Job Details

Manager Technical Arts (HR Title: Technical Director)

Position Number: 7112618
Location: Dallas, TX
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Theatre and Dance

Manager Technical Arts (HR Title: Technical Director)

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU Meadows School of the Arts educates visionary artists, scholars and arts and communications professionals to create sustainable and transformative impact on both local and global society. Today, the Meadows School has achieved prominence as one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States and offers training in an unusual mix of the arts - visual (art and art history), performing (dance, music, and theatre) and communications (advertising, film and media arts, corporate communication and public affairs, and journalism) - as well as a preeminent program in arts management and arts entrepreneurship.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The technical director (TD) is a creative, strategic problem solver responsible for translating scenic designs and technical drawings into fully realized stage environments. The TD ensures that all scenic elements are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with artistic vision and budget. This role oversees the planning, engineering, construction, installation, and operation of scenic elements for productions, while maintaining a safe and well-functioning shop and performance environment. The TD collaborates closely with faculty, student designers, and production staff; mentors students throughout the design and build process; and provides expertise in construction methods, materials, and emerging technologies. The TD manages shop operations, supervises staff and students, develops build schedules and technical solutions, and serves as a key advisor on feasibility, safety, and innovation in theatrical production.

Essential Functions:

Scenic Engineering, Design Support, and Student Mentorship: Mentors student designers with faculty through design, budgeting, and construction. Evaluates designs for feasibility; develops engineering solutions for scenery and effects; creates or oversees drawings; and advises on materials, methods, and technology to achieve artistic goals safely and within budget.
Scenic Production Oversight and Shop Operations: Plans and executes build schedules; supervises construction, installation, and strike; and participates in rehearsals and production meetings. Oversees scene shop operations, including training and supervising staff and students in safe practices, and provides hands-on support, including construction of scenery, as needed.
Technical Systems, Safety, and Facilities Management: Provides leadership in maintaining a safe working environment across all production spaces. Oversees the operation, maintenance, and safe use of technical equipment, including rigging and motion control systems. Coordinates with the Office of Risk Management to ensure compliance with safety standards for productions and facilities.
Budgeting, Procurement, and Resource Management: Manages scenic budgets, including purchasing materials, hardware, and equipment for productions and shop operations. Tracks and reconciles expenditures and collaborates with scenic artists and production staff to ensure cost-effective use of resources.
Innovation, Technology, and Capital Planning: Stays current with industry standards and technological advancements in scenic construction, automation, and rigging. Recommends and supports acquisition of capital equipment to maintain safe, modern, and effective production facilities.
Project Planning and Institutional Collaboration: Contributes technical expertise to facility upgrades, renovations, and special projects. Collaborates with the Director of Production, project managers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure adherence to theatrical standards and best practices.
Production Support, Communication, and Administrative Coordination: Participates in production meetings, develops standard operating procedures in collaboration with the Director of Production, and provides on-call support for performances, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree field in technical theatre is preferred.

A minimum of 5 years of experience is required.

A valid drivers license is required. A certification in theatrical rigging and training in pneumatics and mechanics is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Skills in theatrical carpentry and craftsmanship, an in depth demonstrated knowledge of theatrical rigging systems and stage automation, working knowledge of stage effects, mathematical skills including structural design, geometry, algebra and trigonometry, working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedural cultures of theatre, dance and opera, and knowledge of appropriate safety precautions and procedures is required. The ability to efficiently produce construction drawings using Vectorworks and/or Auto/CAD is required.

A working knowledge of theatre history and design is preferred.

Candidate must be available on evenings and weekends for technical rehearsals and to be on call for performance emergencies.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Sit for long periods of time
Bend, squat, stand, crawl, kneel, and climb
Walk for long distances
Reach above shoulders, handle objects, push/pull
Carry 50+ lbs

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by May 15, 2026.

Position will remain open until filled.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas

Job: Arts/Theaters

Organization: Meadows School of the Arts

Schedule: Regular

Shift: Staff

Employee Status: Manager with Direct Reports

Job Type: Full-time

Job Level: Day Job

Travel: No

Job Posting: Apr 27, 2026, 2:48:06 PM

To apply, visit https://smu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=MEA00000158&tz=GMT%2B00%3A00&tzname=UTC