Resident Sound Designer & Manager of Audio (FT - on-site)

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: ZACH creates exceptional theatre experiences that inspire and engage the Austin community. The Manager of Audio/Visual acts as the resident Sound Designer and supervisor of the Audio Department at ZACH, providing leadership to all full-time, part-time, and contract employees in the on-time, on-budget execution of production audio needs, serving as designer for ZACH Mainstage, Family Series, and Events as well as coordinating guest sound designers as appropriate.

This critical role ensures the maintenance of audio equipment and inventory, coordinating with external designers, directors, musical directors, artists, and musicians in the fulfillment of production needs. As resident Sound Designer, this role is responsible for the configuration of each venue’s sound system including the placement and designation of microphones, monitors, loudspeakers, control hardware, and production specific effects and musician support. Additionally, the Manager of Audio works closely with the Manager of Lighting/Video, Manager of Stage Operations, and General Manager to support non-production use of ZACH facilities and rehearsal spaces for special events, rentals, development events, and meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Hires, mentors, and supervises all full-time, part-time, and over hire audio and video personnel for each production; providing performance feedback, mentorship and staff development, and payroll approvals.
• Serves as Resident Sound Designer for ZACH Mainstage and Family series productions as well as special events and other projects as assigned by the Artistic Director and Director of Production each season.
• Collaborates with Directors, Designers, Director of Production, rental houses, and other suppliers to achieve desired designs within designated budgets.
• Maintains inventory and purchases of all departmental equipment.
• Oversees the installation and use of both wired and wireless clear-com systems.
• Collaborates with contributing departments to ensure department needs are met for all events.
• Builds, layers, and edits sound cues and music quickly in collaboration with the Director and other members of the Production Team. 
• Sources all music and sound effects for each production.
• In charge of all multi-track recording required for each production and event. 
• Responsible for tracking all audio budgets and ordering of supplies for each production. 
• In charge of the programming of digital audio consoles and Qlab programming for all events and productions.
• Collaborates with the Technical Director, Manager of Lighting/Video, and Manager of Stage Operations to solve problems that bridge departments, including hangchart development and cable paths on deck.
• Required attendance at all technical rehearsals and previews until released by Director of Production
• Assists the education department in the execution of sound designs and the hiring of sound board operators
• Helps to maintain relationships with universities and other Regional companies in order to develop the audio and video overhire pool.
• Performs all work with a direct reflection of the Mission, Vision, and Values of ZACH Theatre.

Requirements

EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of experience supervising a department of technicians and over-hire crews with preference in a regional or touring house under AEA contracts, and a Bachelors in Sound Engineering or comparable professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience overseeing departmental budgets, forecasts, and other budgetary requirements, primarily in a producing theater or company.
• Experience with Crestron Control Systems and Yamaha consoles, namely CL5.
• Extensive experience in sound and audio programming and  practices with a deep understanding of technical networking components and their use in sound and design in a theatrical setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of MS Office and Google Suite.
• Understanding of Yamaha CL Series and Allen & Heath Avantis digital audio consoles, Shure wireless microphones, and Clear-com systems.
• Understanding of Christie and 3M video projection equipment, networking systems, and programming.
• Understanding of show control systems including MIDI and OSC.
• Ability to use a variety of sound and video performance software including QLAB and Pro Tools.  
• Understanding of Crestron operation and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of DANTE and other networking systems.
• Management of expenditures within set budgets and the forecasting of expenses in relation to scope of work and design. 
• Competency of theatrical rigging standards as it pertains to overhead rigging of audio and video equipment in counterweight, dead hang, temporary, and permanent installation environments.
• Extensive knowledge of musical theater as it pertains to sound design including live orchestras and bands and their instrumentation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is an on-site, campus-based role with some flexibility for occasional hybrid work.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these functions upon request.

• Ability to lift, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 60 lbs without assistance periodically.
• This position is frequently required to sit for long periods of time.
• The noise level in this work environment is typically moderate and can be high.
• Must be able to work in a shared office space and maintain focus in a noisy environment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to tell differences among colors. 
• Works nights, weekends and holidays as required. Schedule changes weekly.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Director of Production

Supervises (if any): Lead Audio Engineer and Temporary Audio/Video overhires

Supports: Production Team and ZACH Staff

Peer collaboration/communicates with: All Departments

This position is a Full-Time, exempt hourly position not eligible for overtime.  This position is eligible to participate in ZACH’s employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other ancillary coverage, in addition to robust paid-time off and other employee benefit offerings.

ZACH is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.