About Roger Williams University:

Roger Williams University, located on the coast of Bristol, RI, is a forward-thinking private university with 45 undergraduate majors spanning the liberal arts and the professions, where students become community-minded citizens through project-based, experiential learning. With small classes, direct access to faculty and boundless opportunities for real-world projects, RWU students develop the ability to think critically while simultaneously building the practical skills that today's employers demand. In the three years since launching its signature Affordable Excellence initiative, the University has established itself as a leader in American higher education by confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families - increasing costs that limit access to college, rising debt and the job readiness of graduates. In addition to its 4,000 undergraduates, RWU is home to more than a dozen graduate programs, a thriving School of Continuing Studies based in Providence as well as Rhode Island's only law school.

Roger Williams University is committed to creating and supporting an intellectual community devoted to teaching and learning and providing the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth for students, faculty and staff. The University credits much of its growth and success to the hard work and dedication of its employees.

Job Description:

Working under the immediate direction of the chairperson of the Department of Performing Arts and the Director of Design, the Technical Director provides technical support for the productions of faculty and students in Dance, Music, and Theatre. The Technical Director is responsible for stage construction, maintaining the facilities and equipment, non-teaching supervision of work study and practicum students, and oversight of health and safety regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Technical Support:

Provide support to all areas of the Performing Arts (dance, music, and theatre) including creating plans and methods for design, sound, lighting etc. as needed to achieve production requirements;
Provide technical supervision, construction and planning assistance for main season performing arts productions, Alive Arts and student productions resulting in high quality design that is within budget;
Determine technical production costs for material and equipment using established budget;
Deliver outstanding craftsmanship as exhibited by quality stage design, realized within the fiscal constraints of the Performing Arts programs.

Student Interaction:

Supervise and train work study and practicum students in a non-teaching capacity, providing the opportunity for students to learn technical skills required for the performing arts.

Facilities and Safety Oversight:

Purchase, maintain and inventory props and equipment;
Provide for upkeep of the facilities including coordinating services from other departments. Coordinate collection and disposal of all waste materials;
Ensure a safe working and performance environment by overseeing compliance with all health and safety regulations.  This includes coordinating Fire Marshal inspections, training students on proper tool safety and monitoring their adherence to safety requirements.
Perform timely testing and maintenance of facilities and equipment, to ensure continual readiness for instruction/rehearsals and flawless performance during stage productions.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Participate in committees and projects as directed.

Participate in grant writing activities of the department.

Assist with University wide functions and events held at the Performing Arts Center.

Assist in other duties when productions are held.

Respect and maintain confidentiality, parameters of operation, professional protocols, and individual privacy.

 

This is a full-time 11-month position.

Requirements:

PREREQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the Performing Arts or a related field.   

Minimum five years' experience in a related field with progressive levels of responsibility. 

Ability to organize and guide work study and practicum students toward the completion of designated projects through the use of effective communication and leadership skills.

Knowledge of theatrical stage design.

Ability to draft, read and explain construction drawings.

Advanced knowledge of CAD software and intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Availability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends for productions.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

M.A. or M.F.A. in the Performing Arts or a related field.  Stage design and teaching experience.  

Experience in higher education or non-profit organization.

 

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position. 

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive excellence and encourages applications from underrepresented populations.

For information on our Non-discrimination and Title IX policy, visit: rwu.edu/NDT9

 

Application Instructions:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references.