Technical Director (Project Based Role)

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Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are! 

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.  Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.  

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: 

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.

• Provocative Playfulness:  We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.

• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.

• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

Job Disclosures:

Project-Based Role: This is a project-based role with an anticipated duration of 2+ years.

Location: Santa Fe, NM or New York City, NY

Compensation: The base salary for this position is $87,550. 

Job Summary:

The Technical Director leads the integration and coordination of all Show Technical Delivery for Meow Wolf Projects. They are responsible for the development and allocation of technical requirements, design and delivery of the Technical Show Elements, and oversight of Safety and the Hazard Analysis process as it applies to all Show Elements. They are also responsible for ensuring the technical deliverables provide the intended show functionality and meet the creative show intent as defined by the Creative team. Innovative and creative, is an organized thinker who can ideate multiple technical and creative approaches and solutions to meet design criteria, such as guest experience, capacity, spacing, etc., while adhering to the local building codes and best practices. The Technical Director also holds space for and supports Artists’ contributions to projects. 

The role coordinates with all project personnel, departments, and disciplines through the ideation, concept, fabrication, and installation phases. Additionally, the Technical Director is responsible for designing constructible projects to stay on track with creative intent, schedule, and stay within budgetary requirements. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and lead the development of the Technical Design packages with internal and external resources to achieve these priorities: Creative Vision, Physical/Functional Feasibility and successful integration with other trades
• Guiding Budget & Schedule Feasibility - Managed by Show Producer and Project Management
• Coordinate and manage all Technical Elements in the Element drawing reviews, fabrication reviews, and installation approvals. 
• Coordinate and manage the Technical Elements in the Element list.
• Identify and develop code and safety requirements for Technical Elements during early development. This is accomplished with the assistance of other teams and project partners in various fields of expertise. This is done in conjunction with the Show Production Designer.
• Inform and develop the RFP and work breakdown in conjunction with other Project Partners for Technical Show Elements. Design and other members of the team contribute to its development, but the Show TD is responsible for delivering the finished RFP to Show Management.
• Develop, update, and execute fabrication and installation strategies for Technical Elements that respect the facility constraints, construction order of operations, and critical path strategies as defined with Project Management, in support of the Creative Vision. 
• Lead the Hazard Analysis process with the respective subject matter and industry experts.
• Lead the internal Engineering compliance discussions and participate in the internal Material compliance discussions with the Show Production Designer.
• Ensure the review of rigging and overhead safety items for Show and Technical Elements. This includes oversight and review of design proposals, through final in-field inspection buy-off.
• Ensure that Site Safety is coordinated for Show installation and programming efforts with the GC and CM Site Safety Supervisors.

Required Qualifications:

• You bring a minimum of 7+ years of experience in themed entertainment, immersive art, or theater production and installation.
• You possess strong communication/collaboration skills and the ability to work and thrive in a team environment.
• You problem-solve and ideate quickly with a host of project partners with varying levels of expertise.
• You are steadfast and strategic within Meow Wolf’s highly ambitious, collaborative model.
• You have experience in all phases of a project, from design to fabrication, on-site installation, and programming.
• You come with fabrication experience or experience reviewing and overseeing vendor fabrication efforts with a wide array of materials and processes.
• You bring technical knowledge and experience with several Technical Show Disciplines, such as Lighting, Audio, Video, Controls, Network, and SAE
• You must possess an in-depth understanding of core platforms and programs as they will be utilized on a daily basis: Google Suite, Microsoft Office and Design techniques/tools such as set design and drafting, 3D modeling, and architectural design.

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.  

Work Environment: 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and scanners. This position also works in an indoor setting with exposure to noisy environments, dim lighting, strong visual effects, including strobing lights, special effects, fog machines, and small and/ or enclosed spaces. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Physical ability to walk, stand, take stairs/slides/elevators, and navigate the elements during the day and night. Employees may be required to remain in a sitting or standing position for prolonged periods, and repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.   Must be able to lift up to  15  pounds at times.

The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position does require supervisory responsibility.

Travel 

This position will require extensive travel (30% +)

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION:  Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.  

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*

• Dental and Vision Insurance*

• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*

• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*

• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks

• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes

• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

*Regular or Project Based Full-time positions

Please visit www.meowwolf.com/careers for more information.