⚡ Quick Job Summary Table of Technical Director

🎬 Job Description Summary

Stanford University’s Department of Theater & Performance Studies seeks an experienced Technical Director to oversee production planning, execution, and management for theatrical performances. This position combines technical expertise with leadership skills in an educational and collaborative environment, supervising mainstage shows and developmental productions while mentoring students and managing professional staff.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

The Technical Director role encompasses comprehensive production management responsibilities that are essential for successful theatrical operations. As a Technical Director, you will initiate and lead stakeholder meetings to establish project scope, monitor budgets, and review administrative procedures for all departmental events and productions.

Your primary responsibilities as Technical Director include serving as project leader for specific events, coordinating cross-functional teams that handle marketing, vendor management, fan experience, ticketing, and media relations. Budget planning and management form a crucial part of the Technical Director position, along with venue management and comprehensive equipment oversight.

The Technical Director oversees development of registration strategies and logistics while building and maintaining relationships with both internal and external partners. Vendor procurement and contract negotiation are key aspects of this Technical Director role, requiring skills in minimizing liability and operational risks.

Additional Technical Director duties include researching potential event locations, evaluating alternatives, and investigating customer service issues. The position requires facility inspections for maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance, ensuring all productions meet Stanford’s high standards.

💼 Core Duties and Expectations

• Lead production planning meetings and establish comprehensive event scopes
• Coordinate teams across marketing, vendors, ticketing, and media relations
• Manage budgets for three mainstage shows and three developmental productions annually
• Supervise Bargaining Unit positions, professional staff, and student employees
• Provide IT support for production systems and coordinate facility upgrades
• Advise student-run Nitery Experimental Theatre operations
• Train and supervise junior event planners and support staff
• Communicate effectively with visiting vendors, teams, and officials
• Ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety regulations

🌟 Benefits and Perks

Stanford University offers an exceptional comprehensive rewards package that extends far beyond base salary. The Technical Director position includes access to world-class career development programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and the chance to audit courses at one of the world’s premier educational institutions.

Health and wellness benefits include access to state-of-the-art exercise facilities with hundreds of fitness classes, rock climbing walls, and excellent healthcare coverage. The university provides superb retirement plans, generous time-off policies, and comprehensive family care resources.

Stanford’s unique campus environment offers discovery opportunities through historic sculptures, walking trails, and renowned museums. The Technical Director will enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, employee discounts, and access to TedTalks, film screenings, and presentations by world-renowned speakers.

🏛️ Company Overview

Stanford University’s School of Humanities and Sciences serves as the foundation of liberal arts education, encompassing 24 departments and 24 interdisciplinary programs. The Technical Director will work within the Department of Theater & Performance Studies (TAPS), where theory and practice are inextricably linked, preparing scholar-artists fluent in both practical theater-making and humanistic knowledge.

TAPS integrates practical theater knowledge with comprehensive understanding of performance history and theory, creating an environment where the Technical Director can contribute to both artistic excellence and educational mission. The department’s vision centers on collaborative learning and innovative performance creation.

🤝 Company Culture

Stanford’s culture emphasizes freedom to grow, providing the Technical Director with opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. The university maintains a caring culture that supports work-life balance through flexible arrangements and comprehensive support systems.

The Technical Director will work in an environment that values diversity, collaboration, and innovation. Stanford’s 17,000 staff members are driven by a mission to impact the future while supporting groundbreaking research and educational excellence.

📈 Career Growth Opportunities

The Technical Director position offers significant career advancement potential within Stanford’s extensive network of academic and research programs. Professional development opportunities include access to cutting-edge technologies, collaboration with renowned faculty, and participation in innovative performance projects.

Stanford’s commitment to employee growth ensures that the Technical Director can expand skills through continuing education, cross-departmental collaboration, and leadership development programs. The university’s reputation provides excellent networking opportunities within the broader entertainment and academic communities.

🌍 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Stanford University maintains a strong commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all Technical Director candidates and employees feel valued and supported. The university actively promotes diversity in all aspects of employment and educational programming.

The Technical Director will work in an environment that celebrates different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences while fostering collaborative relationships across diverse teams and communities.

⚖️ Equal Opportunity Statement

Stanford University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified Technical Director applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

🏠 Remote Work Policy

The Technical Director position offers hybrid work arrangements, combining on-site presence for productions and events with flexible remote work options for administrative tasks. This arrangement supports work-life balance while ensuring operational effectiveness and team collaboration.

Remote work components include planning, communication, and administrative duties, while on-site presence is required for productions, rehearsals, and facility management activities.

📋 Required Qualifications

The Technical Director position requires a Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must demonstrate success in managing event teams, developing budgets, and meeting financial goals.

Essential skills for the Technical Director include excellent project management capabilities, ability to handle complex timelines and multiple projects simultaneously, and strong interpersonal communication abilities. Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, FileMaker Pro, and cloud applications is required.

🎪 Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications for the Technical Director include strong experience with AV systems in live entertainment, experience working with students, and knowledge of theatrical costume care and maintenance. Experience managing CBA-covered employees is highly valued.

📝 Application Process

1. Review the complete job description and requirements on Stanford’s career portal
2. Submit your application through the official Stanford University career website
3. Include relevant experience in technical direction, event management, and theatrical production

⏰ Application Deadline

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. This Technical Director position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from hiring freezes.

🚀 How to Apply

Apply directly through Stanford University’s career portal at the provided link. Ensure your application highlights relevant Technical Director experience, technical skills, and leadership capabilities in educational or theatrical environments.

📱 Social Media Links

Follow Stanford University on social media platforms for updates on career opportunities and campus life. Connect with the Theater & Performance Studies department for insights into the Technical Director role and departmental culture.

❓ FAQs or Additional Information

Q: What makes this Technical Director position unique?

A: This Technical Director role combines technical expertise with educational mission, working directly with students and faculty in a world-renowned academic environment.

Q: Are there opportunities for professional development?

A: Yes, Stanford offers extensive professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and access to continuing education programs.

Q: What is the work schedule like for the Technical Director?

A: The position may require evening and weekend work during productions, with hybrid work arrangements for administrative tasks.

Source: Stanford University Careers

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