Pitt-Bradford Arts Technical Director

Love where you work! The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is accepting applications for a technical director in the area of Arts Programming. This is a full-time, 12-month position reporting to the director of Arts Programming.

Join a team of creative thinkers and innovators where you have the ability to build a theater environment, just as you envision! You will have the freedom to make decisions about equipment, processes and design within a state of the art facility. You will experience the broad opportunity to work with artists from all over the world as well as our own students on campus.

Salary:  $44,000 - $49,000/year

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; and vacation, sick and personal time. Paid federal holidays and winter break. For more information visit www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits.  

Duties:  Operation and maintenance of the performance technology aspects of the performing arts center, which is an active presenting organization, and home to the University’s theater, music, art, and communication arts programs. This involves supervising and maintaining the stages and shop areas; preparing for load-in, run-of, and load-out of all center events; recruiting, training, and supervising stagehands; design and execute, or assist in the design and execution, of sets, lights and sound for all Communication and the Arts Department productions; and instruction of proper techniques of stagecraft. The technical director will maintain the highest safety standards and will coordinate the scheduling, distribution, and set up of technical equipment.

Requirements: BA in Technical Theater or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. An MFA is preferred.

Please submit a cover letter with your application. Media samples or portfolio strongly encouraged.

Devises effective and creative solutions for the lighting, sound, costume and make-up design, and audiovisual (AV) requirements for all shows and mentors students in correlating duties. Assists in the safe construction, erection, and strike of show scenery. Plans, budgets, purchases, and borrows for production areas and ensures all technical requirements of a show are met. Calculates electrical loads, color theory, and programming and serves as technical liaison for visiting companies and tenants. Assists with budgetary functions and recruiting student employees.

Essential Functions 

The Technical Director for the Bromeley Family Theater is responsible for managing all technical aspects of theater operations, including lighting, sound, set construction, rigging, and stage management. The role supports academic courses and student productions by providing technical expertise, overseeing rehearsals and performances, and ensuring safe and efficient use of equipment and facilities. The Technical Director also supervises and trains student workers, maintains theater systems and inventory, coordinates with faculty, guest artists, and event organizers, and ensures compliance with safety standards and university policies.

The Technical Director position requires regular physical activity, including standing, walking, climbing ladders, and lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. The role involves operating power tools, handling lighting and sound equipment, setting up and striking scenery, and working at heights in catwalks or on scaffolding. Candidates must be able to perform tasks that require 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.