Head of Sound

REPORTS TO: Director of Production

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

SUMMARY

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.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and Supervision

1. Lead, manage and supervise the Production Sound Engineers, Sound Board Operator, Lead Sound Board Operator, and Overhire Sound staff.
2. Actively participate in team building. Foster a work environment of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.
3. Using the organizational monthly check-in form to complete monthly check-ins with all direct reports.
4. Hire staff members to ensure quality work.
5. Attend and/or run department meetings to communicate pertinent information to the employees.
6. 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.
7. Maintain and approve direct report timesheets, Personal Time Off requests, and other personnel records.

2. Designer Collaboration and Support

1. Collaborate with the design team and other production departments to establish methods for the design, and procurement of all sound elements of Guthrie productions.
2. 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.
3. Attend production meetings, production department head meetings, load-in meetings and all staff meetings. Where appropriate, share pertinent information with sound department employees.
4. Ensure technical notes sessions are attended by the Sound Supervisor or an associate.

3. Sound Preparation and Install

1. Prepare and organize the technical information pertaining to sound for specific productions so that the productions can be built, installed, and struck by shop employees in a timely, safe, and resource efficient manner.
2. Proactively plan and foster communication on upcoming shows.
3. Review/revise budget estimates for each production by tracking all relevant information through the rehearsal reports and ensuring these requests match the allocated budget and resource, as given to you by the Director of Production.
4. Review/prepare a build, load-in, and strike schedule for each production based on the available staff labor and the calendar issued by production management.
5. Manage workflow of Production Sound Engineers to effectively produce technical drawings in a timely fashion.
6. Communicate the technical information to shop employees and other departments so the productions can be built and installed in a safe, timely, and resource efficient manner.
7. Monitor and oversee the progress for all sound elements based on the designer drawings so they can be built by the shop staff or vendors.
8. Collaborate with the Production Sound Engineers on a daily basis to monitor project progress, equipment and staffing needs.
9. Determine/monitor tool and supply needs and purchases.
10. Maintain a running dialogue with the designers to ensure that changes to the design are communicated to the appropriate members of the production team.

4. Shop Maintenance

1. Organize and prepare information for daily maintenance of the Sound shop.
2. Manage stock and common areas to ensure safety and security.
3. Work with Director of Production to prepare and maintain capital expenditure lines.
4. Lead the design and development of audio and computer systems to meet the artistic demands and goals of the Guthrie Theater.
5. Work with vendors to improve existing hardware and software systems.

5. Administration

1. Work with Production office to manage budget to ensure effective utilization of financial resources.
2. Project expenses and manage expenses on a per-show basis.
3. Act as the Sound liaison on other Guthrie projects and programs.
4. Analyze and monitor budget statements on a monthly basis. Prepare purchase orders and budget reports.
5. Work collaboratively with other departments to determine and implement archival systems about each production for future reference.
6. Maintain files on shows.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated experience leading a Sound Department or a combination of equivalent experience and training.
2. Demonstrated leadership, supervision and project management experience.
3. Skill and experience in creative problem solving to meet the artistic needs of the show within time and financial requirements.
4. Can balance the scale and scope of productions with designers and production management while allocating, and advocating for, appropriate time and resources needed by employees to realize designers’ vision.
5. Demonstrated professional diplomacy in personnel management and designer collaboration.
6. Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets and labor estimates to keep projects within an acceptable timeframe, budget, and scope.
7. Knowledge of professional audio systems to implement their use in executing the needs of any given production.
8. Knowledge of the process of sound design in theatrical applications to effectively accomplish work.
9. Proficiency in QLab and Pro Tools.
10. Knowledge of acoustics and how this relates to the sound design process. Can hear and analyze small differences in audio sources.
11. Knowledge of electrical and electronic theory.
12. Proficiency in sound editing and control software. Proficiency in Audio Studio and QLab strongly preferred.
13. Knowledge of computer systems and networks to effectively accomplish work. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook and Teams.
14. Works well under pressure and responds calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.
15. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
16. Knowledge of current best health, ergonomics, and safety practice within the US theatre industry.
17. Knowledge of IATSE collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.
18. Knowledge of psychoacoustics and how this relates to the sound design process.
19. Knowledge and experience with Watchout software is helpful, but not required.
20. Skill in recording and mixing audio sources.
21. Skill in using professional audio equipment to implement design needs.
22. Skill in the use of hand and power tools to fabricate custom hardware.
23. Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace.
24. Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

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 Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. 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 up to 4.5% after one year of service), Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, Discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking, Discounted bike locker rental
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount, Employee Affinity Groups, Discounts at other local businesses