Career Center

The University of Minnesota Morris is seeking applications for the position of Theatre and Event Technical Coordinator. This position oversees the Student Center Event Crew, manages the Theatre scene shop and works with a variety of technical services, including performance quality sound, stage lighting, and video projection for events held on the campus, as well as technical support during event planning and management.  Events range from full scale professional performing arts events to comedians, lectures, films, student-planned talent shows and UMM Theatre Discipline performances.

This is a full-time, nine-month, appointment in the Sr Communications Technician (4968) represented by the AFSCME Technical Union.  The position is directly responsible to the Theatre Discipline Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Student Activities, Conferences and Events.

Responsibilities – Overall (100%):

• Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive campus events program that extends UMM’s liberal arts mission beyond the classroom.
• Collaborate with Theatre faculty, Student Activities, Events and Conferences staff and other individuals, offices, committees and programs within and outside the university to develop and implement a plan for campus events that:
• Creates and maintains a high standard of event presentation, providing a signature UMM experience for audience members, performers, and event planners.
• Provides intentional student education and development,
• Partners with campus offices and programs to provide seamless services and experiences – for students, faculty, staff, off-campus event planners, and campus guests,
• Builds community and fosters a healthy campus environment,
• Supports the recruitment and retention of a talented student body, and
• Advances the mission and vision of the college.
• Consult with University staff and provide expertise and vision for appropriate sound in lighting equipment in campus performance venues including Edson Auditorium, Lammers Proscenium Theatre, HFA Black Box Theatre and HFA Recital Hall. 
• Recruit and retain a diverse staff team and foster an inclusive and respectful working environment.

Theatre Discipline (50%):

• Supervise and train student staff and practicum students in the construction and maintenance of the theatrical equipment used for University Theatre productions in relation to current industry safety standards.
• Work under the supervision of the Design Faculty Position to build/order scenery (draft when applicable), aid if facilitating lighting and sound equipment when applicable, and matters pertinent to the technical specifications according to design plans..
• Work with the Theatre faculty and supervise student work-study staff to organize and maintain the supplies and inventory of scenery construction materials, tools, and storage spaces.
• Work with the UMM Design Faculty to insure that the scene shop serves as a strong teaching forum for students.
• Communicate regularly with the UMM Theatre Faculty Discipline Coordinator.
• With guidance from the Theatre Faculty, create, update and post a weekly Rehearsal Hall schedule.
• Attend Production Meetings as needed.
• Manage time for student work study staff and practicum students.
• Depending on the individual’s abilities and interest, occasional design opportunities may be available, subject to availability and would be undertaken under a separate guest designer contract.
• Attend technical rehearsals as determined by design faculty.

Student Center (50%):

• Act as Technical Director the Morrison Performing Arts Center including Edson Auditorium and Production Manager for all major campus events, including distance events.
• Develop and maintain Student Center sound and lighting equipment inventory.  Develop and manage a plan for purchasing needed equipment and supplies.
• Review tech requirements for all events and develop plans for meeting those requirements.  Negotiate technical4 needs with professional touring artists/companies as needed.
• Collaborate with IT and Communications staffs and others to coordinate implementation of high quality events with Zoom, livestreams, and other hybrid modalities.
• Coordinate the development of written information on: 
• Edson Auditorium sound & lighting capabilities and how to’s
• Oyate Hall sound & lighting capabilities and how to’s
• Technical equipment inventory
• Check out/check in procedures
• Hire, train, and supervise a student event crew (12-20 individuals). Develop work schedules for crew that meet programming demands and comply with Financial Aid employee guidelines.  Hold regular meetings with tech crew. 
• Function as Chief Operator of KUMM Student Radio and assure FCC Compliance.
• Collaborate and work effectively with students, faculty, staff and community members from diverse backgrounds and programs.

Required Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited theater, radio or television program plus one year experience to include supervision of employees in setting up and operating a variety of audio and visual equipment, or three to five years of experience to include supervision of employees in setting up and operating a variety of audio and visual equipment in the particular field of specialization

Preferred Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in technical theater or related area.  Experience working with diverse populations.

About University of Minnesota Morris

The University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) provides a rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education, preparing its students to be global citizens who value and pursue intellectual growth, civic engagement, intercultural competence, and environmental stewardship.As a public land-grant institution, UMM is a center for education, culture, and research for the region, nation, and world. UMM is committed to outstanding teaching, dynamic learning, innovative faculty and student scholarship and creative activity, and public outreach. Our residential academic setting fosters collaboration, diversity, and a deep sense of community.

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