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Guthrie Theater

Head of Sound (Full-Time, Onsite)

Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400


Head of Sound (Full-Time, Onsite)

Reports to:

Director of Production

Compensation:

$70,000 - $75,000 annually plus benefits

THE ORGANIZATION

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization.

Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

THE POSITION

The Head of Sound is responsible for managing the sound department staff and day-to-day operations, coordinating the build and load-in of each sound design, setting and maintaining high standards of excellence. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full-time, exempt, and benefits-eligible. Compensation for this position ranges between $70,000 - $75,000 annually plus benefits. The typical schedule for this role will be daytime hours from Monday – Friday including tech rehearsals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and Supervision

Lead, manage and supervise the Production Sound Engineers, Sound Board Operator, Lead Sound Board Operator, and Overhire Sound staff.

Actively participate in team building. Foster a work environment of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Using the organizational monthly check-in form to complete monthly check-ins with all direct reports.

Hire staff members to ensure quality work.

Attend and/or run department meetings to communicate pertinent information to the employees.

Coach and develop staff members by monitoring employee productivity and providing constructive feedback; facilitating conflict resolution among employees; ensuring adherence to legal and organizational policies and procedures and undertaking disciplinary actions if the need arises; and completing annual performance evaluations.

Maintain and approve direct report timesheets, Personal Time Off requests, and other personnel records.

2. Designer Collaboration and Support

Collaborate with the design team and other production departments to establish methods for the design, and procurement of all sound elements of Guthrie productions.

Consult with designers and production department members on any issues that arise during the production process which pertain to the build, installation, and strike of sound equipment.

Attend production meetings, production department head meetings, load-in meetings and all staff meetings. Where appropriate, share pertinent information with sound department employees.

Ensure technical notes sessions are attended by the Sound Supervisor or an associate.

3. Sound Preparation and Install

Prepare and organize the technical information pertaining to sound for specific productions.

Proactively plan and foster communication on upcoming shows.

Review/revise budget estimates for each production.

Review/prepare a build, load-in, and strike schedule for each production.

Manage workflow of Production Sound Engineers to effectively produce technical drawings.

Communicate the technical information to shop employees and other departments.

Monitor and oversee the progress for all sound elements based on the designer drawings.

Collaborate with the Production Sound Engineers on a daily basis to monitor project progress.

Determine/monitor tool and supply needs and purchases.

Maintain a running dialogue with the designers.

4. Shop Maintenance

Organize and prepare information for daily maintenance of the Sound shop.

Manage stock and common areas to ensure safety and security.

Work with Director of Production to prepare and maintain capital expenditure lines.

Lead the design and development of audio and computer systems.

Work with vendors to improve existing hardware and software systems.

5. Administration

Work with Production office to manage budget.

Project expenses and manage expenses on a per-show basis.

Act as the Sound liaison on other Guthrie projects and programs.

Analyze and monitor budget statements on a monthly basis.

Work collaboratively with other departments to determine and implement archival systems.

Maintain files on shows.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated experience leading a Sound Department or a combination of equivalent experience and training.

Demonstrated leadership, supervision and project management experience.

Skill and experience in creative problem solving.

Ability to balance the scale and scope of productions.

Demonstrated professional diplomacy in personnel management.

Experience in preparing budgets and labor estimates.

Knowledge of professional audio systems.

Knowledge of sound design in theatrical applications.

Proficiency in QLab and Pro Tools.

Knowledge of acoustics and audio analysis.

Knowledge of electrical and electronic theory.

Knowledge of computer systems and networks.

Ability to work well under pressure.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge of current best health, ergonomics, and safety practice within the US theatre industry.

Knowledge of IATSE collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.

Experience with and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.

THE LOCATION

The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving the local community. In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks.

Competitive Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Employer contributions to HSA

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Dependent Care FSA

Group Life Insurance

Voluntary Life Insurance

Long Term Disability

Short Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match)

Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains

Discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking

Discounted bike locker rental

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

Complimentary Tickets to Guthrie productions

Discounted Tickets to all shows produced by the Guthrie

Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps

Guthrie Store discount

Employee Affinity Groups

Discounts at on-site restaurants and café

Discounts at other local businesses

A NOTE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES

Applicants must submit a

resume

to be considered for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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