Job Description

Date Posted: 12/13/2024
Updated: 3/31/2025

Under the direction of Soka Performing Arts Center General Manager, the Technical Services Manager provides technical production expertise, oversight, and advance planning for all operations and events at the Soka Performing Arts Center (Concert Hall and Black Box Theatre). This position is responsible for all audio production, and oversight of lighting and video production for all events at the Performing Arts Center. They are responsible for direct oversight of the Assistant Technical Managers and pooled production staff. In conjunction with the broader production department, the incumbent works to ensure that all types of events (i.e. Soka’s presented season of performances, rental events, academic events, and student and faculty performances) receive the appropriate attention and are consistent with the highest standards of professionalism and artistry. The Technical Services Manager is responsible for the overall quality control of all amplified audio for all events and performances, which includes a broad range of musical genres and styles. Eight to ten years of experience required with demonstrated high competency providing live audio mixing/engineering services for various musical genres/styles required. Experience working in a University setting preferred but not required. Functions as a key member of the leadership team.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

Provides technical production expertise, oversight, and advance planning for all operations and events at the Soka Performing Arts Center (Concert Hall and Black Box Theatre).

Responsible for all aspects of audio production and ensures the highest standard of sound quality. Oversees the onsite work of equipment preparation, sound checks, and Audio Engineering (mixing).

Oversees lighting, video production, and video projection for all events at the Performing Arts Center, and oversees maintenance of video archives; train staff and students as needed in video recording

Oversees audio recording taking place in the PAC and ensures adequate support.

Trains and manages a team of (pool) professional technicians to provide additional technical support, focusing on the core production areas of audio, lighting, and video for events.

Advance shows with GM and PM from a technical standpoint, go over GM marked up rider, coordinates with Road Manager and artists as needed, ensures all technical needs for all shows are in place.

Works with the GM on backline for all shows; coordinates with road manager to ensure rider backline is accurate; may coordinate with backline company and oversee any substitutions as needed.

Maintains all audio/technical equipment; keeps maintenance records; estimates end of life for replacement of technical gear; keeps accurate inventory of all technical equipment

Oversees piano maintenance; ensures pianos are well maintained, sets up and oversees tunings and maintenance tunings; ensures humidity and temperature levels for stored pianos are consistent; troubleshoots issues.

Oversees and directly supervises rigging operations; operates electric line sets, chain motors. Trains staff in proper use of rigging. Ensures safety at all times. Coordinates yearly maintenance of rigging systems.

Coordinates with rental clients, SUA event clients, and student clubs on technical production for all events in the PAC.Works with the Internal Events Manager to ensure there is sufficient A/V support for classroom instruction, departmental and student events that take place in the Performing Arts Center including the Black Box Theater, and for all A/V SUA requests in the greater campus area as needed.

Monitors the Audio/Visual annual budgets specifically regarding the maintenance, rental, and/or purchase of A/V related assets and services.

Works with the production team in training and managing a team of student workers to provide additional technical support for events.

Assists with the maintenance and oversight general stage operations in order to support equitability and flexibility within the team.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university in a job-related field.

Additional experience in a job-related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required education, on a year-for-year basis. 

Experience

Four (4) years or more of progressively responsible experience working with performing arts organizations, or similar, operating and providing technical maintenance of sound and video equipment.

Eight to ten years (8-10) of experience with demonstrated high competency providing live audio mixing/engineering services for various musical genres/styles required.

Experience working in a university setting preferred.

Experienced in managing and/or designing complex audio/video infrastructure in a theatrical environment and experience with Q-Sys integrated audio and video control ecosystem, preferred. 

Skills

Operational understanding of technical disciplines including lighting, audio, rigging, and video projection.

In-depth knowledge of audio reinforcement systems and theory including expertise in various audio mixing consoles (specifically Digico and Yamaha). Past experience and demonstrated high competency providing live audio mixing/engineering services for various musical genres/styles required, with 8 to 10 years’ experience highly preferred.

Extensive experience advancing shows, read and interpret riders and stage plots.

Prior experience with personnel scheduling software and/or event management software preferred.

Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks drafting programs preferred.

Operational understanding of all technical disciplines including lighting, audio, rigging, and video projection.

Ability to read and interpret facility plans, architectural drawings, and stage designs.

Comprehensive knowledge of the methods and problems in multiple production specialties.

Comprehensive knowledge of design theory and principles and how they are executed in various production specialties.

Knowledge and competency with backline, including understanding rider requirements and equitable substitutions.

Identify problems and trouble shoot audio systems and technical/production issues that may arise.

Guide staff in the operation of audio consoles, make minor equipment repairs and maintain records, as needed.

Comprehensive knowledge of safety measures and hazards related to theatre productions. Broad competency in industry best practices.

Broad competency in equipment maintenance requirements. Maintain inventory systems, equipment repair schedules, and equipment end of life estimates and evaluations. Oversees and ensures operation of all technical systems within the Performing Arts Center.

Competency and knowledge in video systems.

Computer/software literacy including Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to adapt to new software platforms.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals at all levels within the organization. Excellent communication skills with experience managing production crews in a theatrical environment. Have the ability to work with minimum supervision and as part of a team under general supervision.

Must be outgoing and enjoy working with people. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to lift and handle equipment weighing up to 65 lbs. Comfortable working at heights above six feet. 

The anticipated salary for this position is $76,400 – $83,800 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.

Application Requirements:

Must submit the following to be considered:

letter of interest for this position

resume

list of three professional contacts

For inquiries, e-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

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