Technical Director

Reporting to the Director of Production, the Technical Director is responsible for providing the technical support necessary to properly satisfy the requirements of all events, ensuring Symphony presented events and external events at the Jacobs Music Center and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park are presented at the highest standard possible. The position holder will have extensive experience working across a wide range of performance formats and venues and have demonstrated technical proficiency at the highest level. The Technical Director is the technical expert responsible for protecting and maintaining the Symphony’s technical assets, while managing and overseeing various technical departments including lighting, rigging, and video.

This position has a critical role in providing the technical support necessary to properly satisfy the requirements of all events (internal and external) including responsibility for inspecting, or coordinating inspection of, venue systems for safety compliance and functionality. The position holder will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders from artists and tour managers, members of Symphony staff and Union crews, to consultants, vendors and rental clients, requiring excellent communication skills. Additional responsibilities include the management and upkeep of all technical equipment/assets under the Symphony’s control, maintaining specific event equipment records for archival and billing purposes, providing cost estimates and financial information as requested.

This is a full-time, year-round position with a busy schedule of weekend and evening work, particularly during the summer.

Requirements

Event Responsibilities:

• Participate in advancing as needed, with particular focus on rigging, lighting, video and other technical elements including creating plots and other drafting needs.
• Review and provide input on the delivery of technical riders for artists for Symphony presentations and outside events to support advances by the production team. Advise production managers and designers on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for individual programs and performances.
• Review production documents for all events to ensure successful coordination of technical elements and equipment, including dissemination of information to key partners such as lighting, projection, video designers and operators, including crew.
• Collaborate with other team members to ensure technical elements are included in schedule planning, cost estimates, and are approved as required.
• Lead design for technical elements of the full range of Symphony produced events as needed, liaising with artistic staff and creative partners. Work to elevate the level of presentation in creative ways.
• Interact with facility users, Symphony staff, and other personnel when planning, coordinating and executing programs, services and events as necessary.
• Demonstrate a proactive and solution focused approach to event design and delivery.
• Ensure consistent execution of all aspects of technical design and operations, through personal supervision of implementation of approved technical designs and establishment of clear procedures.
• On occasion, serve as the designated production contact onsite, for specific events and to assist in team workload distribution, overseeing technical aspects of daily event operations, including the planning, organizing and directing of event load‐ins, set‐ups, and strikes, and use of house lighting, video, stage and other technical equipment and systems in coordination with the production staff.

 Equipment Responsibilities:

• With a primary focus on lighting, video and rigging, but providing input and support as needed in other areas;
• Work with budget managers for the budgeting, purchasing, and scheduling of the repair and maintenance of Symphony owned equipment.
• Ensure technical equipment is functional and safe. Inspect, monitor and evaluate equipment and work‐related conditions to determine compliance with prescribed operating, safety and manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Set and enforce safe‐use guidelines for equipment, train staff in proper use of equipment within scope of knowledge.
• Work with a wide variety of vendors to foster mutually beneficial relationships to pursue purchase, obtain supplies, rental equipment, and services in conformance with related policies and procedures.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of contractors engaged in repairs, preventative maintenance, and installation of any new technical equipment.
• Develop and oversee a program for technical supplies and equipment inventory and security.
• Develop and execute a preventative maintenance program for technical equipment and systems.
• Contribute to planning for capital purchases and upgrades of technical equipment and venue facilities.

Management Responsibilities:

• Act as a leader at the San Diego Symphony, contributing to a positive work environment. Motivate and coach crew members to deliver event needs.
• Represent the Symphony with enthusiasm and professionalism at all times, prioritizing an exceptional performance/event experience for performers, tour/artist management, rental clients and audience members.
• Supervise house crew, stagehands, and other technicians engaged in setting up stage, striking stage, and operating various technical equipment, as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of stagehand union agreements to ensure compliance.
• Participate in regular department meetings and event specific meetings as required.
• Work with Production department on crew staffing for concerts and events.
• Support crew members and third parties in working with Symphony equipment, including orientation, basic training documentation, and on-site support.

Budgetary Responsibilities:

• Work with the Director of Production regarding the purchase of new equipment and replacement of failing equipment as needed.
• Keep the Production department informed of specific technical projects, including budget information as necessary.
• Ensure quotes are obtained and  approved.

Education and Experience

• Minimum ten years professional experience in large-scale performing arts operations with both hands-on and management skills in a variety of production and technical disciplines at the Director level or above.
• Experience with large musical performances and extremely high-profile artists, as well as AEG, Live Nation, or similar presenters.
• Experience with an outdoor venue and the related production and technical challenges that come with staging performances in a free and publicly accessible park and the natural elements of sun, wind, rain, and ambient noise.
• Extensive experience advancing large incoming productions, including reviewing and revising technical riders, placing orders, and scheduling the appropriate production and technical staff for each performance. Proven success in fostering positive working relationships with visiting tour managers and production teams.
• Proficient using Vectorworks or other CAD software for preparing stage plots.
• Experience working with a Symphony preferred, willingness to learn essential.
• Experience with conflict resolution, advocacy, and leading a team to the best possible outcome for all involved. Strong supervisory experience, specifically: direct supervision of internal teams and union crews.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with high volume of work. Demonstrated attitude of support, collaboration, and willingness to pitching in at times where others need support.
• Proven skill managing concurrent complex projects over multiple timelines, without missing deadlines and ensuring outstanding attention to detail.
• Able to orchestrate, in collaboration with Artistic staff or guest artists/clients, the aesthetics of the stage plot and related design elements such as the stage plot, video direction related to IMAG, lighting, and audio.
• Broad understandings of stage lighting, rigging, audio, and video equipment and systems, with specialist knowledge in at least one area.
• Possess appropriate professional deportment, maintaining confidentiality, exercise tact, patience, courtesy and integrity when interacting with performers, staff and visiting artistic teams, including under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, VectorWorks and AutoCAD software. Ability to use online project management tools.
• Strong understanding of computer technology, video and streaming technology and hardware, and live-streaming platforms such as OBS.
• Knowledge of grandMA board.
• Commitment to the San Diego Symphony’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives.

General Requirements

• Available to work regular business hours in addition to evenings, weekends, and some holidays as required and in person.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment, with a balance of remote work and onsite attendance as required.
• Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Able to pick up and move a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Able to work at elevated heights.
• Mobility in crowded spaces in both indoor and outdoor venues.
• Able to negotiate stairs and to move freely about the stage and backstage at any time.

Working Conditions

• Normal office working conditions in a shared office space environment: sitting at a desk and computer terminal for long periods of time, typing and computer work, light to moderate lifting. 
• Normal backstage working conditions: standing for long periods of time, light to moderate lifting, noisy atmosphere.
• Stage conditions: work at heights at times, including catwalks, theatre grids, lighting towers and boom lifts.
• Event conditions: frequent extended work outdoors, sometimes in low light, and noisy atmosphere.

Benefits

Pay Range:

$110,000.00-$120,000.00 annually

Benefits:

Health, dental and vision insurance; life, AD&D, and long-and short-term disability insurance; FSA; paid sick days, vacation days and holidays; 401(k) plan.

The San Diego Symphony provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We are committed to being a workplace in which every employee has equitable opportunities and support, and experiences a sense of belonging. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences are encouraged to apply.