts on behalf of the Department Chair and Production Manager regarding technical coordination of departmental production and Office of the Arts presenting activities.



15%- Facilities and Equipment Maintenance:

Assist with the oversight of technical operations for Phi Beta Kappa performing arts facilities in collaboration with Office of the Arts Staff.

Oversee general maintenance of theatre production related equipment, such as in the scene shop, control booth, light and sound equipment in collaboration with Office of the Arts Staff.

Maintain Theatre and Dance production and teaching spaces; provide guidance and troubleshoot technical issues in support of these department spaces.

Advise on best practices regarding material and equipment safety as well as housekeeping; assist with implementation of programs to teach students best practices and to ensure appropriate use the equipment therein.

Maintain a W+M Environmental Health and Safety Compliant work environment in close coordination with department faculty and staff and the Office of the Arts.

10%- Training and Supervision:

Supervise the work of the Associate Technical Director.

Mentor students during the department's Stagecraft and Advanced Stagecraft labs.

Supervise work study scene shop employees.

Supervise, train, and oversee student volunteers and student run crews for all W+M Theatre and Dance productions.



5%- Performance Management:

Ensures that expectations are clear, well communicated, and relate to the goals and objectives of the department or unit.

Provides staff with frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate.

Confirms that staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish goals.

Verifies that the requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system are met and completes evaluations by established deadlines with proper documentation.

Addresses and documents performance issues as they occur.

Reviews safety issues and communicates as appropriate to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

For full consideration, submit your resume and cover letter by the priority review date of 3/30/2026.

Compensation: Up to $70,000 commensurate with experience

Additional Job Description:

Benefits Summary Statement

William + Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php