OMAI Technical Events Director

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

27d•$60,000

About The Position

The Technical Events Director (TED) at the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) is an innovative event producer and technical expert who plans, designs, implements, and manages OMAI’s monthly, semesterly, and annual events. The role combines project management and event planning across performing arts and community gatherings to support multicultural arts, promote positive social dialogue, and center the influence of hip hop and urban arts. The TED also manages, guides, and trains First Wave Scholars serving as interns and volunteers on the technical events team. This position reports to the OMAI Director. OMAI, within the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Division for Teaching and Learning, provides culturally relevant arts programming and academic forums that use spoken word, hip hop, and other art forms to support inclusive community building. Its First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Scholarship Program brings together student artists and leaders and offers incoming students a four-year full-tuition scholarship. The position is regular employment. The minimum salary is $60,000, with actual pay determined at hire based on experience. The role includes occasional travel and requires evening and weekend availability during OMAI programming. The selected candidate must pass an initial background check and recurring checks every two years.

Requirements

At least 3 years of professional experience in production management and/or event management; a focus in hip hop, arts, activism, and multicultural arts is strongly preferred.
Knowledge and experience in budget management, program planning, and event execution.
At least 3 years of professional experience demonstrating strong organizational and time-management skills, the ability to work under pressure, multitask, and collaborate.
At least 3 years of professional experience developing curricular and co-curricular multicultural art engagement practices, with evidence of multicultural art outreach or community engagement.
Ability to work evenings and weekends during OMAI programming.
Occasional travel.
Bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment; employer sponsorship is not available for F1 STEM OPT Extension participants.
Pass an initial background check and recurring background checks every two years.

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate on multifaceted projects.
Excellent problem-solving skills, initiative, and creativity in enhancing programming for campus and public audiences.
At least 2 years of technical production experience and/or conference planning.
At least 2 years of professional project management experience.
Experience mentoring and/or instructing young artists.
Significant knowledge of and passion for hip hop, urban arts, and multicultural arts.
Experience working with unionized theater staff, particularly lighting and sound designers, stage managers, choreographers, and directors.
A degree or significant coursework related to hip hop, urban arts, event management, technical theater, and/or production.

Responsibilities

Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation.
Instruct students in the preparation, construction, and operation of performance art productions, systems, and equipment.
Clean and maintain theater and technical production equipment and keep it organized.
May develop unit operating budgets and identify opportunities for income-generating programs and services.
Develop and direct implementation of operating policies and procedures consistent with health and safety regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives.
Direct planning, staffing, and execution of technical production and theatrical operations before and during performances.
Create project plans, set priorities, allocate tasks, collaborate with project staff, monitor progress against milestones, and identify, resolve, or escalate risks and issues.
Schedule event logistics and secure resources including space, vendors, and staff; coordinate details, resolve operational issues, and monitor and process event transactions, data, and records.
Manage, guide, and train First Wave Scholars serving as interns and volunteers on the technical events team.
Plan, design, implement, and manage OMAI’s monthly, semesterly, and annual events.