Technical Director; Stage Manager

Central Washington University is recruiting a Technical Director to join our Theatre and Film team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. This role is a 10.5-month cyclic campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $53,136 - $71,472 (based on a 12-month appointment) annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the  academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Rent Cafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here.

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more:
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The Role:

The Technical Director position combines the roles of Technical Director, Production Manager, and Stage Supervisor, encompassing a broad range of responsibilities vital to the success of the department's productions and venues. Technical Director, the role involves directing and overseeing the construction of scenery for three mainstage and two minor stage productions annually. This includes managing all technical aspects of these productions and providing support for students and other productions.

Supervision of student work crews is also a key responsibility. Production Manager, the role involves overseeing and managing the schedule, spaces, and budget for all departmental productions and other partner projects. This requires close coordination with departmental and partner stakeholders to ensure that all productions are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Stage Supervisor, the role requires coordinating and managing the daily schedule and operations of the McConnell Auditorium and the Tower Theatre.

This includes overseeing technical and logistical arrangements, ensuring the smooth running of events and activities, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency within these venues. This position directly affects the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by developing and promoting programs and opportunities that are engaging and welcoming to all students. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.A. or M.F.A. in technical theatre.
• Two or more years of experience working in a theatre scene shop (fabrication).
• AutoCAD 2D & 3D or Vectorworks.
• Computer skills with proficiencies in Microsoft Office 365, Teams, and SharePoint Budgeting, Structural Design, Theatrical carpentry, woodworking, welding, and rigging.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold…