Associate Technical Director of the Shaw Center

The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Graceland University is seeking a full-time Associate Technical Director of the Shaw Center, starting immediately on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus. Bachelor’s degree or at least 5 years of experience in technical theatre is required. Certification in areas relevant to this job, such as rigging and/or audio/visual technology, and operations, will be a plus.

Requirements

• Experience working in a Performing Arts Center and will have a working knowledge of the technology and equipment required to ensure that all forms of performances, conferences, and other cultural events run smoothly.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to achieve top-quality customer service for the individuals who use the Shaw Center each year.
• Training and professional experience in AV for in-person meetings that involve Zoom and live streamed events is strongly preferred.
• Record of successful teaching and commitment to undergraduate teaching at a liberal arts institution is a plus because qualified candidates will have the opportunity to teach courses with additional pay.
• Effective management of time, student employees, equipment, and Shaw Center resources.
• Passion for the arts and demonstrated commitment to enhancing artistic experiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Breakdown of Duties (percentages will shift based on time-of-year and need)

• 40% of the time is used for set-up of lighting, sound, video/live-streaming and providing technical support during events that take place in the Shaw Center. Supervising student tech crew and Practicum students is also included in this use of time.
• 25% of the time is used to teach courses for the Performing Arts Program. (quarter time)
• 25% of the time is used for reservations/operations management and VPA office work.
• 10% of the time is used for upkeep and repair of the theatrical equipment in the Shaw Center, which can include acquiring bids, quotes, and estimates, supervising outside contractors when they’re working in the facility, and physically taking care of any necessary upkeep and repairs when capable.

Responsibilities

• Processing reservation requests for all events in the Shaw Center.
• Provide services, maintenance, and facilitate improvements in the Shaw Center under the supervision of the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair.
• Shaw Center event set-up and take-down.
• Provide lighting and AV support for events.
• Rigging and operating updated counterweight fly system with motorized clouds and electrics.
• Set-up and take-down of acoustic shell primarily used for music concerts.
• Coordinating administrative and budget needs with the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair.
• Writing proposals for capital improvement projects and inventory purchases.
• Maintain equipment and the Shaw Center facility.
• Hire, train, and supervise a crew of student employees and Practicum students that will work on Theatre productions, events set-up, and provide technical support for events.
• Provide VPA Department administrative support throughout the academic year. Need for VPA Department administrative support will increase during the summer months when there’s less demand from other duties (June-August). Specific responsibilities include:
  • Distribute and track key assignments for VPA faculty, adjuncts, staff, and student employees.
  • Assist VPA Department Chair in creating and publicizing the VPA calendar for each academic year. Assist the chair and faculty with creating, monitoring, and publicizing of the ongoing VPA and Performing Arts calendars for each academic year. This includes the scheduling of student recitals.
  • Assists VPA Department Chair with meeting preparation; sends invitations, reserves and sets up conference and meeting rooms; attends assigned meetings and takes the minutes during those meetings; distributes minutes to appropriate parties and keeps record of those minutes.
  • Ensure that office supplies, forms, copier paper, and other office equipment are stocked and in working order by communicating with VPA Office Assistants on a regular basis. Order and maintain appropriate levels of inventory as required.
  • Ensure that all necessary materials and resources are available for successful VPA events.

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online using the application form below. To be considered for this position, you should include:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Academic transcripts from all institutions of higher education (photocopies acceptable during initial application process)
4. Three references (at least two which speak to the candidate’s ability).

Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

All questions about this job posting can be sent to: Kimberly Manuel, Chair, Department of Visual and Performing Arts, kmanuel@graceland.edu.

About Graceland University:

Graceland University is a small, historic, private, liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and 120 miles north of Kansas City, MO. Graceland has a rich tradition of artistic excellence and is home to the Shaw Center that features the state-of-the-art JR Theatre, a black box theatre equipped with lighting, sound and multi-functional qualities equal to the best such theaters in the country; the acoustically-perfect, 172-seat Carol Hall recital hall; the 488-seat Shaw Family Auditorium; and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. To see more, visit: https://www.graceland.edu/academics/visual-and-performing-arts/the-shaw-center/

Working at Graceland University:

Graceland is especially interested in candidates whose teaching experience, programming, and curricular approaches will support and contribute to the growing diversity of our academic community. Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We’re looking for candidates who share our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity (JEDI). To learn more: https://www.graceland.edu/about/diversity-and-inclusion/

Application Form: