Technical Director

New England Conservatory, an independent not-for-profit institution, is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. With music students representing more than 40 countries, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for students, providing them with performance opportunities and high-caliber training by 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. NEC pushes the boundaries of making and teaching music through college-level musical training in classical, jazz, and Contemporary Improvisation. It offers unique interdisciplinary programs such as Entrepreneurial Musicianship and Community Performances & Partnerships that empower students to create their own musical opportunities. As part of NEC's mission to make lifelong music education available to everyone, the Preparatory School and School of Continuing Education delivers training and performance opportunities for children, pre-college students, and adults.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Technical Director’s (TD) main responsibilities are to operate, maintain, and safeguard the technical assets of the Plimpton Shattuck Black Box Theatre (BBT), including supervising the use of lighting, sound, communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of stage facilities. The TD will also provide technical and production support for other NEC concert halls/performance/event venues, including basic lighting design as appropriate. This individual reports to the Concert Halls Production Manager, and works closely with the NEC Opera Studies department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Determine the necessary technical supports—such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs—necessary for events and performances presented in the BBT, in advance of production dates and in collaboration with sponsoring NEC departments or external renters.
• Serve as Technical Director for on- and off-campus NEC Opera productions.
• Assist guest designers and artists with technical matters.
• Advise production managers, lighting and sound designers, renters, and other users of the BBT on the technical specifications, costs, and usage of technical equipment required for a given production. Supervise implementation of approved technical designs.
• Attend technical week rehearsals, in order to supervise and/or assist in the technical aspects of mounting the show.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and assignment of technical crew for productions as needed.
• Orient both internal and external customers, including renters and visiting productions, to the BBT, including general operations, technical characteristics, and safety/emergency protocol.
• Prepare and execute theatrical lighting requirements for NEC ensembles, special events, and renter organizations as needed.
• Monitor the condition of equipment and perform preventive maintenance, including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arrange for repair and replacement when needed within budget parameters. Maintain inventory and order specialized supplies.
• Make recommendations regarding capital purchases of technical equipment.
• Collaborate with other departments as needed to ensure appropriate and timely preparation and communication regarding upcoming events.
• Collaborate with other Concert Halls staff as needed for support of other NEC performance/rehearsal spaces. Perform general stage management responsibilities, including:

1. Manage stage/backstage activities during concerts and rehearsals.
2. Execute set-ups for concerts, rehearsals and special events.
3. Acquire and organize rehearsal and concert set-ups for NEC ensembles, special events and renter organizations.
4. Oversee concurrent concerts, recitals and events in other halls and rooms.
5. Assist with theatrical lighting requirements for NEC ensembles, special events and renter organizations.
6. Consult with Audience Services Managers to ensure the quality and public safety of concert presentations.
7. Move pianos, percussion, and other large instruments throughout NEC buildings/ campus.
8. Assist with support for educational/classroom activities (chairs, tables, blackboards, etc.) as needed.
9. Perform general maintenance and cleaning of concert halls and associated areas.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA in Technical Theatre or Theatre Arts, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum three years previous production and/or technical experience in an arts performance venue. Experience in an academic environment preferred.
• Two years professional technical entertainment experience preferred in rigging, carpentry, electrics, sound, and video.
• Strong project management and customer service skills, including demonstrated attention to detail, especially in synthesizing information from multiple sources.
• Experience with scenic construction, stage lighting equipment and basic theatrical light design, and rigging.
• Must be familiar with maintenance, operation, and installation of stage and scenery equipment, such as winches and pneumatics.
• Must be comfortable with heights.
• Familiarity with various musical styles—including opera, orchestral, wind ensemble, chamber music, choral and jazz—as well as musical instruments and equipment.
• Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects, up to 50 pounds, and to move large instruments, including pianos and percussion.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative as well as to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially during peak production periods.

*Many responsibilities from the American Association of Community Theatre (aact.org).

BENEFITS:

• Generous paid time off including a combination of vacation, sick, personal, birthday and holidays.
• Benefits provided on day 1. Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with options for a Health Reimbursement Account, a Health Savings Account and/or Flexible Healthcare and Dependent Care savings account. Additional benefits with health insurance election including virtual primary, medical convenience and behavioral health care, fitness and weight loss reimbursements and discounted bike share memberships
• Retirement plan with a 403b employer contribution of 5% with no vesting period
• Transit Benefits with 50% of approved costs covered up to $130 a month.
• Basic Life/AD&D insurance, Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability provided at no cost to employee with voluntary insurance offered for employee, spouse and children
• Free participation in NEC classes and ensembles as well as discounted individual lessons
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted YMCA membership
• Discounts on NEC cafeteria
• Free NEC concerts and library borrowing privileges
• Free access to some local museums and aquarium

NEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Annual Clery Report

In accordance with the federal Clery and Campus SaVE Acts, New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) commits to providing all current and prospective students and employees with access to the annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report. This report will provide the reader with a record of statistics regarding crimes that were reported in the NEC community during the previous three years as well as College policies and procedures, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.This report may be accessed here. A paper copy can be requested by contacting NEC's Director of Public Safety at 290 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115.