Technical Director

Compensation

$45,000 to 47,000 Annually

About COCA:
COCA (Center of Creative Arts) is a leading, multidisciplinary community arts organization
committed to enriching lives and building community through the arts. As an innovative model for
arts education and nationally accredited for artistic and educational excellence, COCA serves as a
regional hub for learning in and through the arts for all ages from all backgrounds and skill levels.
The organization was founded with the intention of being a place of artistic learning that would
transcend the boundaries of geography, race, and class. COCA celebrates diversity in perspectives,
backgrounds, artistic disciplines, and experiences, and believes everyone should have access to
experience the arts. It has grown to become one of the most diverse cultural institutions in St. Louis,
a position bolstered by a commitment to access and equity.

COCA offers a robust benefit package that includes:

• Access to health benefits, including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (HSA) and company paid Life Insurance and Short & Long Term Disability coverage.
• Paid time off and sixteen (16) paid holidays.
• Complimentary tickets to COCA productions, subject to availability.
• COCA camps, classes & workshop discounts.

Position Summary:
The Technical Director, reporting to the Artistic Director of Theatre, is responsible for the long-term
upkeep, organization, production needs and day-to-day coordination all technical and facility needs for
the Catherine B. Berges Theatre. This position will also oversee the performance events that utilize the
booth of the Staenberg Performance Lab (SPL). This position will supervise technical project-based
employees and will have design assignments on productions within the COCAPresents series.

Essential Functions:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Develop, implement and monitor policies to ensure a safe work environment in the back stage, booth and on-stage areas of the Berges Theatre and SPL booth.
• Maintain organized theatre storage areas. Conduct annual inventory, coordinate purchases and the removal of items no longer needed.
• Determine and recommend the necessary technical support, such as lighting, sound, video, rigging, projection, filming, recording, staging, and special needs necessary for COCA produced performances and events presented in the Berges Theatre and SPL.
• Hire, supervise and develop technical crew members working on COCA and rental productions.
• Review all design plans, price materials and labor and advise on adjustments to meet budget.
• Coordinate the implementations of approved designs, set, and stage construction and management.
• Coordinate with production team on the technical specifications, costs and usage of renting additional technical equipment required for the implementation of a design in the Berges Theatre and SPL.
• Operate, maintain, safeguard and repair/replace as needed the technical assets of the theater and the SPL booth, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, projection and communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of stage facilities.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Directors and the Operations/Facilities Department to maintain
• Capital budget for Berges Theatre and SPL booth for long term planning.
• Develop and manage the annual Berges Theatre maintenance budget and SPL.
• Maintain, review and revise the Equipment Inventory List and Operating Manual annually.
• Participate in the creative team for all COCA produced productions and provide designs for up to four (4) COCA produced productions each year.
• Participate in the technical staffing for COCA produced events.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager to staff Event Crew.
• Instruct and mentor COCA’s technical and design students partaking in the production.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre or professional experience required.
• Minimum of three (3) years experience in technical theatre is required.
• Familiarity with youth theatre, including the mentorship of high school technical theatre students is a plus.
• Working knowledge of technical theatre including equipment use and rigging required.
• Working knowledge of production development and theatre design required.
• Understanding of staff and materials budgeting required.
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Competencies:

• Ability to problem-solve, be flexible, imaginative, and innovative.
• Possess and demonstrate an excellent work ethic, positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Participates in meetings and demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification.
• Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently. Plans for additional resources; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
• Customer service skills required, able to tailor communication between internal team members and possible job candidates.
• Excellent Communication Skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, stoop, kneel and reach in all directions.
• A flexible schedule that is production driven with night and weekend work required.
• This position is required to work onsite. At times, the need for remote and hybrid work will arise and will be approved subject to supervisor discretion.

Click here to apply.

COCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.
All employment decisions at COCA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual
qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other
status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. COCA is committed to
achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity, and
nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment. COCA complies with federal and state
disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with
disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview
process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of
employment, please contact hr@cocastl.org.