The Lighting Supervisor is an integral member of the Production Services team at Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for the coordination, supervision and execution of all theatrical lighting design and activity for recitals, concerts and live streamed events in all Blair School of Music venues. This position demonstrates customer service attributes and provides end-to-end lighting and A/V support for live and recorded productions. The Lighting Supervisor supports educators and students in achieving learning goals within the scope of multiple performance halls and other related venues and plays a critical role in the success of all events, i.e., curricular, non-curricular, guest artists, and external and internal rentals. This position works collaboratively within a production team and assists in the safe operation and maintenance of venue lighting, rigging, video projection and related equipment and systems used on a working stage for musical events. The Lighting Supervisor is expected to perform with a high level of autonomy in a fast-paced environment. This position requires a demonstrated comfort level working with leading artists, industry professionals, and complex technical equipment and systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lighting Supervision

• Oversees and executes lighting design and operation for 450+ shows annually.

• Actively participates in lighting hangs, focuses, programming, and running shows on a grandMA3 console and/or ETC Ion console.

• Ensures technical excellence in all aspects of live and recorded productions.

• Sets the standard for Lighting operation best practices and processes.

• Updates and maintains lighting plots for all Blair School of Music venues and rehearsal halls.

• Prepares and saves show files for various types of curricular performances.

• Performs software and hardware updates as needed.

• Collaborates with faculty and students on creative aspects of show including looks, colors and fixture choices.

• Advances lighting needs with guest artists, faculty/students and rental clients.

• Maintains lighting equipment inventory and infrastructure and makes recommendations for replacing technical gear as needed.

• Troubleshoots lighting system issues and provide solutions.

• Regularly updates Director of Technical Operations on technical system status and equipment that requires servicing.

• Trains part-time support technicians on venue specific lighting systems.

• Provides availability to work events as needed that occur Monday through Sunday, during the day and evening.

• Works closely with students, faculty and staff as well as external clients: educating all on best practices and requirements to produce a high-quality lighting design, and foster an environment of learning in our higher education setting.

External Vendor Relationships

• Develops and manages relationships with leading technical vendors in the lighting space to establish preferred pricing on equipment and access to cutting edge technology.

Budgetary Responsibility

• Advises on fiscal budget planning as it pertains to lighting equipment, system workflows and general technology used in our venues.

• Obtains quotes and procures equipment as needed, in alignment with approved budget and in compliance with University policies and procedures.

• Recommends part-time and/or contracted staffing needed for successful events, staying within budget, and advises on budget planning for staffing needs.

Additional Production Support

• Cross-trains in all other Technical Operations areas (live streaming, general stage).

• Assists with set changes during theatrical/musical performances throughout the year.

• Assists with set and prop construction using power tools, table saws, screw guns, etc.

• Provides general stage support including but not limited to working with lighting consoles, lighting fixtures, set pieces, orchestra pit and risers, perform set changes (which includes moving equipment and set furniture), and operation of counter-weight fly system.

• Regularly lifts up to 50 pounds.

• Performs general maintenance and cleaning of stage equipment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports functionally to the Director of Technical Operations, and administratively to the Executive Director, Production Services. The Lighting Supervisor is responsible for managing part-time and/or contracted support technicians such as audio/video engineers to assist with large productions throughout the year. This position recommends the number of staff needed for a successful event, and schedules, trains, and supervises that staff. This position develops and maintains a network of external support staff to call upon when needed for events.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED is necessary

• At least five years of experience in lighting design and operation is necessary.

• Expert level knowledge of MA lighting consoles is preferred.

• Knowledge of ETC consoles is preferred.

• Hands on experience with dimmers, dmx addressing and protocol, LED and incandescent theatrical lighting fixtures, intelligent/moving lights and power distribution is necessary.

• Hands on experience using Vectorworks and QLab is necessary.

• Demonstrated ability designing lighting plots and interpreting guest plots and writing cues is necessary.

• Working knowledge of video projection (equipment and systems) is necessary.

• Experience working in theaters and live venues on classical music productions is preferred.

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (preferably O365) is preferred.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community is necessary.

• Embracing a customer service attitude is necessary.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community is necessary.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing is necessary.

• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments is necessary.

• Ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multiple projects is necessary.

• Excellent ability to organize, coordinate and collaborate is necessary.

• Ability to provide technical advice and information to staff in area of expertise is necessary.

• Ability to provide technical advice and information in area of expertise is necessary.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.