Technical Director

Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Both technically proficient in overseeing performances and events, and skilled at communicating tactfully and productively with internal and external clients, you are ready to assume daily responsibility for the technical operations of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts (IBCPA).

Reporting to the Director, you will ensure the effective operation and technical direction of productions and events for various arts departments, including Music, Drama, Film and Fine Arts, as well as the Queen’s Performing Arts Office, within the Isabel Bader Centre. As Technical Director, you will be expected to display a high level of professionalism, expertise and collaboration in your interactions with a variety of stakeholders within the University community and external to the Centre, including world-class performance artists.

Specifically, as Technical Director, you can expect to:

• Provide excellent communication and customer service to all users of the Centre, internal and/or external to the institution.
• Act as key point of contact and orient facility renters or visiting productions to safety, technical characteristics and other areas of facility operations, and facilitate the use of the technical facilities by others engaged by, or renting from, the Centre.
• Act as coordinator of the technical needs of resident departments (Music, Film, Drama) and, when appropriate, other University users and external renters.
• Serve as principal sound operator for IBCPA programming and oversee the design, set-up, maintenance and operation of lighting and sound systems for theatre, music and other productions or projects.
• Operate, maintain and safeguard the technical assets of the Centre, supervising the use of lighting, sound and communications equipment, plus the use and maintenance of stage facilities.
• Organize the venue calendar for events coming into the hall and manage related technical needs. 
• Determine the necessary technical support, such as lighting, sound, staging and special needs, required for events and performances presented prior to actual production dates.
• Plan, develop, schedule and provide technical support required for each event or performance.
• Lead the recruiting, training and assignment of volunteers or students for applicable productions.
• Monitor the condition of equipment, including lighting, sound and rigging equipment, ensuring that repairs and replacements are within budgetary constraints.
• Maintain inventory and order specialized supplies.
• Attend technical rehearsals to supervise, and assist in, the technical aspects of the mounting of the show.
• Assist in the control of programming budgets and make recommendations to Centre leadership regarding capital purchases of technical equipment.
• Manage budget for your area of responsibility, and make budget-related recommendations to the Director.

Qualifications Required

You bring to the role of Technical Director an impressive profile that includes:

• College diploma in Technical Theatre combined with a minimum of 5 years of related experience, preferably in a recognized performance environment.
• Demonstrated sound experience, preferably in acoustic engineering.
• Experience working with students in a multidisciplinary environment, an asset.
• Driver’s licence, an asset.
• Recent certification or training in First Aid, Workplace Hazardous Management Information Systems (WHMIS), and fall protection.

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Demonstrated interest in learning, specifically as it relates to the performing arts.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, combined with a high degree of personal initiative and excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Thorough familiarity with all aspects of production, combined with a strong customer service orientation and a demonstrated professional attitude.
• Effective capability to analyze and evaluate the need for technical support for various events and performances.
• Ability to conceptualize creative plans and workable solutions for dealing with artistic and/or technical concerns.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to various clients, internal or external to the Centre.
• High level of tact and discretion, maturity and good judgment, as well as the ability to deal with sensitive issues in a professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives from various groups, including, but not limited to, artists, vendors, colleagues and/or students.
• Flexibility to work irregular or extended hours, including evenings and/or weekends.
• Knowledge of Safety Guidelines for the Live Performance Industry of Ontario, Occupational Health & Safety Act (OH&SA), Ontario Building Code and Fire Code.
• Computer knowledge as it relates to lighting design, operation and troubleshooting of a computer lighting board.
• Basic word-processing skills, including familiarity with a spreadsheet program and knowledge of CAD software.

For additional details, please visit our Human Resources website at www.queensu.ca/humanresources.

One of Canada’s leading universities, Queen’s has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, research and a diverse and vibrant learning environment. With its strong tradition of public service, the University has helped to shape Canadian values and policies, educating notable political and cultural figures.

Queen’s University is located in the heart of the community in historic Kingston (www.cityofkingston.ca), midpoint between Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa, the nation’s capital.

Candidates should send a letter of application and a resume, by Monday, January 6, 2014, quoting competition #2013-307, to working@queensu.ca. The University thanks all who express an interest in this position and advises that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Please note that all internal candidates will be given first consideration for this position.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources Administration at hradmin@queensu.ca.