Usdan Center for the Creative & Performing Arts
Wheatley Heights, NY
US
JOB TITLE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT MARKETING
REPORTS TO EVENT MANAGER
ABOUT USDAN
Usdan has been recognized as a Top Nonprofit Workplace in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024! Usdan opens a world for children to joyfully express their creativity and develop their artistic skills. Each summer, teachers and artists — actors, directors, playwrights, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers, dancers, poets, and novelists — come together to teach and collaborate with our campers, ages 5 to 18. Set on 140 acres of natural beauty in Wheatley Heights, Long Island, NY. Usdan is a safe, welcoming place within which campers have the freedom to build new friendships, explore nature, gain personal independence, and have fun, while developing new skills and techniques in their chosen artforms.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Technical Director is responsible for overseeing and running all technical and production aspects of dance recitals and other events for Usdan, primarily at its outdoor amphitheater. This seasonal, on-call role ensures the seamless execution of lighting, sound, staging, and video elements while maintaining safety standards. The Technical Director collaborates with artists, production teams, and venue management to create outstanding live experiences.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Operations & Production Management
Oversee and run all technical aspects of recitals and events, including lighting, sound, hanging backdrops, and video.
Coordinate and execute load-in, setup, rehearsals, live performances, and load-out procedures.
Ensure all technical equipment is operational, maintained, and compliant with safety regulations.
Arrange for and manage equipment rentals as needed
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues before and during events.
Ensures sound level for the event.
Using Presenter’s decibel meter, levels may not exceed 70db sustained for more than 10 seconds.
Collaboration & Communication
Work closely with artists and production teams to meet technical requirements.
Communicate with venue management, event coordinators, and vendors to ensure smooth operations.
Attend production meetings and provide technical expertise in event planning.
Safety & Compliance
Enforce safety regulations and amphitheater safety policies.
Develop emergency procedures for technical failures and adverse weather conditions.
General
Attend department and staff meetings and trainings as required.
Use unstructured time constructively.
Always have student safety as a top priority.
Help to create a joyful, fun and engaging atmosphere for all students and staff at Usdan. • Model the behaviors of artists; how they think, work, and live.
Other duties as assigned.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
At least 5 years of experience in live event production, preferably in outdoor venues.
Degree in Technical Theater, Event Production or related field (or equivalent experience).
Proficiency in stage lighting, live sound mixing, video projection, and rigging.
Experience managing technical crews and production teams.
Experience with festivals, or touring productions.
Familiarity with industry-standard software.
Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to perform under pressure.
Be able to work individually and as a part of a team.
Must complete New York State required trainings, including but not limited to a Sexual Harassment Prevention training and a Child Abuse and Neglect/Maltreatment Identification. Links to required trainings will be provided after hiring.
CPR training is not required but a plus.
Have reliable transportation to Usdan’s campus. Requests for accommodations are subject to approval by senior management.
2025 DATES AND TIMES
As scheduled, May through September
Specific Dates:
Saturday May 17, 7:15 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Wednesday May 28, 2:30 P.M – 8:30 P.M.
Sunday June 1, 12:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Friday June 6, 5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M
Saturday June 7, 3:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Hourly range $21 - $25 per hour
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Usdan is a 140-acre campus with facilities spread throughout - distances vary and are along uneven surfaces, up and down hills. Some facilities are elevated and require one to two stairs to enter.
Some staff walk an average of two miles per day. Other physical demands include the ability to work in a hot, humid environment; the ability to speak clearly and understand the speech of another person; and the ability to prioritize sounds and focus on one sound among many.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential physical functions of this position.
TO APPLY
Please apply through our online application: https://www.usdan.org/employment
Please include a cover letter.
PDF files are preferred attachments. No phone calls please.
USDAN CENTER FOR THE CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS A/K/A USDAN SUMMER CAMP FOR THE ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND IS COMMITTED TO CREATING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. WE WELCOME APPLICANTS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TO APPLY THEIR UNIQUE BACKGROUNDS, PERSPECTIVES, SKILLS AND TALENTS TO FOSTER AN OPEN, COOPERATIVE, AND DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT WHERE EMPLOYEES AND USDAN ALIKE CAN THRIVE. ALL EMPLOYMENT IS DECIDED ON THE BASIS OF QUALIFICATIONS, MERIT, AND BUSINESS NEED.
May 9, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$21.00 – $25.00 per hour
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