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Technical Director for College Theater Job at Critical Playground LLC in Harvard

Critical Playground LLC, Harvard, IL, United States


Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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 Description 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.

Qualifications 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

Additional Information

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

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.

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