Technical Director

Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.

Who We Are

We are stewards of a beautiful, well-maintained public space that invites all New Yorkers and visitors to develop a personal connection to art and nature.

We do this by engaging, educating, and employing the talents of our diverse communities.

Artistic Programming

Little Island’s artistic programming is dedicated to creating new work in dance, theater, music, and opera. In 2024, the Island commissioning program featured nine world premieres from distinguished creators, including Twyla Tharp, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Davóne Tines, Henry Hoke, Pam Tanowitz, Britton Smith, Qween Jean, and Chris Thile.

By collaborating with artists across genres and disciplines, the program aims to create unique collaborations and projects for our outdoor stages and help ensure their continued success in the future.

Technical Director

Little Island is seeking a Technical Director to join its Artistic Programming Department. This role will work closely with designers, stagehands, and other members of the Artistic Programming team to ensure the effective integration of technical elements in performances produced and presented at Little Island.

The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of various production disciplines, with particular expertise in carpentry.

They should be adept at creative problem solving, capable of evaluating the feasibility of technical concepts, and skilled at developing solutions to navigate challenges, all while ensuring that artistic visions are realized within practical limitations.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience rigging in outdoor venues. The position reports to the Production Manager.

About the Role

• Job Type : Full Time
• Salary Range : $85,000 $95,000
• Job Type : Year-Round
• Employment Classification : Full-Time, Exempt
• Schedule Expectations : The work schedule will fluctuate based on programming needs and will include regular late nights, overnight shifts, holidays, and weekends, particularly during the production season from April through October.
• Work Environment : This is an onsite position, although certain tasks may be performed remotely as needed.
• Projected Start Date : December 2, 2024

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate closely with Production Management, designers, and crew leads to assess the feasibility of technical design concepts and create comprehensive project plans for effective execution.
• Work with Production Management and Producing to guide artists through the Little Island production process, supporting their vision within budgetary and scheduling constraints while creatively addressing any issues that arise.
• Oversee the bidding process for scenic construction projects by soliciting and evaluating vendor proposals, ensuring that bids meet production requirements, budget limits, and quality standards.
• Supervise internal and external build processes to ensure adherence to design concepts, safety and code requirements, schedule, and budget.
• Produce and maintain technical drawings of Little Island spaces, including construction, load-in, and reference drawings as necessary.
• In partnership with Production Manager and Associate Production Manager, assist in coordinating production meetings, load-ins, technical rehearsals, performances, changeovers, and load outs throughout the season, by :
• Leading the creation of schedules and facilitating staffing discussions.
• Supervising IATSE stagehand labor.
• Representing the Production Department on-site to troubleshoot real-time challenges.
• Communicating progress to designers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Production Manager to develop the budget to address technical needs, including equipment, materials, and labor, ensuring cost-effective planning and resource allocation.
• Partner with Little Island team members on long-term capital projects related to both the theatrical and non-theatrical spaces in the park as required.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Little Island’s Operations team regarding venue maintenance and the coordination of shared spaces and resources.
• Work with the Production Manager to develop and document standard operating procedures and safety protocols, ensuring compliance.
• Maintain Artistic Programming’s supply of technical equipment, including :
• Carpentry tools and materials
• In-house audio and electrics equipment
• Production departments laptops, iPads, and other devices
• Fixtures and furnishings used to facilitate production work
• Develop documentation and review technical riders to facilitate the integration of guest artists into Little Island’s performance venues.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of venue tech specifications.
• Perform other duties related to park operations as assigned by the Production Manager.

What You Bring

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in technical direction or a closely related field.
• Proven experience leading large crews across multiple departments.
• Familiarity with the scenic bidding and construction process for live performance across various scales.
• Advanced knowledge of tools, materials, and safe working procedures in carpentry and theatrical rigging.
• A broad understanding of audio, electrics, video, properties and wardrobe management.
• Experience operating aerial lifts.
• Strong project management skills, with a focus on effectively and elegantly addressing technical challenges.
• A genuine interest in fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence through cross-departmental problem-solving.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during peak season, with some overnight coverage required.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint). Familiarity with Airtable is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Capability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to move actively throughout the park for extended periods in all weather conditions, including walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs, ascending / descending ladders, and using hands for fine manipulation, including keyboard and video display terminal use.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Benefits and Perks

• 15 days’ vacation, 7 sick days, up to 3 personal days (all prorated based on hire date)
• Health Benefits (medical, dental & vision care) & other voluntary benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Commuter benefits
• Basic Life Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Partial cell phone reimbursement
• Access to discounts at neighborhood businesses

Life at Little Island

Park employees will spend time onsite at Little Island working in outdoor weather conditions, navigating the entire park multiple times a day, and interacting with park visitors to ensure operations are running effectively.

Little Island is ADA compliant, and park employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for each other and our park’s visitors.

Little Island’s Headquarters, located near the park, provides an open floor plan office, shared work areas and kitchen, a locker room, and rehearsal space.

It is a dynamic and multi-use space where employees and artists can collaborate, connect, and unwind in between shifts, meetings, and events.

Little Island is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

In short, you are welcome here no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. Our park is for everyone, and so is our workplace.

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