Rochester Institute of Technology - Assistant Technical Director
Company Information
Rochester Institute of Technology
United States
Rochester, NY
Contact Information
Job Details
Job title: Assistant Technical Director
Date posted: November 11, 2025
Posting expires: December 31, 2025
Job Summary
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is seeking a collaborative, dynamic, and experienced theatre technician to serve as the Assistant Technical Director (ATD) for the School of Performing Arts (SPA) in the College of Liberal Arts. This role is responsible for supporting and managing productions and performances presented in the new state-of-the-art 750-seat Music Performance Theater (MPT) as well as other venues across campus. The ATD works alongside the School of Performing Arts Technical Director to oversee all technical aspects of production including, but not limited to, lighting, audio, video, staging, and scenic construction. The ATD will have a focus on developing and maintaining technical drawings, documentation, and training materials while providing support and mentorship to students.
Please note-this position requires the ability to work extended days, evenings, and weekends on a consistent basis.
Job Responsibilities
The position requires the ability to work safely around power tools, on ladders and lifts, and with electricity. The ATD must be comfortable with/capable of lifting 50lbs, climbing ladders, and being at heights of up to 50 ft.
Night and weekend availability is required as needed in support of event production.
Now entering its seventh year of existence, RIT’s Performing Arts Scholarship Program has attracted over 2,000 students with backgrounds and interests in music, theatre, dance, and technical production to campus. In addition, RIT has constructed state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Student Hall for Exploration and Development and the Music Performance Theater, to support these students’ varied interests in performing arts. The Assistant Technical Director is central to the further development of the campus-wide performing arts ecosystem and the opening/operation of these new spaces. As such, the ATD is expected to fulfill certain mentorship, training, instructional, and supervisory responsibilities and opportunities connected to this role.
Required Qualifications
Education/Experience:
BA or BFA in Technical Theater or related technical field.
5+ years of experience in scenic design, technical theater production, concert production, large venue production and coordination, or related experience.
Skills:
Strong Vectorworks or AutoCad experience
Thorough understanding of all aspects of technical theatre, including set construction, lighting equipment, rigging, projections and sound.
Demonstrated implementation of successful safety policies and procedures, including knowledge and experience with OSHA and ANSI standards including the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) Technical Standards Program (TSP).
Strong leadership skills and autonomous decision-making abilities, often during high pressure situations, are mandatory.
Operation of a computer and assigned software. Proficiency in Microsoft and Google suite and online meeting platforms such as Zoom essential.
Background in event production (preferably both operations and engineering) and a thorough knowledge of the current tools and technologies including Network and IT infrastructures for Audio and Lighting workflows.
Ability to establish priorities and work independently
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Training and experience serving in a management role in a production department or scene shop at a theater, live event venue, or a related field.
Demonstrated creative judgment, excellent problem-solving skills and detail oriented.
Strong ability to lead a team (including students, contractors, and colleagues), delegate and communicate effectively across multiple departments and with dynamic people.
Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities as well as attend to numerous projects concurrently.
Ability to establish, build and maintain effective working relationships based on respect, empathy and honesty with all groups and individuals.
Ability to work extended days, evenings, and weekends on a consistent basis
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a technical theater or scenic design-related field.
In-depth knowledge of Audio signal processing systems.
In-depth knowledge of lighting and projection systems both conventional and intelligent as well as analog and network-based control.
Experience supervising a full-service scene shop including wood working, theater rigging, welding and automation
Certifications in any of the following: ETCP Rigging, Dante Level I-III, OSHA 10 Hour Training
Experience with CNC Machinery
Knowledge of Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), or willingness to learn.
Prior experience working in a higher education setting is preferred.
Application link: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?partnerid=25483&siteid=5289&PageType=JobDetails&jobid=1581204
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