Technical Director
Company: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Location: Saint Louis
Posted on: February 17, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description REPORTS TO: Vice President of
Operations DIRECT REPORTS : Production Manager, Production
Coordinator, Stage Crew (3 FT plus extras as needed) POSITION
SUMMARY: The Technical Director, as part of the Artistic Operations
team, oversees the stage crew and manages the technical execution
of events in Powell Hall and off-site locations. This includes
overseeing the technical aspects of performances and events for the
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), its various ensembles, and
external clients. The role demands a deep understanding of music
including familiarity with classical music, technical concert
production, and the ability to lead and collaborate effectively in
a union environment. The Technical Director plays a critical role
in the success of events in the newly renovated Powell Hall at the
Jack C. Taylor Music Center, ensuring a seamless and successful
experience for all stakeholders. This is a high-energy, fast-paced
position requiring strong planning and organizational skills, the
ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, and meticulous
attention to detail. Effective teamwork and leadership are
essential for the success of this position. It requires the ability
to maintain a positive work atmosphere through clear communication
and interaction with a diverse range of individuals, including
musicians, guest artists, co-workers, supervisors, customers, and
vendors. RESPONSIBILITIES: Manage the production details of events,
including activities of our resident ensembles (St. Louis Symphony
Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON
Chorus, St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra), other internal
constituent groups, non-orchestra presentations and hall rentals,
as well as events outside of Powell Hall, such as local concerts,
select Education/Community Partnerships and philanthropy events,
ensuring the consistent implementation of SLSO production standards
across all events. Maintain meticulous records of equipment
inventories, venue technical specifications, stage layouts, and
other essential production information including creating and
distributing stage plots using AutoCAD. Supervise and lead the
stage crew, including hiring, scheduling, training, performance
evaluations, and ensuring adherence to collective-bargaining
agreements with IATSE Local 6. In coordination with Production Team
and Stage Manager, determine stagehand requirements for each event
and relevant maintenance. Approve weekly timesheets. Cultivate a
positive and professional work environment among the stage crew and
in all interactions with musicians, guest artists, co-workers,
supervisors, customers, and vendors. Ensure the stage crew
consistently demonstrates professionalism, productivity, and
responsiveness at all times. Serve as the primary technical contact
for external clients, ensuring their needs are met and technical
requirements are fulfilled. Manage technical aspects of guest
artist contracts and riders and prepare expense estimates for
rental contracts and final billing. In coordination with Vice
President of Operations and Operations Manager, manage stage and
equipment logistics for runouts and tours, including engaging
coordinated equipment transportation. Staff runouts and tours as
needed. Oversee technical production for the Education and Learning
Center and manage Powell Hall's audio/video systems and digital
signage. Coordinate with Director of Media Production on projects,
including audio and video capture. Participate in a duty manager
rotation, providing on-site and off-site support for rehearsals and
concerts with other members of Production and Operations staff.
Participate in and lead production-related meetings as assigned. In
coordination with Production Manager and Opera Theatre of St. Louis
(OTSL) production staff, determine SLSO stagehand requirements for
OTSL services and ensure successful execution of these
requirements. Create and administer technical production and
relevant operational budgets, reviewing expenditures and providing
updates for forecasting. Perform research for project-specific and
operational budget preparation. REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge: A strong
musical background with the ability to read and understand music as
it relates to instrument needs and event production. Familiarity
with classical music is essential. Extensive knowledge of technical
concert production and stagecraft, including sound, video,
lighting, stage carpentry, rigging, and union regulations.
Knowledge of PC network environment using Microsoft Office
applications is also required, knowledge of Mac environment a
strong plus. Experience: 5 years technical concert production
experience with musical, stage and event production sufficient to
perform duties of the position. Minimum 2 years previous
supervisory experience. Skills and Abilities: Maintain a high level
of professionalism and represent the SLSO with integrity. Highly
developed interpersonal skills with an emphasis on communication
and customer service. Ability to maintain a high level of
professionalism at all times. Maintain fiscal responsibility and
integrity in all budgeting and financial matters. Ability to work
within budgetary constraints. Strong critical thinking skills.
Ability to develop plans for the team and ensure execution of all
needed deliverables (after developing an understanding of
organizational direction and strategy). Self-starting with a drive
to seek improvements in areas of direct responsibility and
department processes. Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving
skills. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office including Word,
Excel, Outlook and Access. Aptitude for technology and IT systems
such as ArtsVision. Highly reliable and dependable. Valid Missouri
Class E (for hire) driver’s license or other state equivalent with
driving record acceptable by SLSO insurance company required.
Keywords: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Florissant , Technical Director, Design, Graphic Design & CAD , Saint Louis, Missouri
