Transylvania University

Venue Technical Director – Mitchell Fine Arts Center

Transylvania University (www.transy.edu), seeks applications for the position of Venue Technical Director for the Mitchell Fine Arts Center (MFA). This is a 12-month, full-time, on-campus position.

The MFA Venue Technical Director oversees and coordinates the technical aspects of University, community, and professional performances held in the Mitchell Fine Arts Center (MFA). The Venue Technical Director provides technical and artistic guidance for university and academic programming in MFA, while providing oversight to professional and/or student stage crews. This person supports all academic programs in the division of Fine Arts (specifically the Music Program) and collaborates on University programs, events, and initiatives.

The venue features two main performance spaces: Haggin Auditorium (a 1,000 seat proscenium theater) and Carrick Theater (a 250 seat thrust stage). Additional spaces include Coleman Recital Hall (a hybrid 60 person performance space/classroom), Morlan Gallery, and a stand-alone Black Box Theater, the Lucille C. Little Theater.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides house and box office management to internal and external clients.
• Works directly with all community and professional clients to ensure the success of their events in MFA. This includes collaborating on technical aspects of the event, implementing technical riders, and ensuring proper staffing.
• Coordinates, trains, and manages student- based work force to manage all performance needs, including rigging and running lights and sound.
• Oversees the MFA budget and manages purchasing.
• Develops and implements safety procedures and guidelines.
• Develops plans, in coordination with faculty and staff, to update and sophisticate all facets of MFA's stagecraft tools - digital infrastructure, audio, lighting, video, projection equipment and screens, risers, curtains, media servers, PTZ Cameras, etc.

Requirements:

• A BA or BFA and at least two years of substantial professional musical and/or academic theater experience. An MFA in a related field is especially welcome.
• Demonstrated proficiency in lighting design and technology, live sound engineering, and fly rail operation for a variety of events, including guest lectures, recitals, concerts, ceremonies, and other university presentations (excluding Theatre Program productions and scenic construction).
• Strong oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide stellar customer service in all interactions with faculty, staff, students, and rental clients.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and being comfortable working on the catwalks.

Some evening and weekend hours are required. The average work week is 40 hours.

To begin the application process, please submit your resume and cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Dale Clemons, Director of Human Resources, and include three professional references. Candidates are encouraged in their cover letter to describe their relevant work experience and ability to create a welcoming and inclusive community.

Review of applications will begin on August 15 and will continue until an appointment is made. Ideally the selected candidate will start by October 1, but no later than January 2, 2027. Prior to that, the selected candidate will need to complete a background check.

Transylvania University (www.transy.edu), is a top-tier, independent, residential liberal arts college of 1,000 students in Lexington, Kentucky. The university recognizes that a diverse and inclusive community is essential to the fulfillment of our mission as a liberal arts institution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we seek qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We embrace diversity and encourage all who are interested to apply.