Theater, Events Technical Sr. Manager
Job Description
Job Description
Department: Theater
Status: Regular, Full-Time
Reports To: Executive Vice President
Salary Range:$85,000 – $90,000 Annually
Availability: Must include weekend availability; evenings and holidays as required
ABOUT BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS THE RIVER
Building Bridges Across the River (Building Bridges) provides residents East of the Anacostia River access to the best-in-class facilities, programs and partnerships in arts and culture, economic opportunity, education, recreation, health and well-being. Building Bridges envisions a future in which the residents East of the Anacostia River experience vital, thriving communities characterized by social, cultural, economic, and racial equity. In order to combat past and current structural inequities, Building Bridges develops and manages facilities and programs in Wards 7 & 8, including the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC), THEARC Farm, THEARC Theater, 11th Street Bridge Park, and Skyland Workforce Center.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Building Bridges is seeking an experienced and dynamic Theater, Events Technical Sr. Manager to lead the technical operations of our performing arts venue and event spaces. This is a hands-on senior management role that bridges creative vision and facility execution — overseeing technical budgets, production staffing, and the full spectrum of audio, visual, lighting (AVL), rigging, and staging systems. The Sr. Manager serves as the primary technical resource for all performances, rentals, and internal events, and acts as the key liaison between touring productions, clients, and our facilities team.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS
Production & Technical Management
• Oversee the complete production cycle — installation, operation, and strike of scenery, audio, lighting, and video equipment — for all performances and events.
• Mix live audio, execute lighting cues, and manage video playback during concerts, theatrical productions, presentations, and conferences.
• Install, wire, and test speakers, mixing consoles, projectors, video screens, and lighting consoles for each event.
• Establish and enforce safety protocols for the stage, scene shop, and all production areas.
Event Coordination & Client Services
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for touring productions, rental clients, faculty, and internal event organizers.
• Review and fulfill technical rider requirements; assess logistical feasibility and plan all load-in and load-out operations.
• Collaborate closely with presenters, event planners, and performers to understand and execute their technical vision.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment malfunctions or signal failures quickly to prevent event disruptions.
Staffing & Scheduling
• Recruit, train, and schedule stage crew, contracted technicians, student assistants, and volunteers.
• Assign crew roles and delegate responsibilities based on event complexity and individual skill sets.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and equitable environment for all production personnel.
Budgeting & Procurement
• Manage technical production budgets, generate cost estimates for events, and process invoices accurately and on time.
• Research and recommend vendors, contractors, and equipment for technical upgrades and capital improvements.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all purchases, rentals, and vendor agreements.
Maintenance & Asset Management
• Implement and supervise a preventative maintenance program for all venue technical assets, including audio, video, lighting, and rigging systems.
• Ensure all gear is properly maintained, safely packed, and stored after each event.
• Track equipment inventory and coordinate timely repairs or replacements as needed.
Documentation & Communication
• Complete and maintain production documentation including event reports, equipment logs, and incident reports.
• Maintain clear communication with the Executive Vice President and relevant department heads regarding event status, technical needs, and capital planning.
Requirements
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in concert production, theatrical management, or a related technical role; prior supervisory experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Theater Technology, Technical Production, Audio Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience accepted.
• Deep working knowledge of stage equipment including industry-standard lighting consoles (e.g., MA Lighting, ETC), professional audio mixing boards, rigging systems, and A/V technology.
• Hands-on proficiency in live audio mixing, lighting design and programming, video playback systems, and projection technology.
• Ability to read and interpret technical riders, CAD drawings, and production plots.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills; ability to remain calm, adaptive, and solutions-oriented under pressure in fast-paced, loud environments.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities with experience managing multiple simultaneous events.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to professionally communicate with diverse populations across all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills with the ability to manage and motivate a varied production crew.
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment weighing up to 75 lbs; comfort working at heights, including on ladders and elevated platforms.
• Flexible to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the event schedule.
Benefits
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary range: $85,000 – $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.