CURRENTLY HIRING
Assistant Technical Director
Seattle, WA - Starting Fall 2025
Reports To: Technical Director
Salary: $28/hr - $30/hr
Location: Seattle, WA - In-Office
FLSA Classification: Full Time Non-Exempt Hourly
ABOUT OTB
For four decades and counting, On the Boards (OtB) has moved the needle on culture in Seattle. We continue to occupy a unique corner of this region's cultural arena— presenting challenging, provoking, surprising, and inspiring dance, theater, and performance works. We influence the contemporary art field on a global scale, investing in and supporting local artists who go on to develop careers and performances that are shared with thousands of audience members across the world.
OtB fulfills its mission by supporting artists from the Northwest and beyond, through new commissions and existing work presented online and in person. OtB offers a range of resources and events that provide in-depth information and complimentary social experiences to frame the art on its stages and create dynamic access for its audiences.
SUMMARY
The Assistant Technical Director leads and assists with the management and implementation of technical operations for performances and public programs, working closely and collaboratively with artists (local, national, and international) and their technical crews. As a member of the Production Team, the Assistant Technical Director is committed to maintaining On the Boards’ high production standards for over fifty productions and events annually. This is a highly active and physically demanding role involved in all aspects of On the Boards’ theatrical productions.
On the Boards prioritizes a collaborative, team-oriented culture where everyone has a high level of ownership and performance in their roles, and where we care for ourselves, each other, and our community. We are a flexible workplace and place a high priority on the health and well-being of our staff.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Responsibilities:
Manage the technical aspects of assigned projects, including but not limited to advising on production schedule, serving as a primary technical contact for artists, and installing and operating the technical requirements.
Supervise stage technician, daily operations and production work when the Technical Director isn’t present to ensure smooth communication and successful projects, productions, events, rentals, and rehearsals
Oversee overhire crew from load-in through load-out, including hands-on support for loading, unloading, staging, rigging, and equipment setup.
Serve as lead technician, stage manager, stage deck hand, A1, lighting board operator, or video operator as needed for productions, events, rentals, and rehearsals
Collaborate with Production Manager and Technical Director to assess crew and gear rental needs for projects, productions, events, rentals, and rehearsals
Work closely and collaboratively with Technical Director and On the Boards staff to ensure clear communication and all organizational policies are being followed between artists, production, and the rest of OtB staff
Organizational Responsibilities:
Maintain inventory of tools, gear and consumable technical supplies
Help maintain a safe, healthy, and clean environment for artists and Technical crew
Assist with administrative duties in the production department, including answering emails, creating spreadsheets, developing SOPs, and general office administrative duties
Other duties will be assigned by the Technical Director in relationship to the workflow and timelines of the Production Team
This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All OtB employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
Someone who is independent, motivated to work at a fast pace, thinks on their feet, excels in creative problem solving, and holds themself to high quality standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Highly motivated independent worker
Skills to work independently in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and timelines
Direct working experience in a theater/performance space
Understanding of, and experience in using, theater terminology
Working experience with QLab, analogue and digital sound equipment, and video equipment
Working experience installing and troubleshooting all aspects of a sound and video installation
Working knowledge of entertainment lighting systems, audio, video, staging, rigging, fabrication, electrical power distribution, and all aspects of theater production
Skills to read and interpret plots and drawings, create a work plan, and execute installing them
Working knowledge of theatrical construction techniques, including carpentry and rigging, as well as appropriate safety precautions and procedures
General maintenance and inventory management skills
General office computer program skills (macOS, Qlab 4 & 5, Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace- gmail, drive, docs, sheets, calendar, meet)
Effective communication, time management and organizational skills
Comfortable with working on a ladders and Genie lift for extended periods of time and in low light
Able to regularly lift and move 50 lbs and 20 lbs above shoulder height
Ability to work with people of varying backgrounds and experience levels
Ability to sit or stand for long hours and engage in moderate to strenuous reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, and situations that require general agility for working in tight spaces
Working experience with safely operating tools and construction equipment
HOURS, BENEFITS, LOCATION & CONDITIONS
This full time position is generally 40 hours/week paid hourly, Monday-Friday, with weekend, evening, and overtime hours. This position is in person and on site at On the Boards. Additionally, we offer:
Generous vacation and sick leave
13 paid federal holidays and 2 floating holidays
100% employer premium paid medical, vision and dental insurance
STD, LTD and Life/ADD plans
403(b) retirement plan
Paid volunteer time
Monthly Commuter Benefit
Annual professional development stipend
Complimentary access to our theater programming for you and 1 person
Free rehearsal space
Conditions:
Working in a close office environment
Sitting or standing for long hours and engaging in moderate to strenuous reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, and situations that require general agility for working in tight spaces
Working on ladders and a Genie lift for extended periods of time and in low light
Regularly lifting and moving 50 lbs and 20 lbs above shoulder height
Working at occasional offsite performance locations
Safely operating tools and construction equipment
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
OTB will begin actively reviewing applications August 25, 2025 with an intention to fill this role in the fall of 2025.
Please submit a cover letter and resume.
On The Boards is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our staff, students, and governing institutions. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience are encouraged to apply. On the Boards will engage in the interactive process to make reasonable accommodations that enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties when possible.