Senior Production Technician

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke University, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the unique perspectives each member of our community brings. As a Senior Production Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting world-class musical performances, educational experiences, and special events across Duke's renowned performance venues. Your technical expertise and collaborative approach will help create exceptional experiences for students, faculty, guest artists, and audiences while contributing to Duke's mission of excellence in education, research, and the arts.

Working within the Department of Music, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, professionalism, safety, and service. This nine-month, bi-weekly position offers the opportunity to blend technical production skills with artistic support in one of the nation's leading academic environments.

Be Bold.

As a Senior Production Technician, you will provide technical leadership and production support for concerts, recitals, rehearsals, livestreams, recordings, and special events in Baldwin Auditorium, Nelson Music Room, Biddle Music Building, and other Department of Music venues.

What You'll Do

Production & Technical Operations

• Lead the setup, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and strike of audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and stage production systems used for performances, rehearsals, recitals, and special events.
• Operate professional sound reinforcement, recording, livestreaming, lighting, and video production equipment while ensuring high-quality event execution.
• Program and maintain digital and computerized lighting, audio, and production systems to support diverse artistic and performance needs.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot production equipment to maximize reliability, functionality, and performance quality.
• Ensure all production activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with departmental standards and best practices.

Performance & Rehearsal Support

• Coordinate and execute stage setups and strikes, including music stands, chairs, risers, pianos, percussion instruments, microphones, and related performance equipment.
• Transport, position, and prepare instruments and production equipment throughout Department of Music facilities as needed.
• Operate sound systems during rehearsals and performances, including microphone placement, audio mixing, recording, and signal management.
• Run lighting, audio, video, and stage equipment during live events by following production cues and event requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, staff, and event stakeholders to ensure technical requirements are met and production expectations are exceeded.

Recording & Livestream Production

• Record, edit, mix, and prepare audio and video content for archival, educational, promotional, and performer use.
• Manage recording workflows, session files, digital assets, and associated hardware and software systems.
• Operate and monitor livestream production equipment to ensure a high-quality audience experience.
• Create and manage event broadcasts on departmental streaming platforms, including YouTube and other digital channels.

Team Leadership & Student Development

• Coordinate, direct, and oversee student technicians, stagehands, graduate assistants, and contracted production personnel.
• Provide training on production practices, equipment operation, safety procedures, and performance venue protocols.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes learning, accountability, and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with all Duke University and departmental safety standards.

Communication & Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate inventories of audiovisual, production, and departmental technology equipment.
• Communicate equipment maintenance needs, damage reports, and operational concerns to departmental leadership.
• Partner with Duke Arts and Venue & Production Management teams to address venue-related technical issues and enhance event operations.
• Participate in departmental staff meetings, production planning meetings, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental priorities and operational needs.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Music Production Technology, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting technical productions in a theater, concert venue, recording studio, performing arts organization, or comparable environment.
• Knowledge of audio, video, lighting, livestreaming, and stage production technologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced event environment.
• Flexibility to work a schedule that includes evenings and weekends based on performance and rehearsal needs.
• Commitment to safety, customer service, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming and operating modern lighting consoles and advanced lighting control systems.
• Understanding of digital audio consoles, audio networking technologies, and digital signal workflows.
• Experience with livestreaming technologies, PTZ cameras, video switchers, and hardware or software encoding systems.
• Working knowledge of IP networking, including switches, routers, and networked audiovisual systems.
• Experience training and supervising student employees or technical support personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional production quality.

Why You'll Love Working at Duke

• Support inspiring performances, student achievement, and artistic excellence within a leading academic institution.
• Collaborate with talented faculty, guest artists, students, and colleagues across Duke's vibrant arts community.
• Gain exposure to a wide range of performance technologies, production environments, and creative projects.
• Build your career through professional development, continuous learning, and hands-on technical challenges.
• Enjoy Duke's comprehensive benefits, wellness resources, and commitment to employee success.
• Join an inclusive culture where innovation, collaboration, and respect are valued every day.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll join a community dedicated to education, research, patient care, and service that changes lives around the world. The Department of Music enriches campus and community life through exceptional performances, teaching, and creative expression. As a Senior Production Technician, your work will directly support these efforts by creating the technical foundation that allows artists, educators, and students to thrive.

At Duke, our greatest strength is our people. We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help bring exceptional performances, meaningful experiences, and artistic excellence to life at Duke University.