The Huntington is hiring: Associate Technical Director in Boston

Overview

Join to apply for the Associate Technical Director role at The Huntington

Base pay range: $72,000.00/yr - $80,000.00/yr

Classification: Annual Salaried (72,000 - 80,000 annually) | Status: Exempt | Reports To: Technical Director

This range is provided by The Huntington. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Statement of Job

In conjunction with the Technical Director, the Associate Technical Director (ATD) is responsible for the safe, accurate, timely, and effective execution of scenic designs, completed with a spirit of excellence, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.

The ATD will serve as lead scenic manager for several productions and projects throughout the year, supervising each from initial technical design through shop fabrication, on-site installation, rehearsals, performances, and strike. Core duties include budgeting and cost analysis, technical design and drafting, researching and sourcing specialty hardware and materials, and overseeing construction and load-in/strike for both Huntington productions and external projects.

For external projects or co-productions, the ATD prepares comprehensive as-built documentation and assembly instructions, and may travel to assist with on-site installation if needed.

As the second-ranking member of the scenery team, the ATD plays a vital leadership role within The Huntington’s Production Department. The role requires strong collaboration, technical expertise, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Technical Design / Drafting / Show Maintenance:

• Serves as lead scenic manager on assigned shows and projects, coordinating directly with the design team
• Acts as primary drafter for assigned projects, producing detailed construction drawings
• Prepares and maintains production schedules, including build, install, maintenance, and strike timelines
• Directs and assists the Shop Supervisor during builds as needed; coordinates with other production departments to maintain overall build schedule
• Leads load-in and installation, ensuring effective coordination with other production departments
• Attends technical rehearsals, including as a representative of the Technical Direction team for projects led by others. Takes notes, makes decisions on overnight and future work, and develops clear plans to guide the team’s next steps.
• Serves as primary contact for technical issues once a show is running, through strike
• Leads maintenance efforts and serves as chief inspector for productions with automated scenic elements
• Communicates clearly with the Technical Director regarding project status, including any budgetary or scheduling deviations
• Archives completed projects by compiling drawings, notes, purchase records, and other documentation for future reference
• Serves as lead automation specialist for productions involving automated scenic elements

Shop Management:

• Serves as second in line for decision-making behind the Technical Director
• Supervises Scenery Team staff assigned to projects, managing workflow, ensuring safe and efficient operations
• Fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment
• Adhere to and promote safe working practices
• Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient workspace
• May be assigned specific machines or shop areas to lead maintenance and training efforts
• Assists in managing scene shop operations, including the development and supervision of maintenance and safety programs

External Projects

• Serves as lead project manager as described above, and acts as primary contact with the client
• Leads technical design and drafting, ensuring alignment with project scope and client expectations
• Develops and manages change-orders as needed throughout the project lifecycle
• Travels as required to support installation and on-site notes, in accordance with project contracts
• Maintains and archives all relevant project documentation, including drawings, notes, purchase records, and contracts

Additional Duties:

• Assists TD with budgeting, cost analysis, and scope feasibility for scenic designs
• Track Scene Shop expenses and maintain receipts
• Purchase materials and supplies
• Locate and schedule over-hire labor as needed for build, install, and strike processes
• Occasional maintenance of facility and facility equipment pertinent to scenery operations
• Conduct research for materials and products
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidate MUST meet the following qualifications to be considered for the role:

• B.A. in Technical Production or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of professional scene shop experience, preferably in a management role
• Proficient in AutoCAD and theatrical drafting standards, 3D drafting preferred
• Experience and knowledge of scenic construction materials, techniques, and engineering principles
• Ability to lead a crew of 10+ people with varying skill levels and experience
• Knowledgeable in the safe use of typical wood/metal machine and hand power tools
• Experience with theatrical and entertainment rigging techniques
• Must possess a keen awareness of shop safety and procedures
• Familiarity with stage machinery and automation control systems
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Self-motivated, punctual, and efficient
• Collaborative and composed under pressure
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Self-motivated, punctual, efficient, and able to meet deadlines
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with advance notice
• Able to lift 50+ lbs

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in programming and operating a RAYNOC automated rigging system
• Proficiency in programming and operating a Creative Conners automation system
• Ability to drive a 26’ box truck
• Comfortable working at heights of 60+ ft
• Understanding of budgeting, accounting, and bookkeeping practices
• Ability to generate rough cost estimates from renderings and detailed estimates from elevations and models
• Knowledge of scene painting and properties construction methods
• Familiarity with theatrical scenery and lighting design

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Production, Design, and Project Management
• Industries: Performing Arts

Note: This description reflects the essential duties of the role and does not attempt to list every possible task.