Technical Director Job at Museum of Science in Boston

Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change. Among the world's largest science centers and New England's most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year – at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum's singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world's most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

What You'll Accomplish

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: Check it out here, 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. They will work alongside colleagues to assess and create new technical solutions, and collaborate to define strategic solutions that benefit the Museum as a whole and fulfills 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.

• 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 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 We're Looking For

• 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 and/or 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.
• 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.

How We Work-Our Values

Everyone: We are everyone's museum. We pursue equity and celebrate every person for who they are. We foster an inclusive environment in which we value and respect diversity.

Service: We serve our colleagues and community. We hold ourselves accountable to be a trustworthy public resource, and to support a sustainable, just and evidence-based future.

Learning: We love learning. We are curious about the world and want to share our joy and wonder with others. We value open minds and recognize that everyone has more to explore, discover and create.

Connection: We find strength in connections. We collaborate across communities, organizations and disciplines to make science relevant and accessible to all.

Boldness: We dream big. We boldly push ourselves forward, pursuing new ideas and challenges. We experiment and learn from our failures as we seek to inspire purpose, spark imagination and encourage hope.