Pitt-Bradford Arts Technical Director

Love where you work! The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is seeking a Technical Director for Arts Programming. This full-time, 12-month position reports to the Director of Arts Programming and offers the opportunity to shape a theater environment within a state-of-the-art facility, working with artists worldwide and university students.

About the Role

This position involves overseeing the performance technology aspects of the performing arts center, which serves as both a presenting organization and the home for the University’s theater, music, art, and communication arts programs. The Technical Director will supervise stage and shop areas, manage event logistics, recruit and train stagehands, design or assist with sets, lights, and sound for department productions, and instruct students in stagecraft techniques while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain performance technology for the performing arts center, including supervising stages and shop areas.
• Prepare for load-in, run-of-show, and load-out for all center events.
• Recruit, train, and supervise stagehands.
• Design and execute, or assist in the design and execution of, sets, lights, and sound for Communication and the Arts Department productions.
• Instruct students in proper stagecraft techniques and maintain safety standards.
• Coordinate scheduling, distribution, and setup of technical equipment.
• Devise creative solutions for lighting, sound, costume, makeup, and AV requirements for all shows and mentor students in these duties.
• Assist in the safe construction, erection, and strike of show scenery.
• Plan, budget, purchase, and borrow materials for production areas, ensuring all technical requirements are met.
• Calculate electrical loads, apply color theory, and handle programming tasks.
• Serve as technical liaison for visiting companies and tenants.
• Assist with budgetary functions and recruiting student employees.
• Manage all technical aspects of theater operations, including lighting, sound, set construction, rigging, and stage management.
• Support academic courses and student productions by providing technical expertise and overseeing rehearsals and performances.
• Supervise and train student workers, maintain theater systems and inventory, and coordinate with faculty, guest artists, and event organizers.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and university policies.

Requirements

• BA in Technical Theater or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; an MFA is preferred.
• Combination of education and relevant experience may substitute for the education or experience requirement.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

A cover letter is required with your application. Media samples or a portfolio are strongly encouraged.

Physical Effort

The Technical Director position requires regular physical activity, including:

• Standing, walking, climbing ladders, and lifting or carrying materials up to 50 pounds.
• Operating power tools and handling lighting and sound equipment.
• Setting up and striking scenery, working at heights in catwalks or on scaffolding.
• Tasks requiring manual dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to work in dimly lit or confined spaces.

Occasional evening and weekend hours are required to support rehearsals and performances.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package, including free tuition for employees and their dependents at any Pitt campus.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Group medical insurance, life insurance, optional vision and dental insurance.
• Vacation, sick, and personal time.
• Paid federal holidays and winter break.

For more information, visit www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits.

Pay

$44,000 - $49,000 per year.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with some evenings as needed.