Technical Director for College Theater

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Technical Director for College Theater reports to Manager of College Theater, OFA and supports Harvard undergraduates producing co-curricular theater in both dedicated and multi-use spaces, the position advises and supervises all technical aspects for between 10-15 productions per year (sets, lighting, sound, rigging, load-ins and strikes) and provide hands-on training and oversight in college-run venues.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Production Oversight (50%) 

• The Technical Director for College Theater (TD) serves as a resource for Harvard students presenting undergraduate, co-curricular theatrical productions in a variety of theater spaces as well as multi-function spaces across the College.
• The TD advises and supervises projects (set, lighting, costumes, projection, and sound design, rigging and production load-in and strikes), in assessing and providing technical support and training to students mounting projects in college-run venues.
• Responsible for purchasing and maintaining theatrical rigging, lighting, costume, projection, communications, sound, and safety equipment.
• Orders and maintains distribution of theatrical inventories such as lumber, paint, hardware, etc.
• Along with the Manager for College Theater, oversees all operational, production, staffing, and capital expense budgets.
• Coordinating the transport of props/costumes/equipment around campus.
• Helps oversee all facility needs including obtaining entertainment license, working with FAS on overall construction projects, built in theater systems, and collaboration with Harvard College Admissions on shared building usage.

Safety (25%) 

• The TD working with representatives from other departments and Environmental Health and Safety ensures consistent safety practices across the Harvard College performing arts spaces
• The TD is primarily responsible for student and public safety. To this end, the TD:
  • will be responsible for communicating and enforcing policies regarding safe use of power tools, ladders, lifts and other rigging tools and devices
  • designs and implements trainings and procedures for prop shop and venue safety
  • enforces public and university policies related to use of environmentally safe materials and proper procedures for handling and disposal of toxic materials including scenic paint
  • maximizes reuse and recycling of materials
  • is responsible for occupancy, accessibility and emergency egress requirements for various performing arts spaces across the campus
  • fire prevention/protection policies including use of fire-retardant materials and emergency response procedures.

Staff Management (15%)

• Interviews, hires, trains, supervises and conducts annual performance reviews for Production Technicians and overseas temporary staff and student workers.

Special Projects: (10%)

• Advises, and supports the OFA on special projects and initiatives.

Working Conditions:

• Willingness to work flexible and extended hours, including weekends in a rigorous work environment
• Willingness to be on-call for questions and emergencies

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50lbs, walk or stand for extended periods of time and work at heights – from ladders, scaffolding and lifts.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Five plus years of experience as a theater designer and/or technician required
• Proven experience and expertise in the maintenance and use of theater lighting and sound equipment, construction tools, and other specialized equipment
• CAD such as (Vector Works) 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree preferred
• Experience teaching and supervising undergraduates preferred
• Strong communications skills a must
• Ability to work flexible and changing staggered hours in keeping with student curricular and co-curricular schedules, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Proficiency with Mac OS, Microsoft Office, FileMaker

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week including evenings and weekends as needed
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $93K-$98K
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

The Office for the Arts at Harvard (OFA) cultivates a vibrant ecosystem for artmaking across campus, empowering students to live creative and meaningful lives, regardless of experience level or chosen career path. Through its wide-ranging programs and services, the OFA mentors and teaches, supports student-led art, connects students with renowned artists, commissions new works, and forges partnerships across local, national, and global communities. By nurturing students as artists and cultural leaders, the OFA affirms the arts as essential to a Harvard education and champions creativity as a force that enriches society and strengthens the communities we share.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.