Assistant Technical Director

Required Application Materials

A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.

Important Instructions:

When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.

• Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.

If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.

Job Summary

The Assistant Technical Director supports all technical aspects of the operation of the UT Tyler Cowan Center for university, touring and rental users at the direction of the Technical Director and acts as the lead technical staff in the absence of the Technical Director. This position will coordinate with users prior to events to plan technical needs within the venue and assure a professional outcome for each user of the building. The Assistant Technical Director will run university and rental events in addition to assisting with the crews for professional tours. This position will also serve as a back-up to the Technical Director for all events. This position will assist in maintaining the stage and auditorium throughout the year. During stage down time this position will perform other duties as assigned. This position works varied and irregular hours including evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Must present a professional approach with all users of the Cowan Center and maintain strong communication with each organization for a positive outcome of all events. This position reports to the Technical Director of the Cowan Center and will work within a team environment among all Cowan Center staff and university internal and external partners.

Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks

• Responsible for supervising all technical use for university departments use in the Vaughn auditorium at the UT Tyler Cowan Center.
• Supervise and manage the stage crew, estimate labor costs, technical coordination, advance details with departments and rental clients. This supervision will vary with each event’s needs.
• Serve as assistant and backup to the technical director for operation of the stage and auditorium throughout the year.
• Assist as a crew member for touring shows and large rentals as needed.
• Acts as professional liaison between all users of the facility and the building, its policies and procedures and standards of operation. Maintains a positive relationship with campus users and renters. Attempts to help users and guide all productions to their highest potential.
• Responsible for work schedule and time management within the flexible hours demanded by this position.
• Supervise events onsite and on day of show as required, being the liaison between users and the cowan center for technical needs and implementation.
• Prepare all necessary reports detailing the event, including billable hours and any other documents requested in a timely manner. Submit all technical cost for events in conjunction with the cowan business manager and office coordinator.
• Responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the cowan center stage and auditorium in conjunction with university facilities. Responsible for preventive/corrective maintenance of all aspects of the stage operations, implements safety practices, purchases supplies and participates in long-term planning to sustain an updated facility.
• Complete other cowan center-related duties during times when the venue is not presenting programming/events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience

• High school diploma, or GED
• Minimum of two years’ experience live theatre production, touring, theatre production or venue experience.
• Preferred: bachelor of arts degree in technical theatre or related field
• Preferred: experience with etc lighting control environment.
• Preferred: experience working lighting systems, audio reinforcement and stage management.
• May accept a combination of education and experience.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• At least 2 years’ experience working with live entertainment, preferably in a university setting or comparable commercial experience.
• Willingness to and ability to work with a flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays and irregular hours.
• Experience working with remote lighting and audio operations with ipad.
• Experience in usage of at least a 25’ genie lift
• Experience with operation and maintenance of single purchase fly systems including ability to add/remove weight from arbors.
• Experience with basic audio mixing boards/consoles, microphone operation and pa speaker usage.
• Experience working with video equipment.
• Experience working with full flys and pn rail rigging.
• Experience with inspection of rigging hardware and softgoods.
• Experience working with electrical systems.
• Experience with networks, VLans, and general I.T.
• Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and functionally related teams.
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Must be able to climb stairs regularly, occasionally work on a theatre grid and on catwalks above the ceiling.
• Must be able to work in high decibel level environments of concert rehearsal and performance.
• Must be able to communicate with clients well by phone and in person.
• Use of personal computer, including Microsoft office, technical drawings, standard office equipment and related technical equipment. Considerable accuracy in all phases of work.

Working Environment:

• Work flexible hours around events, standard office conditions, work within the theatre including heights of catwalks and grid, must be able to sit, walk, crawl, bend, climb ladders, assist with lifting of at least 50 pounds.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards, standard office conditions, chemicals, all weather conditions.

About The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.

Designated an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.

Our beautiful Tyler campus features more than 200 acres nestled along a lake and surrounded by thick pine and oak forests, providing a picturesque location for study and recreation. We also offer instructional sites at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and in Palestine, Longview, and Houston.

With more than 80 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs offered, UT Tyler provides a wealth of learning opportunities and dynamic programs.

For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about/.

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits.

EEO Statement

The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.