Technical Director Job at Museum of Science in Boston

Who We Are: The Museum of Science is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of science in everyone. We are committed to inclusivity, innovation, and education, serving diverse communities through our exhibits, programs, and outreach efforts.

Why We Need You: The Technical Director at the Museum of Science oversees the technical aspects of programming, productions, and live events within the Museum of Science.

Central to this role is overseeing the technical components of the Public Science Common, an innovative, multipurpose space designed for educational activities, small conferences, performances, and community events, slated to open in Fall 2026. The Technical Director will lead in selecting and implementing technology to enhance the space's capabilities for performance, education, and community engagement.

Additionally, the role involves collaborative oversight of the museum's other screens and theaters. The Technical Director will collaborate closely with different departments, such as the Immersive Theaters, Programs, and Exhibits teams, to provide guidance while respecting the specialized knowledge of team members. This position is responsible for facilitating the development of technical solutions that meet evolving standards and stakeholder expectations across both new and existing programming spaces. The Technical Director is a thought partner to other technical teams, working alongside colleagues to assess and create new technical solutions, and collaborate to define strategic solutions that benefit the Museum as a whole and fulfill the Museum's ambitious long-term vision.

This role emphasizes collaboration and shared expertise, ensuring that all technical operations are conducted efficiently, safely, and within budget, aligning with the museum's vision and creative objectives.

What You'll Do:

• Responsible for all of the Public Science Common's equipment, including ongoing upkeep, maintenance, and future-proofing. Lead technical operations and development, and lead future technical innovation in the space.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive 2-3 year plan for the Public Science Common's technical elements (audio, video, lighting, digital, special effects, and interactive elements) in productions and building, updating as necessary.
• Collaborate with other technical teams around the Museum to define their technical solutions and strategic plans for alignment and fulfillment of the Museum's long-term vision.
• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director, designers, program managers, event teams, product owners, partners from the community and rental clients, and other stakeholders to understand and meet technical requirements.
• In partnership with other stakeholders or event producers, oversee or delegate the event and technical production schedules, ensuring timely completion of technical tasks. Directly responsible for the technical execution of high profile events throughout the year.
• Lead and coordinate production meetings to discuss technical requirements and track progress.
• Supervise and mentor a team of technical staff, including digital assets developers and designers, lighting technicians, audio and sound engineers, and stage crew.
• Assign tasks, schedules, and manage workloads to ensure efficient operation of the technical team to ensure that the venues are operational 362 days/year during daytime and evenings.
• Facilitate effective communication between the technical staff and other departments and external partners.
• Interpret design plans and drawings to create detailed technical plans for all aspects of production, including sound, visuals, streaming, interactive components, digital assets, sets, lighting, and ad hoc equipment.
• Oversee the construction and installation of all aspects of the production, ensuring they align with the vision of the product owner, directors, partners, and/or designers.
• Develop and manage budgets for technical departments, monitoring expenses and ensuring delivery within budget constraints. Partner with all departments at the Museum to identify and confirm available funding for all aspects of production.

What You Need To Succeed:

Need To Have:

• Extensive experience in theater or multipurpose convening space operations, theatrical event production, and/or technical production and understanding needs of a theatrical venue, including leadership roles.
• Extensive experience with theater show control systems & scripting, show software management, theater hardware, audio design, visual design, and/or computers and server/production management.
• Demonstrated experience problem-solving, organizational skills, exercising sound judgment, and strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience and aptitude to discover technical solutions for multimedia-based venues, including hardware and software implementation and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of current and evolving technology and systems including projection, screen, sound, lighting, and show control systems.
• Strong understanding of set construction, lighting, sound, digital and interactive assets, and special effects.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support performances and programs.
• Physical work, including lifting and moving equipment, is a regular part of the job.
• Ability to work at heights and in various theater environments.

Nice To Have:

• Demonstrated eye for detail in theatrical environments and for implementing seamless lighting, sound, and visual experiences.
• Demonstrated experience working with the public and providing a guest-centric approach and commitment to excellence in visitor experience.
• Proficiency in CAD software and other technical design tools.
• Certification or training in related special skills such as rigging, lifts, media production, etc.

REPORTS TO:

Chief of Staff and Chief of Strategic Initiatives

BENEFITS:

Benefits for full-time, exempt (salaried) staff include: free parking, T accessibility, commuter spending account, 23 vacation days, 12 holidays, 10 sick days, medical, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement and savings plan, health care/dependent care flex spending plan, a Museum Membership, employee discounts, employee referral program, tuition assistance, professional development, direct deposit, free admission, free Duck Tours, discounted movie passes, and much more!

The Museum of Science is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

No phone inquiries, please. Qualified applicants will be contacted within two to four weeks of initial application.