Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $55,000 - $65,000
Dance Place is hiring!We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and talented individual to join our team as theTechnical Director for our nationally recognized, cultural arts center in Washington, DC. This full-time, exempt position will support our passion for building a sustainable community of artists, audiences, and students who have been systemically excluded from opportunities by providing high-quality performances, commissions, training, and educational programs. This is a hybrid work opportunitywith an annual salary range of$55,000 $65,000.
Heralded as thehub of dance activity in Washington, DC, Dance Place is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified applicants from underrepresented communities to apply. We believe that people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and women must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply to our openings. Come enjoy an exciting and inclusive team environment of movement artists who share a common goal of strengthening the dance field by investing deeply in artists and centering those who have been systemically excluded from such opportunities. For more information on our amazing organization, please visit our site at https://www.danceplace.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Technical Director is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of Dance Places performance and rental activities in the Cafritz Foundation Theater and on the Dance Place campus. Ensuring the Theaters operations run efficiently and safely, this role manages all technical logistics and is responsible for the general maintenance and technical aspects of the Theater, scene shop, dance studios, and backstage. Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Technical Director leads the Cafritz Foundation Theaters technical staff and supports all artists in the Dance Place season to realize their artistic visions. The Technical Director manages year-round technical theater direction to enrich the field of dance. This role is responsible for the general maintenance and operations of the Theatre, scene shop, technical aspects of our dance studios, and backstage.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
At a minimum, theTechnical Directorrole will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties:
Production Team Leadership
- Supervise and manage all production personnel, including the audio/visual and lighting technicians, technical interns, work/study staff, and overhire technicians.
- Hire and schedule overhire technicians as needed and determine staffing requirements for all events.
Scheduling & Staffing
- Schedule all technical personnel (e.g., staff, interns, work/study, and overhire) for performances, rentals, and maintenance activities.
- Participate in and co-lead regular production meetings in collaboration with the Artistic Director and the presentation team.
Event Planning & Execution
- Advance all performances and events by assessing the technical requirements and capabilities of the theater.
- Serve as the technical point of contact for artists and rental clients throughout the planning and execution process.
- Develop comprehensive production timelines and technical schedules for all performances and events.
- Coordinate technical requirements, equipment needs, and venue logistics for performances and events.
- Communicate with designers to interpret and implement their scenic, lighting, audio, and video needs.
Budget & Procurement
- Develop, track, and manage the production budget in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
- Make non-capital purchasing decisions within budget to ensure functionality of equipment.
- Coordinate incoming and outgoing rentals and equipment purchases.
- Track and order technical supplies and consumables to maintain inventory.
Facility & Equipment Oversight
- Maintain the theaters to-do/maintenance list and respond to repair or maintenance needs.
- Create and update equipment wishlists and technical specifications documentation for internal use and external reference.
- Oversee the upkeep of the Cafritz Foundation Theater, including backstage areas, scene shop, and storage spaces.
Technical Operations
- Lead and support technical operations, including maintenance calls, load-ins, hang and focus sessions, and technical/dress rehearsals.
- Conduct site visits and technical walkthroughs with visiting artists and companies
- Coordinate with external venues for off-site performances and events
- Ensure smooth technical execution of all Dance Place rehearsals, performances, presentations, and special events.
*These lists are not all-inclusive, as other duties may be assigned as needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
TheTechnical Director carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Dance Places policies and all applicable laws. This role has oversight and is responsible for managing the overall direction, coordination, assignment of tasks, and performance appraisal for the following positions:Audio and Video Supervisor, Lighting Supervisor, overhire staff, and interns. Additional supervisory responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, training, rewarding, and disciplining direct reports as well as addressing complaints and resolving problems within the Presentation Department.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE AND OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education:
Bachelors degree in Theater Production, Technical Theater, or a related field is preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of four (4) years of technical theater experience is required. Prior experience managing production staff members is also required.
Other Necessary Skills and Abilities:
- Capability to manage and, in the absence of staff availability, execute technical production tasks (i.e., lighting, audio/visual, etc.)
- Strong background in lighting or audio/visual design
- Keen attention to detail with a focus on producing high-quality work products
- Strong collaboration skills to work seamlessly across all departmental groups
- Exceptional project management skills to ensure production remains within scheduling timelines and budgetary limits
- Ability to regularly demonstrate strong self-motivation, strategic thinking, and the ability to work independently
Computer/Technology Skills:
Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail) or similar web applications for day-to-day office administration tasks.
Physical Demands:
This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged times; walk moderate distances; frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch; frequently communicate verbally with others; view a computer screen for prolonged periods; and repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers due to typing.
DESIRED SKILLS, QUALITIES, AND ABILITIES(not required)
- Familiarity with QLab, Vectorworks, or other CAD software is a plus.
- Scenic design or scenic construction experience is strongly preferred.
- An appreciation for the art of dance and Dance Places mission.
- Positively contribute to Dance Places workplace culture and values.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Our staff is diverse, small, lively, and highly collaborative. We have frequent interactions with visiting teachers, artists, and students of all ages. While some of Dance Place staff currently work a hybrid schedule, splitting time between our main office in Washington, DC, and remote work, theTechnical Director is primarily an on-site position. Due to the in-person aspects of the position, all employees are required to adhere to Dance Places current COVID-19 policy.