Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: Media Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University is dedicated to making the arts an inescapable presence in the lives of all George Mason students and Northern Virginia resident.

About the Position:

The Assistant Technical Director is responsible for departmentally produced shows, including School of Theater's Musical and Mainstage productions, School of Music's Mason Opera productions, School of Theater's studio and fringe series and other projects as assigned by the ASU Technical Director. The position provides scenic construction and support to the various departments of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Assists students in the execution of curriculum mandated duties and projects. Assists the Scene Shop Supervisor/Technical Director in maintaining the CVPA Scene Shop as a safe and efficient working environment.

Responsibilities:

Production support

• Works with CVPA Schools and Departments in executing scenic designs for productions;
• Works within the confines of established production budgets and productions schedules;
• Works within University Purchasing guidelines and coordinate with the ASU Technical Director and/or Scene Shop Supervisor to obtain materials and services for the realization of designs and other production requirements;
• Conveys construction and budget progress to the ASU Technical Director, the department's Production Manager and any other necessary departments or individuals as needed; and
• Oversees the construction, installations, operations, maintenance and removal of the scenery and other elements that fall under the responsibility of the scene shop for each production.

Mentors students on scenic and stage properties implementation, shop projects and production hours

• Guides students in accordance with departmental instruction as to the proper construction and execution of projects;
• Supervises and mentors students fulfilling design or other production assignments as it relates to the scene shop; and
• Provides ongoing training to students completing production practicum or lab hours by ascertaining their level of competency and comfort, and assign appropriately challenging tasks for the time they are in the scene shop.

Scenic Construction

• Interprets drawings or other technical communications to determine proper methods for construction of scenic elements and create construction drawings as needed in order to covey plans to other scene shop staff and students;
• Carries out the construction of these elements in a timely manner;
• Communicates to the ASU Technical Director and the departmental Production Manager (or other production/project representative as appropriate) any details that may affect the desired execution of the scenic elements, in terms of time, cost, or quality; and
• Communicates any needs or adjustments regarding construction to the Scene Shop staff.

Assist the ASU Technical Director with the creation, modification or sourcing of furniture and props for CVPA produced shows as needed

• Works with the Director and designers to build, buy, modify or otherwise source suitable furniture and hand props for CVPA produced events within the production's constraints of time and budget; and
• Assists the ASU Technical Director in coordinating approved external scenic, furniture and properties rentals requests.

Shop Maintenance 

• Follows schedules established by the Technical Director and the Scene Shop Supervisor for periodic maintenance of Scene Shop resources;
• Informs the Scene Shop Supervisor of necessary purchases of parts of outsourcing of services; and
• Incorporates cleaning time into each day's schedule to maintain an uncluttered and safe work area.

Space Improvement Projects 

• Initiates and/or executes projects under the direction of the ASU Production Manager and ASU Technical Director that result in improvements to the physical spaces under the charge of the Arts Support Umbrella; and
• Interprets drawings and other technical communications to determine proper methods of construction and create drawings to convey these plans to other scene shop staff as needed.

Communication, leadership, performance evaluation, planning, analytical skills, and decision making 

• Communication
  • Provides frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate, to staff;
• Leadership
  • Ensures staff has the necessary knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to accomplish goals; and
  • Gives staff opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experiences.
• Performance Evaluation
  • Meets the requirements of the performance planning and evaluation systems;
  • Completes evaluations by established deadlines with proper documentation; and
  • Addresses and documents performance issues as they occur.
• Planning, Analytical Skills, and Decision Making 
  • Exercises good judgment and analytical skills as needed in making decisions and solving problems; and
  • Effectively identifies and addresses root problems, plan and coordinates projects efficiently and effectively. 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Knowledge of theatrical construction techniques;
• Knowledge of theatrical processes and procedures;
• Knowledge of and skill with a wide range of tools including woodworking, metalworking and computer aided modeling;
• Demonstrated professional theatrical production experience in lead roles (examples may include: Technical Director, Assistant;
• Technical Director, Scene Shop Foreman, Draftsperson, Lead Carpenter, Deck Chief, Props Manager, Scenic or Props Designer, or other related positions;
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a time critical environment; and
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and theatrical drawings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor?s degree in related field;
• Driver's license -  Upon successful recruitment to this position, if an expectation of operating a George Mason Vehicle becomes necessary, an active Drivers License and Motor Vehicle background check will be required;
• Theater Design/Tech with a focus on scenery and/or props;
• 2+ years of supervisory experience and work in a college/university environment preferred;
• Experience working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• Previous work in a college/university environment preferred; and
• Previous work as a Technical Director or Assistant Technical Director.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Technical Director at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: June 12, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  June 27, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes

About George Mason University

George Mason University is a public, comprehensive, research university established by the Commonwealth of Virginia located in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Mason was initially founded as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1949, and became an independent institution in 1972. George Mason University is an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.

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