About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Technical Director, Theatre. This position will report to the Managing Director of the Sarofim School of Fine Arts. The Technical Director is responsible for executing the scenery and properties designs for Theatre Department stage productions. The incumbent serves as instructor of record and collaborates with faculty in supervising the work of students enrolled in Theatre Production Laboratory courses. This is a full-time, 10-month, exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Supervise paid students and professional staff in the scene shop.
• Serve as instructor of record and supervise the work of students enrolled in Theatre Production laboratory courses and work study students.
• Execute scenery construction, rigging, stage properties and painting.
• Generate cost estimates, build/paint schedules, and working drawings.
• Manage technical and dress rehearsals in collaboration with the Theatre faculty.

Additional Duties:

• Maintain scene shop and equipment.
• Order materials and supplies.
• Participate in departmental and production meetings.
• Supervise the organization and maintenance of on-campus and off-campus storage areas.
• Teach workshops in an area of specialty as requested.
• In collaboration with the Costume Shop Manager, update and maintain Material Safety Data ( MSD) inventory, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and all other safety protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA or BFA in technical theatre.
• Experience as a theatrical technical director.
• Experience in stage carpentry, stage rigging, stage properties, and scenic painting preparation.
• Experience in teaching theatrical carpentry, rigging and safety.
• Ability to organize and manage budgets and schedules with spreadsheet and scheduling software.
• Knowledge of vendors, purchasing and inventory procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Normal work hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Ability to work some evenings and weekends during technical & dress rehearsals, performances and strike.
• Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values.
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (oral and written).
• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.
• Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituencies.
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce reliable work product.
• Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations.
• Ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation.
• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to a liberal arts faculty.
• Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MA/MFA in technical theatre.
• Experience teaching theatrical carpentry, rigging, etc. in a college setting.
• 3 years’ experience as Technical Director.
• Experience as a scene painter.

Starting annual salary: $52,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/170576. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.

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