Associate Technical Director
Position: Associate Technical Director
Department: Production (Scenery)
FT or PT: FT
Classification: Annual Salaried ($72,000 - $80,000 annually)
Schedule: Weekdays, weeknights, & weekends
Status: Exempt
Reports To: Technical Director
Statement of Job:
In conjunction with the Technical Director, the Associate Technical Director (ATD) is responsible for the safe, accurate, timely, and effective execution of scenic designs, completed with a spirit of excellence, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.
The ATD will serve as lead scenic manager for several productions and projects throughout the year, supervising each from initial technical design through shop fabrication, on-site installation, rehearsals, performances, and strike. Core duties include budgeting and cost analysis, technical design and drafting, researching and sourcing specialty hardware and materials, and overseeing construction and load-in/strike for both Huntington productions and external projects.
For external projects or co-productions, the ATD prepares comprehensive as-built documentation and assembly instructions, and may travel to assist with on-site installation if needed.
As the second-ranking member of the scenery team, the ATD plays a vital leadership role within The Huntington’s Production Department. The role requires strong collaboration, technical expertise, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES
TECHNICAL DESIGN / DRAFTING / SHOW MAINTENANCE:
- Serves as lead scenic manager on assigned shows and projects, coordinating directly with the design team
- Acts as primary drafter for assigned projects, producing detailed construction drawings
- Prepares and maintains production schedules, including build, install, maintenance, and strike timelines
- Directs and assists the Shop Supervisor during builds as needed; coordinates with other production departments to maintain overall build schedule
- Leads load-in and installation, ensuring effective coordination with other production departments
- Attends technical rehearsals, including as a representative of the Technical Direction team for projects led by others. Takes notes, makes decisions on overnight and future work, and develops clear plans to guide the team’s next steps.
- Serves as primary contact for technical issues once a show is running, through strike
- Leads maintenance efforts and serves as chief inspector for productions with automated scenic elements
- Communicates clearly with the Technical Director regarding project status, including any budgetary or scheduling deviations
- Archives completed projects by compiling drawings, notes, purchase records, and other documentation for future reference
- Serves as lead automation specialist for productions involving automated scenic elements
SHOP MANAGEMENT:
- Serves as second in line for decision-making behind the Technical Director
- Supervises Scenery Team staff assigned to projects, managing workflow, ensuring safe and efficient operations
- Fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment
- Adhere to and promote safe working practices
- Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient workspace
- May be assigned specific machines or shop areas to lead maintenance and training efforts
- Assists in managing scene shop operations, including the development and supervision of maintenance and safety programs
EXTERNAL PROJECTS, as assigned:
- Serves as lead project manager as described above, and acts as primary contact with the client
- Leads technical design and drafting, ensuring alignment with project scope and client expectations
- Develops and manages change-orders as needed throughout the project lifecycle
- Travels as required to support installation and on-site notes, in accordance with project contracts
- Maintains and archives all relevant project documentation, including drawings, notes, purchase records, and contracts
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
- Assists TD with budgeting, cost analysis, and scope feasibility for scenic designs
- Track Scene Shop expenses and maintain receipts
- Purchase materials and supplies
- Locate and schedule over-hire labor as needed for build, install, and strike processes
- Occasional maintenance of facility and facility equipment pertinent to scenery operations
- Conduct research for materials and products
- Other duties, as assigned.
