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.