Technical Coordinator

Unit: Weber Music Hall
Reports to: Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS)
Appointment: Full-time, 12-month

Position Summary

The Technical Coordinator will lead and manage all technical operations, maintenance, and design support for the Weber Music Hall at the University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD). This role ensures that production infrastructure, technical staff, and collaborative processes support high-quality educational, artistic, and community programs. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable in administrative, leadership, and hands-on technical capacities.
Priority consideration will be given to local candidates.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Production Support

• Oversee design, installation, maintenance, and operation of all technical systems (lighting, sound, rigging, stage systems, audio-visual, automation).
• Serve as technical supervisor or advisor for departmental productions, guest artists, touring companies, and external rentals.
• Troubleshoot complex technical scenarios and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Plan and manage production turnarounds, load-ins, and strike procedures.

Staffing, Training & Supervision

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate technical staff, casual employees, student technicians, and interns.
• Develop training programs for student staff to build proficiency in safe and efficient technical practices.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous learning.

Maintenance, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain all technical equipment and infrastructure to ensure reliability and longevity.
• Implement and enforce safety standards (OSHA, fire codes, rigging protocols, lockout/tagout, etc.).
• Conduct regular inspections, preventative maintenance, and document repairs or upgrades.
• Develop and manage emergency and contingency plans (e.g., power outages, equipment failures, evacuation).

Budget, Procurement & Resource Management

• Prepare and manage the technical department's operating and capital budgets.
• Evaluate when to repair versus replace equipment; initiate capital proposals for upgrades.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors for technical equipment, consumables, and services.
• Track inventory, consumables, and spare parts, and manage supply ordering.

Collaboration & Liaison Work

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between the music faculty, guest artists, external users, and the technical team.
• Translate and negotiate between artistic, academic, and technical requirements.
• Participate in departmental and institutional planning, contributing to facility scheduling, renewal, and expansion discussions.
• Foster positive working relationships with UMD's facilities, event services, campus safety, and external partners.

Strategic Vision & Innovation

• Assess and recommend technological enhancements and upgrades.
• Champion sustainable practices and energy-efficient solutions in the technical domain.
• Engage with emerging trends (e.g., immersive sound, automation, projection, remote production) to keep UMD's facilities competitive and pedagogically relevant.
• Mentor and develop future technical leaders, including integrating student-led innovation projects.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Occasional exposure to elevated work, rigging, and confined spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and perform technical tasks in dark or physically constrained areas.
• Regular evening and weekend presence in support of performances, rehearsals, and special events.
• Occasional travel to adopt best practices or attend conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre Technology, Technical Production, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in theatrical or concert technical direction, preferably in academic or performing arts environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in lighting, sound, rigging, stage automation, and AV systems.
• Experience supervising staff and student teams, with strong training and mentorship skills.
• Working knowledge of safety standards-OSHA, fire codes, rigging, electrical safety.
• Strong budgeting, procurement, and financial oversight experience.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Flexibility to respond to emergencies, evening/weekend work, and production demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Theatre Technology, Entertainment Engineering, or related discipline.
• Familiarity with digital consoles, networked AV systems, and control automation.
• Track record of implementing sustainable, energy-efficient solutions in technical settings.
• Experience with fundraising or helping secure external grants for technical upgrades.

About Weber Music Hall & UMD

Weber Music Hall is UMD's premier performance venue, hosting a wide range of musical, theatrical, and interdisciplinary performances. The Technical Coordinator will join an energetic, forward-looking arts community committed to artistic excellence, student involvement, and inclusive access to the arts.

UMD is located in Duluth, Minnesota, between Lake Superior and the North Shore. The region is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, and friendly university-town atmosphere.

Pay Range: $27.12 per hour ($56,409 annually) to $35.93 per hour ($74,734 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please submit in one PDF:

1. cover letter explaining your interest, vision, and relevant experience.
2. Resume / CV including list of technical systems you have managed.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).