Technical Director and Sound Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Assistant Head of School and Director of Technology, leads and executes the technical production of live events, with full ownership of all related audio-visual (AV) and theatrical systems. With experience in audio engineering, theatrical lighting, and event operations, this role supports high-caliber production needs, ensuring the professional execution of performances, assemblies, and community gatherings. In addition to providing technical production leadership, this position manages AV systems and performance spaces, mentors students in live production and technical theater, and maximizes the use of in-house systems and resources. The role combines technical experience, creative judgment, and collaborative event execution that embraces the school's mission and core values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Serve as lead audio engineer for school-wide events, including theatre productions, ceremonies, and assemblies, and supervise, train, and instruct others in the duties supporting these events.
• Coordinate, plan, and execute technical live production logistics, including setup, rehearsal support, and live operation of AV systems (audio, video, lighting).
• Maintain the readiness of performance spaces, coordinating with Facilities and other departments to ensure a functional and presentable space for users and visitors.
• Collaborate with event organizers and department stakeholders to elevate aesthetic, functional, and technical requirements for diverse event types.
• Optimize use of school event spaces and equipment, and their production capabilities to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences for presenters, performers, and audiences.
• Supervise and configure systems for live streaming, multi-camera events, and sound reinforcement as needed.
• Maintain full ownership and oversight of theatrical and AV-related systems and equipment.
• Organize and track all technical inventory and assets related to AV, theatrical production, and live events; ensure preventative maintenance and readiness.
• Identify needs for upgrades, repairs, or replacements and support the Director of Technology in coordination of work with vendors and contractors as necessary.
• Mentor students in the technical aspects of live production and technical theater in the areas of audio, lighting, and backstage operations, providing hands-on experiences.
• Train others on basic use of the theatrical lighting and sound systems.
• Support the school's mission and brand by ensuring events are technically polished and professionally presented.
• Provide support to the Technology Department on special projects or operational tasks, as needed.
• Communicate respectfully, clearly, and honestly in verbal, electronic, and written form with parents, administrators, and colleagues, and maintain a sensitive, cooperative, and flexible demeanor in interactions.
• Positively contribute to the schoolwide community.
• Demonstrate professionalism through reliability, punctuality, and personal appearance and self-care, and maintain personal integrity and a respectful attitude in all relationships, and positively contribute to the school community.
• Provide for the physical safety of children through anticipation and removal of hazards, visual observation of children active or at rest, and by appropriately responding to injuries.
• Follow all personnel policies and the guidelines of the Emergency Response Plans, and take responsibility for students' safety in an emergency situation or drill.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty to the satisfaction of the administration. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Degree or certificate in technical theatre, live event production, audio engineering, or related field preferred. 3-5+ years of experience as a technical lead for performing arts and live events, including live sound engineering, theatrical lighting, technical direction, and/or venue management. Prior experience in K-12 or similar educational environments and demonstrated experience mentoring or leading students in technical theatre or production roles are strongly preferred.

BEHAVIORAL SKILLS: Demonstrate personal integrity, friendliness, patience, fairness, openness, non-defensiveness, sensitivity, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written documents, professional literature, and other material. Ability to write reports and letters. Ability to verbally present information and respond to children, parents, colleagues, and administrators. Ability to communicate effectively with parents, students, and colleagues.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: High comfort level and proficiency with technology as a communication tool. Ability to use simple tools and machines, such as copiers and laminators. Ability to use computers to write reports, compose letters and emails, create documents, and communicate with parents.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and apply common sense and good judgment in dealing with everyday and emergency situations. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions: regularly required to talk and hear; stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a staff member encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to moderate to noisy.