Technical Director - Edison Theatre

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

IT
Washington, DC, USA · Danforth, ME, USA
USD 49,700-82,100 / year
Posted on Jun 26, 2025

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Technical Director (TD) is a full-time 12-month position reporting directly to the Operations Manager. With knowledge and experience in various lighting, projection, video, sound and rigging systems, the TD is responsible for the technical preparation and production for all events in the 652-seat Edison Theatre. The TD has one direct report of the Assistant Technical Director and manages the student crew.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Technical/Facility Management

  • Maintain, repair and purchase lighting equipment.
  • Oversee the maintenance, repair and purchase of the sound and projection equipment.
  • Oversee the maintenance, repair and purchase of the soft goods, rigging system.
  • Implement all light plots, sound plots and rigging needs as detailed in the plans provided by the facility users.
  • Design rep and custom light plots as required.
  • Oversee light hangs, light board programming and focus calls.
  • Manage production budget for short and long-term purchases/expenses.
  • Liaison with all emergency and safety systems personnel, coordinating permits and regulations regarding events in and use of the theatre.

Rental/Event Management

  • Serve as technical liaison for outside organizations, Washington University student groups and departments who are renting/utilizing the Edison.
  • Prior to each event, attend meetings with the Edison staff and event organizers to discuss the schedule, crew, and technical needs for the event.
  • Communicate with rental clients the theater’s technical capabilities (sound, lighting, video, scenic) in advance of each event to ensure rental clients are properly informed prior to load-in.
  • Supervise all technical aspects of rental events, including, but not limited to, rental schedules, crew, and technical needs.
  • Responsible for strike and transitions to move from one event to the next.
  • Complete and submit post show reports for each event.

Staff Management

  • Direct and supervise the Assistant Technical Director.
  • Hire, train, and supervise student staff.
  • Responsible for posting crew calls and making sure all shifts are filled.
  • Conduct annual safety training for new and returning crew.
  • Attend weekly staff meetings.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment.

Physical Effort

  • Typically sitting at a desk or table.

Equipment

  • Office equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (3 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • 3 years of theater facility management and technical theater experience.
  • 3 years of facilitating lighting design for live theater, music and dance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced technical theatre degree.
  • Strong lighting and sound skills required for live, professional performing arts events.
  • Ability to program lighting cues on an ETC EOS console.
  • Ability to operate a 32-channel digital sound board.
  • Competency in programming and using QLab software.
  • Ability to read and understand light plots and scenic drawings.
  • Competency in operating a double-purchase rigging system.
  • Ability to repair electronic equipment.
  • Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
  • Ability to deal with changes in a positive, professional manner.
  • Excellent supervisory, motivational management, and community building skills.
  • Strong communication and time management skills.
  • Ability to work with diverse groups including university and surrounding communities.
  • Knowledge and experience in the training and management of a staff including university students.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Building Community, Communication, Digital Audio Workstation, Electrical Equipments, Electronic Troubleshooting, Equipment Troubleshooting, Lighting Controls, Lighting Fixture Installation, Motivation Management, Positive Thinking, Professional Etiquette, Smart Lighting, Sound Board Operation, Sound Control, Supervisory Management, Teamwork, Training and Development

Grade

G10

Salary Range

$49,700.00 - $82,100.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.