Technical Director

Budget Title Instructional Support Associate Campus Title Technical Director School/Division Academic Affairs, Division of Department Performing Arts Staff Sub-Type Staff & Administration Salary Level SL2 Salary Range $52,500 + depending on experience Salary Determination

Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.

Position Effort Full-Time If Part-Time, enter FTE:
Is this a temporary position? No If Temporary, enter End Date:
Position Summary

The Technical Director for the Performing Arts Department will manage and execute the planning, construction, and implementation of all scenic and technical elements for departmental theatre productions. This includes, but is not limited to, four productions per year, including two musicals, as well as supervision of additional events held in departmental theatre facilities. The Technical Director collaborates closely with faculty, guest artists, staff, and students to ensure productions are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

This position includes significant physically demanding and hands‑on technical work in addition to planning and oversight responsibilities.

Salary: $52,500 + depending on experience (DOE)

What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?

* Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.

* Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.

* SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university's state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval.

* Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.

* Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings

Major Responsibilities

Production & Scenic Construction/Design

* Collaborate with directors and designers to provide input on the scope, scale, scheduling, and technical feasibility of scenic designs.

* Serve as the technical designer for all scenic elements of departmental productions.

* Select, order, and manage construction materials.

* Make independent, daily decisions to ensure timely completion of scenic elements.

* Complete occasional evening and weekend work as required by production schedules.

Planning, Budgeting & Scheduling

* Plan and coordinate all aspects of scenic construction and installation.

* Prepare, review, and communicate labor and materials cost estimates.

* Manage the scenery budget and ensure compliance with institutional policies.

* Establish build priorities in collaboration with faculty, directors and designers.

Supervision & Student Mentorship

* Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate student employees.

* Instruct student crews in safe practices for construction, load-in, and strike.

* Manage workflow, expectations, accountability, and quality standards for technical staff and student workers.

Facilities, Equipment & Safety

* Maintain a clean, safe, and organized scene shop.

* Supervise storage, inventory, and maintenance of all scene shop tools and equipment.

* Oversee maintenance, inspection, and upkeep of onstage and backstage areas.

* Coordinate with the Facilities Department regarding theatre maintenance.

* Plan and supervise the repair, purchase, and upgrade of scene shop and stage equipment.

Collaboration & Production Support

* Attend all production meetings and technical rehearsals.

* Participation in season planning and long-term production forecasting.

* Support all university events held in theatre facilities.

* Collaborate closely with the Production Manager to plan and coordinate the use of student crew members, including the assignment of roles and responsibilities, scheduling, and organization of workflows required for technical rehearsals and performances.

* Communicate effectively with faculty, guest artists, and staff to support production goals.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships

* Reports to the academic department chair.

* Supervises scene shop staff and student employees.

* Collaborates with directors, choreographers and designers in all production work.

* Works closely with the faculty, staff and students in the Performing Arts department.

Required Qualifications

* Associate's degree in theatre or a related field.

* Professional or academic experience as a Technical Director,…