Assistant Technical Director Job at Rochester Institute of Technology in City of
Rochester Institute of Technology, City of Rochester, NY, United States
Job Summary
RIT is seeking a collaborative, dynamic, and experienced theatre technician to serve as the Assistant Technical Director (ATD) for the School of Performing Arts (SPA) in the College of Liberal Arts. This role is responsible for supporting and managing productions and performances presented in the new state‑of‑the‑art 750‑seat Music Performance Theater (MPT) as well as other venues across campus. The ATD works alongside the School of Performing Arts Technical Director to oversee all technical aspects of production including lighting, audio, video, staging, and scenic construction. The ATD will have a focus on developing and maintaining technical drawings, documentation, and training materials while providing support and mentorship to students.
Job Responsibilities
- The position requires the ability to work safely around power tools, on ladders and lifts, and with electricity.
- The ATD must be comfortable with lifting 50 lb, climbing ladders, and working at heights of up to 50 ft.
- Night and weekend availability is required as needed in support of event production.
- The ATD is expected to fulfill mentorship, training, instructional, and supervisory responsibilities related to the campus‑wide performing arts ecosystem.
Required Qualifications
- BA or BFA in Technical Theater or related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in scenic design, technical theater production, concert production, large venue production and coordination, or related experience.
- Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States.
Skills
- Strong Vectorworks or AutoCad experience.
- Thorough understanding of all aspects of technical theatre, including set construction, lighting equipment, rigging, projections and sound.
- Demonstrated implementation of successful safety policies and procedures, including knowledge of OSHA, ANSI and ESTA TSP standards.
- Strong leadership skills and autonomous decision‑making abilities during high pressure situations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft, Google suite, and online meeting platforms such as Zoom.
- Background in event production (operations and engineering) and knowledge of network and IT infrastructures for audio and lighting workflows.
- Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines while managing multiple concurrent projects.
- Excellent organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
- Experience serving in a management role in a production department or scene shop.
- Ability to lead a team of students, contractors, and colleagues; delegate and communicate effectively across departments.
- Ability to work extended days, evenings, and weekends on a consistent basis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a technical theater or scenic design‑related field.
- In‑depth knowledge of audio signal processing, lighting, and projection systems (conventional, intelligent, analog, network‑based).
- Experience supervising a full‑service scene shop with woodworking, rigging, welding, and automation.
- Certifications such as ETCP Rigging, Dante Level I‑III, OSHA 10‑hour Training.
- Experience with CNC machinery.
- Knowledge of Deaf culture, ASL, or willingness to learn.
- Prior experience in a higher‑education setting is preferred.
Department/College Description
The School of Performing Arts is a growing entity in the College of Liberal Arts, supporting a diverse community of students interested in music, theatre, dance, and technical production. RIT’s new facilities, including the Music Performance Theater, provide a state‑of‑the‑art environment for creative and technical education.
Employment Category
Full time
Staff Job Function / Wage Band
Wage band: $45,700 – $76,500
Hourly/Salary Minimum: $45,700
Hourly/Salary Maximum: $76,500
How to Apply
In order to be considered for this position, you must apply at http://careers.rit.edu/staff. Enter the title of the position or the BR number in the keyword search field. The direct link to this posting can also be found at https://sjobs.brassring.com/.
EEO Statement
RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion. For more information or inquiries, please visit RIT/TitleIX or the U.S. Department of Education at ED.Gov