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, every event is an opportunity to inspire, connect, and create unforgettable experiences. As a Senior Production Technician, you will play a critical role in bringing campus events, performances, athletic competitions, academic programs, conferences, and community gatherings to life through exceptional technical production support. You will join a collaborative team of skilled professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality audio, video, lighting, and production services across a variety of venues. Whether supporting a major university event, a live performance, or a championship athletic competition, your expertise will help ensure every experience reflects Duke's commitment to excellence, innovation, and service. Be Bold. As a Senior Production Technician, you will provide technical leadership and hands-on support for the operation, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of production systems used throughout Duke University. You will work in dynamic environments, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and help create safe, reliable, and engaging event experiences.
What You'll Do:
Event Production & Technical Operations (50%)Install, configure, and operate audio, video, lighting, power distribution, scoring, and production systems for a wide variety of events both on and off Duke's campus.
Support sporting events, performances, educational programs, lectures, ceremonies, business meetings, religious services, and special events.
Partner with supervisors and clients to determine appropriate technical requirements and ensure safe, effective equipment deployment.
Deliver professional event support while maintaining Duke's high standards for production quality and customer service.
Troubleshoot technical issues in real time to minimize disruption and ensure successful event execution.
Collaboration & Client Support (25%)Consult with event organizers, production crews, university departments, and colleagues to provide customized technical solutions.
Monitor and document equipment utilization to support accurate billing and resource management.
Foster strong working relationships through proactive communication and responsive customer service.
Serve as a trusted technical resource before, during, and after events.
Contribute to a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Student Employee Leadership & Training (10%)Coordinate and oversee the work of student employees and contracted event staff.
Assist with onboarding, training, and development of new personnel.
Support student organizations by providing technical guidance and operational assistance.
Promote adherence to established safety procedures and operational standards.
Foster teamwork and effective communication among event staff and stakeholders.
Problem Solving & Communication (10%)Maintain open communication with supervisors, managers, and technical teams regarding event operations, equipment maintenance, and facility needs.
Participate in departmental and production meetings.
Identify opportunities to improve workflows, system performance, and event outcomes.
Respond effectively to changing priorities and operational challenges.
Additional Responsibilities:
(5%)Support departmental, divisional, and university initiatives through the completion of related duties as assigned. Contribute to special projects and event-related operational needs.
Qualifications
Required Minimum Qualifications:- Work requires a thorough background in technical theatre normally acquired through a Bachelor's degree program in theatre or closely related field.
- No experience beyond the degree is necessary; however, four years experience in technical events support or theater production normally acquired through a special events technician or related position may be substituted for the degree.
- Work requires a valid N.C. driver's license. Must complete and maintain required compliance, vehicle safety checks, and training in order to remain eligible to drive Duke vehicles.
- Preferred Skills and Competencies:
- Understanding of networking schema used in modern control protocols in venue and entertainment technology such as Audinate Dante, Biamp Tesira or Harman Audio Architect
- Familiarity with modern lighting consoles and understanding of programming logic and skills used in advanced digital lighting systems
- Understanding of digital audio systems which utilize a combination of software, hardware, and network protocols to deliver uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over standard Ethernet networks
- Ability to utilize digital audio consoles to provide sound reinforcement in support of events and performances
- Basic to intermediate level of proficiency on equipment and systems used in modern entertainment industry
- Understanding of basic video projection set up including best practices for individual situations, lens selection, cable management, source management, and monitoring options
- Ability to work under pressure on projects and work with people of varying experience levels
- Excellent organization skills and the ability to manage concurrent projects and priorities within established guidelines
- Strong communication skills - verbal, written and interpersonal
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, with a commitment to collaboration
- Ability to problem solve independently
- Ability to work within and uphold policies and procedures set forth
- Environmental Demands
Ability to work under the following working conditions: Exposure to noise and dust, heights associated with rigging and catwalks; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, climbing ladders, working at heights on ladders and lifts, frequent use of stairs, work in low light conditions, and frequent use of tools.
This position will be expected to work extended hours, night and weekend shifts required on a regular basis.
Ability to carry, push or pull items up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and wear safety equipment as required, including safety harnesses.
Choose Duke.
At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a community committed to innovation, collaboration, learning, and impact.
As a member of Duke's event and production team, you'll contribute to experiences that enhance student life, support academic excellence, celebrate achievement, and strengthen connections across our campus and community.
Duke offers:
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
Opportunities for professional growth and technical development
A culture that values teamwork, inclusion, and innovation
Access to world-class facilities and resources
The opportunity to support events that make a lasting impact on the Duke community
Ready to Make a Difference?
Bring your technical expertise, creativity, and passion for live production to Duke University. Apply today and help create exceptional experiences that educate, inspire, and connect our community.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $21.30 to USD $33.52. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).
