OMAI Technical Events Director

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

25d

About The Position

The Technical Events Director (TED) at the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI) plans, designs, implements, and manages OMAI’s monthly, semesterly, and annual events. The role combines event production, technical expertise, project management, and collaboration to create inclusive multicultural arts events and legitimate theatrical and academic forums that 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 Division for Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides culturally relevant arts programming to promote social dialogue and give cultural art forms an academic forum. Its programming draws on spoken word, hip hop, and emerging and traditional art forms to create learning environments that contribute to campus climate, retention, graduation, and community leadership.

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 with 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.
Ability to travel occasionally.
Bachelor’s degree.

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate on multifaceted projects.
Excellent problem-solving skills, initiative, and creativity to enhance 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 preparing, constructing, and operating performance art productions, systems, and equipment.
Clean and organize theater and technical production equipment.
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 targets and 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.