Technical Theater Coordinator - Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is looking to hire a full-time, year round Technical Theater Coordinator (aka Technical Director) to collaborate with and support the various performing arts departments at Santa Monica High School with the intention of building and teaching a CTE course in Stagecraft at the high school. In addition to SAMOHI’s Barnum Hall and Humanities Centers theaters, the campus will be adding a new Black Box Theater in 2027. This person may also be called upon to manage events at the other performing arts venues in the district as time and scheduling permits, specifically the Adams Performing Arts Center and the Lincoln Theater in Santa Monica, and the Van Dyke Theater in Malibu.



Salary: $71,412.00 - $91,176.00 Annually

Location: Malibu and Santa Monica, CA

Job Type: PERMANENT, 12-MONTH

Job Number: 521323-26-01

Department: FACILITY USE DEPARTMENT

Job Post: 12/19/2025 through 1/25/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific



Link to Job Description and Application



Questions: Gilles Chiasson, Facility Use Manager

gchiasson@smmusd.org

(310) 401-0117



BASIC FUNCTION AND QUALIFICATIONS



BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general supervision of the Facility Use Manager, organizes, coordinates and supports event operations at Barnum Hall and the Memorial Greek Amphitheatre located on the campus of Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) for student performances and community, commercial and non-profit rentals; arranges for facility and equipment maintenance for performance spaces; may support special event and filming rentals; oversees the use of district facilities by external users; provides technical guidance to student crews and operations staff.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:



EDUCATION: Educational attainment equivalent to a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent AND some coursework, training or certification in theater production or related field.



EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of experience in technical theater, stagecraft, and live theatrical events production, or related field. Must have experience in stage lighting, sound, projections, and rigging, as well as scenic carpentry. Experience providing technical guidance to student crews and operations staff desired.



LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: A valid California driver's license and availability of private transportation or ability to provide transportation between District sites may be required.



REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS



Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.



JOB DUTIES:

Develops and maintains calendar of events for Barnum Hall and the Greek Theatre (located on the campus of Santa Monica High School) to include, event planning, operation and maintenance. Coordinates requirements for performances including load-ins, rehearsals, performances and strikes, and technical guidance of back stage and front of the house crews.

Prepares, recommends and implements guidelines related to the use and operation of both facilities as well as other auditoria with the District as may be assigned with regard to joint use agreements.

Confers with site administrative staff and facilities to determine on campus uses of both facilities.

Confers with community group representatives, professional entertainers, event planners and others regarding facility usage, availability of equipment and scheduling of dates.

Recommends equipment purchase and monitors expenses.

Arranges for facility and equipment maintenance and inspects to ensure timely and appropriate completion.

Schedules and guides theater operations staff and student assistants to provide technical production and ushering support. Develops and implements effective customer service standards.

Reads, interprets and applies applicable district policies, municipal codes, environmental and safety regulations. Guides staff and volunteers in work and safety procedures.

Conducts facility inspection before and after events ensuring that event set-up complies with event organizer plans and safety regulations. Prepares document and cost estimates for building or equipment damage.

Acts as liaison with security, medical, usher, stagehand, police and other event personnel.

Attends community and civic meetings, as assigned.



KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles and methods, equipment and materials used to deliver event service requirements for a variety of events including concerts, theatrical productions and educational events.

Technical, operational and maintenance requirements for theater productions including lighting, sound, projections, rigging and scenery.

Stagecraft and stage operations, including rigging, sound, lighting, projections and set construction.

Event layout and floor space planning.

Basic electrical, electronics and mechanical principles as applied to stage equipment.

Laws and regulations governing public assembly and entertainment facilities including fire and safety laws, CAL OSHA regulations, ADA provisions, health codes, and applicable local, state and federal regulations and laws.

Organization and time management skills.

Customer service principles and techniques.

Vocal and instrumental music, theater and dance, and their effective performance and presentation.



ABILITY TO:

Read, understand and interpret building, event and equipment blueprints.

Create, draw, review and evaluate working drawings and sketches.

Interpret and execute directors' and designers' requests.

Interpret and apply technical terminology when working with renters, crew and maintenance personnel.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area size, circumference and volume.

Operate a personal computer with knowledge of software programs for scheduling, budget, record keeping, technical drawings, photographs and event planning.

Operate current lighting control systems and equipment, sound, video and projection systems, stage rigging, elevators and machinery.

Read, interpret and apply applicable district policies, municipal codes, environmental and safety regulations.

Learn parking, food and beverage concession and custodial operations in a public assembly facility.

Learn principles and practices of effective crowd control, security, safety and risk management practices.

Learn educational goals and objectives related to performing arts for and by children.

Coordinate the work of paid and volunteer staff.

Plan, coordinate and oversee multiple projects and activities with various schedules and timelines.

Work independently under general supervision.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Attend planning meetings and serve as technical guide for productions.

Understand with sensitivity and awareness, the cultural diversities and needs of students and their environment within the communities encompassed by the District.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.



SUPERVISION AND WORKING CONDITIONS



SUPERVISION:

Works under general supervision of the Facility Use Manager. Technical guidance may be exercised over student crews and operations staff.



WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, high elevations, cramped position, moving objects, oily conditions, dust, odors; high voltage, chemicals, noise and paint fumes may be encountered. Physical demands including standing, bending, stooping, crawling, lifting up to fifty (50) pounds climbing ladders and flights of stairs, walking, and sitting. Irregular work hours (e.g., evening, weekend) are required.



SELECTION PROCEDURES



THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for an employment opportunity with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, it is necessary for you to complete an official District Application and Supplemental Questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. The application is part of the examination process and is part of your total evaluation of qualifications for employment.



THE EXAMINATION PROCESS:

For those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process will consist of any one or more of the following: Training and Experience Evaluation, Written Test, Performance Test, and/or Structured Interview. Additional information pertaining to the examination process will be emailed to those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.



EXAMINATION PROTESTS:

Protest of any part of the examination process must be in writing and received in the office of the Director of Classified Personnel no later than five (5) working days from the date you were notified of examination results. All notifications are sent electronically via email. Any protest must include rationale to support the protest and must be based on illegal discrimination, abuse of discretion, or procedure/process error. We are not responsible for any incoming mail that is lost or misdirected after it has been entrusted to the US Postal Service.



ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABLED:

If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in any of these examination procedures, please notify the Personnel Commission in writing at the time you submit your application.
Salary: $71,412.00 - $91,176.00 Annually + Benefits