Technical Director

As a technical director, you will play a pivotal role in the successful completion of SCAD student productions within the School of Film and Acting and in the smooth management of the production shop. To do so, you’ll provide strategic technical oversight, coordinate design, and plan production for live performance, sitcom, drama, music video, and commercial sets.

On the production design team, you’ll:
• Coordinate with the design team on technical requirements and feasibility; translate production designs into comprehensive technical plans and working drawings; and develop material lists, specifications, and construction methodologies
• Design technical solutions for complex scenic and structural challenges, provide technical consultation on safety and structural integrity, and review design documents and working drawings for technical accuracy and completeness
• Manage long-range production plans and schedules, create detailed estimates for scenic materials and labor; and develop and track scenic budgets aligned with production needs and the director’s vision
• Produce construction drawings from design plans, plan and organize weekly production meetings with the production manager and production coordinator, and ensure projects are completed to the highest possible quality

As a technical director, you’ll:
• Order all shop materials and equipment for productions, manage procurement timelines and vendor relationships, and ensure prompt delivery
• Track material orders to stay within budget, coordinate with the assistant technical director (ATD) on material specifications and shop needs, supervise the ATD, and conduct regular reviews and meetings
• Set weekly production priorities and confirm schedules with the ATD; maintain strategic oversight of shop operations, project progress, and quality standards; and collaborate with the production manager on season planning, budgets, and deadlines
• Make hiring recommendations, support production design needs for admission events, and assist with student learning and professional development

Additionally, you’ll:
• Ensure all productions comply with OSHA and SCAD safety policies and procedures
• Support the development and implementation of safety training and certification programs
• Ensure that safety protocols are followed in all shops, studios, and theaters
• Coordinate after-hours emergency technical response, including an on-call rotation

Strong candidates will demonstrate:
• Thorough knowledge of how design and production elements interconnect throughout the production process
• Strong understanding of shop and theater safety and PPE usage
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and structural engineering
• Familiarity with theatrical rigging, carpentry, welding, and fabrication
• Experience with cost estimation and budgets

Candidates should have:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and project-management skills
• Effective collaboration in a fast-paced, time-oriented environment
• Keen attention to detail, accountability, and high standards

Minimum qualifications:     
• Bachelor’s degree in theater technology, technical theater, production design, or equivalent professional experience
• At least 10 years of professional production experience, including a position as assistant technical director or equivalent
• Working knowledge of stage machinery, automation, motorized scenery, pneumatics, and scenic painting and finishing processes
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud
• Proficiency with CAD design software, including AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, or Vectorworks

Preferred qualifications:     
• Familiarity with laser cutting, CNC router programming, and 3D printing

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:
• Class C Georgia driver’s license or ability to obtain one

Travel required:
• Less than 10%

Work hours: The university work week is Sunday through Saturday. Most offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To accommodate business needs, employees may be assigned to other workdays and/or hours, including weekends and evenings.   

ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.