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Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

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Job Summary

The Director of Stage Technologies is responsible for all aspects of stage and stage technology in avant-garde artistic productions as well as fulfilling the tasks and responsibilities of a traditional technical director, with expertise focused on computer-controlled rigging and lighting, as complementary to the video and audio facets. The Director will collaborate campus-wide with scientists and researchers who use EMPAC as a platform for new directions of media applications. The Director oversees the technical, engineering, production, and managerial operation of the EMPAC concert hall, theater, and studio spaces. The Director is responsible for safety and code compliance in all production related spaces to include back of house, loading dock, shops, and stage spaces.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA in theater related production with emphasis on technology (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related Electronic Arts)
• 8 years experience in a high level production environment or Technical Director role including managing teams for production.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with mechanical, electrical and computer aspects of state-of-the-art rigging and lighting.
• Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be a self-starter, able to organize time and teams effectively to carry out a wide range of responsibilities operating on own initiative assuring consistent quality.
• Substantial expertise and knowledge with mechanical, electrical, and computer aspects of state-of-the-art rigging and lighting.
• Is computer versed in all aspects of design, show-control and preferably experience with the integration of interactive systems into stage events.
• Knowledge and experience with set-design, construction, and shop operations.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected Hiring Range: $75,000 - $90,000 

Pay Transparency Disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting. 

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students.  As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.