NaSPA, Inc. is hiring: Technical Director for College Theater in Cambridge
NaSPA, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
Job Summary
The Technical Director for College Theater reports to the 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—including sets, lighting, sound, rigging, load‑ins and strikes—and provides hands‑on training and oversight in college‑run venues.
Job‑Specific Responsibilities Production Oversight (50%)
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.
Advises and supervises projects (set, lighting, costumes, projection, and sound design, rigging and production load‑in and strikes), 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%)
Works with representatives from other departments and Environmental Health & Safety to ensure consistent safety practices across Harvard College performing arts spaces.
Primary responsibility for student and public safety, including:
Communicating and enforcing policies regarding the safe use of power tools, ladders, lifts, and other rigging tools and devices.
Designing and implementing trainings and procedures for prop shop and venue safety.
Enforcing public and university policies related to the use of environmentally safe materials and proper procedures for handling and disposal of toxic materials including scenic paint.
Maximizing reuse and recycling of materials.
Ensuring occupancy, accessibility and emergency egress requirements for various performing arts spaces across the campus.
Fire prevention/protection policies, including the use of fire‑retardant materials and emergency response procedures.
Staff Management (15%)
Interviews, hires, trains, supervises and conducts annual performance reviews for Production Technicians, 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 50 lbs, 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 experience.
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, and FileMaker.
Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule:
35 hours per week including evenings and weekends as needed.
Compensation Range/Rate:
$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
Generous paid time off including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being and mental health resources.
Support for families and caregivers.
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks.
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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Job‑Specific Responsibilities Production Oversight (50%)
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.
Advises and supervises projects (set, lighting, costumes, projection, and sound design, rigging and production load‑in and strikes), 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%)
Works with representatives from other departments and Environmental Health & Safety to ensure consistent safety practices across Harvard College performing arts spaces.
Primary responsibility for student and public safety, including:
Communicating and enforcing policies regarding the safe use of power tools, ladders, lifts, and other rigging tools and devices.
Designing and implementing trainings and procedures for prop shop and venue safety.
Enforcing public and university policies related to the use of environmentally safe materials and proper procedures for handling and disposal of toxic materials including scenic paint.
Maximizing reuse and recycling of materials.
Ensuring occupancy, accessibility and emergency egress requirements for various performing arts spaces across the campus.
Fire prevention/protection policies, including the use of fire‑retardant materials and emergency response procedures.
Staff Management (15%)
Interviews, hires, trains, supervises and conducts annual performance reviews for Production Technicians, 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 50 lbs, 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 experience.
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, and FileMaker.
Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule:
35 hours per week including evenings and weekends as needed.
Compensation Range/Rate:
$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
Generous paid time off including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being and mental health resources.
Support for families and caregivers.
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks.
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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