Creative Arts Technical Director

Description

Reporting to Menlo School’s Director of Creative Arts, the Technical Director oversees all technical aspects of middle and upper school productions and events, including theater productions, dance concerts, music performances, and other school events. The Technical Director collaborates with the Theater Production and Facility Manager, faculty, students, parents, and other staff to ensure productions run safely and efficiently, in alignment with the artistic and educational goals of Menlo School. This is a full-time, 12-month position that also supports the annual Music@Menlo Festival in July.

Ideally, the selected candidate will be able to begin work as soon as possible, but no later than July 2026.

The Technical Director shares responsibility with the Theater Production and Facility Manager for the success of all productions, with the Technical Director focusing on technical execution and the Theater Production and Facilities Manager overseeing scheduling, budgeting, and overall coordination.

This position requires strong organizational and technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to safety, efficiency, and educational excellence within a school setting.

Primary Responsibilities

Technical Direction

• Oversee all technical production elements, including scenery, lighting, and sound.

• Design and construct sets; provide design support as required by the production team.

• Supervise and maintain the scene shop, storage areas, prop cages, and costume spaces.

• Ensure safe and functional installation of all scenic, lighting, and sound elements.

• Maintain and repair lighting, sound, rigging, and related technical systems.

• Run tech rehearsals and load in/ strike

Production Collaboration

• Work closely with the Theater Production and Facility Manager to coordinate schedules, deadlines, and resource allocation.

• Collaborate with directors, designers, faculty, students, and parents to align technical execution with artistic vision and educational goals.

• Manage technical budgets, materials, and equipment purchasing.

• Maintain comprehensive inventory records of technical equipment and supplies.

• Advise directors on the technical feasibility, cost implications, and safety requirements of proposed design concepts during pre-production.

• Participate in post-production debriefs to evaluate what worked, what can be improved, and what resources to plan for future seasons.

Communication and Liaison

• Serve as the primary technical liaison among the technical crew, Theater Production and Facility Manager, artistic team, school administration, and parents.

• Ensure clear, timely communication about technical needs, deadlines, and event logistics.

• Maintain a shared production calendar and technical schedule in coordination with the Theater Production and Facility Manager.

• Communicate equipment needs and budget requests to the Theater Production and Facility Manager in advance of purchasing deadlines.

• Provide written production reports to the Director of Creative Arts and the Theater Production and Facility Manager following major events.

• Maintain equipment and workspace safety standards; ensure all students receive documented safety training before using power tools or rigging systems.

Educational Leadership

• Provide structured learning opportunities for students in technical theater through workshops, training sessions, and supervised volunteer experiences.

• Foster student skill development in scenic construction, lighting, sound, and other technical disciplines.

• Collaborate with the Director of Creative Arts on course offerings or co-curricular programs in technical theater.

• Recruit, mentor, and retain student crew members; track participation and recognize student achievement.

• May be required to develop and implement a sequential technical theater curriculum aligned with Menlo School’s educational goals, including safety certifications for tools and equipment.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce and maintain safe working conditions in the scene shop, fly system, and all technical work areas in compliance with OSHA and school safety standards.

• Conduct regular safety inspections of the fly system, counterweight rigging, electrical systems, and fall-protection equipment.

• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS) for all paints, solvents, and adhesives used in the shop.

• Respond to and document any technical emergencies, equipment failures, or safety incidents; report these to the Theater Production and Facility Manager and the Director of Creative Arts.

Background, Experience, and Skills

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater, Theater Production, or related field

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional technical theater experience, including set construction, lighting, and sound.

• Proficiency with theatrical lighting consoles (ETC EOS family preferred), professional sound systems, and rigging.

• Demonstrated experience working with student or youth crews in an educational or training context.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent productions.

• Experience managing a departmental or production budget.

• Direct experience managing and supervising the work of technical personnel (vendors and contractors).

Preferred

• Experience in a K–12 independent school or college theater setting.

• Proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or equivalent drafting software.

• Experience with video/projection design systems (QLab, Disguise, or similar).

• Knowledge of ADA accessibility requirements for performance spaces.

• ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) certification or equivalent rigging/electrical safety credential, or willingness to obtain.

Working Conditions

• Requires regular evening and weekend hours during production season; schedule is non-traditional and production-dependent.

• Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 lbs, working at heights (fly rail, catwalks, ladders), and sustained standing.

• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines across multiple productions simultaneously.

We offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community

• Highly competitive salary

• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more here.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience through our application portal.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and will reach out only to those most closely aligned with the position's needs.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About us:

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range:

In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels, is $95,000 - $135,000. Within this broad range, we pay each employee in accordance with what is reasonably expected given an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, employer contributions to retirement plans, and potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role, but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status, and the number of months worked per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please note that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range is not typical at Menlo School to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Notice to recruitment agencies and third‑party recruiters: Menlo School does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external recruiters or recruitment agencies. Any resumes submitted without a prior signed written agreement in place with Human Resources will be deemed the property of the School, and no fees will be paid.

JOB ID: 372