The Catholic University of America is hiring: Technical Director in Washington

The Technical Director (TD) supervises the scene shop and the building and painting of all sets, hanging, and focusing all lights, and the setup and testing of all sound systems for all of the Rome School’s productions, including Drama, Musical Theatre, and Vocal Performance shows. The TD helps identify potential part‑time staff and works with all outside and internal designers. The TD supervises part‑time staff, Work Study and hourly student workers, and students completing crew credits. The TD trains all personnel working in the shop and backstage and maintains a safe working space.

Salary

$50,000 – $60,000

Resumé Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Information Technology

Industry

Higher Education

Responsibilities

• Staff & Student Management
  • Hire, train, schedule, and supervise a team of 12‑16 student workers, managing their work hours, budgets, and timesheets and assigning tasks.
• Safety & Facility Oversight
  • Ensure a safe environment in the scene shop and performance spaces, supervise rigging, maintain equipment, track inventory, and coordinate safe disposal of hazardous materials.
• Production Management & Execution
  • Lead the technical production process from start to finish.
  • Translate designs into construction‑ready drawings.
  • Budget and purchase materials.
  • Supervise construction of scenery, hanging of lights, and setup of sound equipment.
  • Run technical rehearsals to ensure scene changes are safe and efficient.
  • Organize and oversee the “strike” (dismantling) of each show.
• Administrative & Financial Duties
  • Manage multiple budgets, including shop budget, show budgets, and student labor funds.
  • Schedule theatre spaces for university productions and outside rentals, negotiating technical needs and staffing.

Qualifications

• Support all technical aspects of theatre production.
• Responsible for all technology and special equipment in the scene shop and backstage.
• Train staff and students on safe use of all theatre and shop equipment.
• Understand electrical wiring and manage it: maintain wiring, outlets, equipment, hang and focus lights, resolve electrical problems with lighting instruments and dimmers.
• Collaborate with Production Manager on complex or dangerous electrical issues.
• Know how to use and maintain all machinery and equipment in the Scene Shop and backstage areas.
• Understand computer programs used to run technical systems.
• Have basic understanding of projection equipment.
• Execute design plans for all productions.
• Supervise and train staff and students.