Technical Director Jobs in Virginia
Technical Director jobs in Virginia are concentrated in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads corridor, where major employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics, and Leidos maintain large technical leadership teams across defense, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT. The state is one of the most active markets for senior technical roles in the country, with demand reaching from mid-level engineering leadership up to C-suite-adjacent positions. Systems integration, cloud architecture, and software engineering management are among the most sought-after specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 32+ Technical Director jobs
- 20002239
- Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Other
- Faculty (Salaried)
- James Madison University
Working Title: Technical Director - School of Theatre and Dance
State Role Title: N/A
Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: College of Visual and Performing Arts
Department: 100019 - School Theatre and Dance
Pay Band: N/A
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $55,000 - $63,000
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/10/2026
About JMU:
Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.
Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.
Who We Are
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
General Information:
The School of Theatre and Dance is in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and has approximately 300 students and offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Dance. Housed in the award-winning Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the School has a collegial environment and provides practice-based training within a liberal arts tradition. https://www.jmu.edu/theatredance/index.shtml
The James Madison University School of Theatre and Dance (STAD) is searching for a Technical Director. This is a full-time, 12-month, Administrative and Professional Faculty position in the College of and Performing Arts (CVPA), reporting to the Director of the School of Theatre and Dance. This colleague will supervise and participate in the execution of all departmental productions (Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Dance) while overseeing the management and maintenance of the scene shop and its related spaces (e.g., performance venues, storage spaces, etc.) and equipment. Teaching opportunities are available in technical direction and related areas.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead and participate in construction, load-in, and strike of scenery, properties, and rigging for all STAD productions, and changeovers for student driven studio productions.
- Develop construction plans, drafts, deliverable schedules, and budgets for scenery and properties for STAD productions.
- Serve as Dance Technical Director for New Dance Festival, Dancescapes, and New Voices in Dance in coordination with the Lighting Shop Manager and Sound Supervisor.
- Work with the production manager, faculty, student, and guest artist designers to develop estimates, track budgets, organize production milestones, and ensure that material and labor budgets remain in scope.
- Purchase materials, schedule workers, and manage and maintain the scene shop and theatrical equipment.
- Supervise a scene-shop head, student employees, and over-hire labor.
- Implement and support safety protocols and recommended practices.
- Implement Universal Design standards.
- Work collaboratively with Forbes Center for the Arts staff, the School Director, and faculty across the School of Theatre and Dance to improve production processes, culture, and access to education.
- Foster a positive, welcoming learning environment supportive of student development and collaboration.
- Work and mentor students using effective methods appropriate for students with differing abilities, preparation levels, and cultural experiences.
- Collaborate with local, regional, and professional partner organizations in support of productions, student learning opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
- Accommodate a non-standard work schedule including evenings and weekends. A typical week is 40 hours. No work is permitted during university closures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- MFA in Technical Direction, Theatre Production, or a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree with substantial professional technical direction experience.
- Demonstrated professional experience in technical direction or scenic production.
- Working knowledge of and ability to lead others in the technologies and recommended practices in the following areas:
- Carpentry
- Welding
- Rigging
- Scenic painting
- Properties
- Proficiency with technical drafting and design software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or similar) used to produce scenic construction documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to develop scenic construction estimates, manage material and labor budgets, and plan production schedules.
- Knowledge of standard theatrical safety factors and guidelines provided by ESTA, OSHA, and NEC protocols.
- Experience supervising student crews, over-hire labor, or production staff in a theatrical or educational production environment.
- Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and guest artists.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to effectively work on stairs and ladders and at elevations up to 70’ (theatre grid)
- Ability to use woodworking, metalworking, rigging and material handling tools
- Ability to drive pickup truck and cargo van
Additional Posting Information:
- Applicants should complete the application on the JMU career site and submit
2) resume or curriculum vitae (CV) uploaded under "Curriculum Vitae";
3) visual portfolio of technical work;
4) names and contact information of three professional references.
- Review of applications will begin 10/10/2026
- At the point of hiring, the successful candidate will be required to send official transcripts.
- Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for this position.
JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
- 20002239
- Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Other
- Faculty (Salaried)
- James Madison University
Working Title: Technical Director - School of Theatre and Dance
State Role Title: N/A
Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: College of Visual and Performing Arts
Department: 100019 - School Theatre and Dance
Pay Band: N/A
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $55,000 - $63,000
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/10/2026
About JMU:
Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.
Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.
Who We Are
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
General Information:
The School of Theatre and Dance is in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and has approximately 300 students and offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Dance. Housed in the award-winning Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the School has a collegial environment and provides practice-based training within a liberal arts tradition. https://www.jmu.edu/theatredance/index.shtml
The James Madison University School of Theatre and Dance (STAD) is searching for a Technical Director. This is a full-time, 12-month, Administrative and Professional Faculty position in the College of and Performing Arts (CVPA), reporting to the Director of the School of Theatre and Dance. This colleague will supervise and participate in the execution of all departmental productions (Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Dance) while overseeing the management and maintenance of the scene shop and its related spaces (e.g., performance venues, storage spaces, etc.) and equipment. Teaching opportunities are available in technical direction and related areas.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead and participate in construction, load-in, and strike of scenery, properties, and rigging for all STAD productions, and changeovers for student driven studio productions.
- Develop construction plans, drafts, deliverable schedules, and budgets for scenery and properties for STAD productions.
- Serve as Dance Technical Director for New Dance Festival, Dancescapes, and New Voices in Dance in coordination with the Lighting Shop Manager and Sound Supervisor.
- Work with the production manager, faculty, student, and guest artist designers to develop estimates, track budgets, organize production milestones, and ensure that material and labor budgets remain in scope.
- Purchase materials, schedule workers, and manage and maintain the scene shop and theatrical equipment.
- Supervise a scene-shop head, student employees, and over-hire labor.
- Implement and support safety protocols and recommended practices.
- Implement Universal Design standards.
- Work collaboratively with Forbes Center for the Arts staff, the School Director, and faculty across the School of Theatre and Dance to improve production processes, culture, and access to education.
- Foster a positive, welcoming learning environment supportive of student development and collaboration.
- Work and mentor students using effective methods appropriate for students with differing abilities, preparation levels, and cultural experiences.
- Collaborate with local, regional, and professional partner organizations in support of productions, student learning opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
- Accommodate a non-standard work schedule including evenings and weekends. A typical week is 40 hours. No work is permitted during university closures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- MFA in Technical Direction, Theatre Production, or a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree with substantial professional technical direction experience.
- Demonstrated professional experience in technical direction or scenic production.
- Working knowledge of and ability to lead others in the technologies and recommended practices in the following areas:
- Carpentry
- Welding
- Rigging
- Scenic painting
- Properties
- Proficiency with technical drafting and design software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or similar) used to produce scenic construction documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to develop scenic construction estimates, manage material and labor budgets, and plan production schedules.
- Knowledge of standard theatrical safety factors and guidelines provided by ESTA, OSHA, and NEC protocols.
- Experience supervising student crews, over-hire labor, or production staff in a theatrical or educational production environment.
- Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and guest artists.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to effectively work on stairs and ladders and at elevations up to 70’ (theatre grid)
- Ability to use woodworking, metalworking, rigging and material handling tools
- Ability to drive pickup truck and cargo van
Additional Posting Information:
- Applicants should complete the application on the JMU career site and submit
2) resume or curriculum vitae (CV) uploaded under "Curriculum Vitae";
3) visual portfolio of technical work;
4) names and contact information of three professional references.
- Review of applications will begin 10/10/2026
- At the point of hiring, the successful candidate will be required to send official transcripts.
- Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for this position.
JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
See All 32 Technical Director Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Technical Director JobsTechnical Director Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Technical Director Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Banking & Financial Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in technical director jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering or technology leadership experience
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams of ten or more people
- Experience with large-scale systems integration, cloud platforms, or enterprise software delivery
- Strong background in program management, budgeting, and stakeholder communication
- Active or current eligibility for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance
Technical Director Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a technical director in Virginia?
Becoming a technical director in Virginia typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field, followed by a decade or more of hands-on technical and team leadership experience. Virginia's market heavily favors candidates with government contracting backgrounds, so experience working within federal agency programs or acquiring a security clearance adds significant weight. Many candidates move up through senior engineering, principal architect, or engineering manager roles at Virginia-based contractors before stepping into a director title.
How much do technical directors make in Virginia?
Technical directors in Virginia earn a median of about $65,900 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $40,780 for the lowest 10% to over $119,090 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire technical directors in Virginia?
Companies currently hiring technical directors in Virginia include Capital One, Information Technology Senior Management Forum, and Merck, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense contractors, federal IT service providers, and technology firms in the Northern Virginia corridor makes it one of the densest markets in the country for senior technical leadership roles.
Which Virginia cities have the most technical director jobs?
McLean, Elkton, and Arlington account for the largest share of technical director openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia cities like McLean, Reston, and Arlington drive the bulk of listings because of the dense cluster of federal agencies, defense contractors, and cloud infrastructure companies headquartered there, while Richmond and Hampton Roads contribute steadily through state government technology programs and naval and aerospace operations.
Are there remote technical director jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than many senior leadership roles, because technical directors in software, cloud, and enterprise IT can oversee distributed teams effectively from a distance. About 67% of technical director openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though roles tied to classified government programs or on-site infrastructure work almost always require physical presence. Strategy, architecture, and program oversight functions are the most likely to be offered on a flexible or fully remote basis.
How can I get hired as a technical director in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is building toward the role from a senior individual contributor position, then moving into an engineering manager or principal architect role before pursuing a director title. Large Virginia employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, and Leidos regularly hire associate and mid-level engineers into rotational or mentored programs that build toward leadership tracks. Earning a security clearance, even at the Secret level, opens a significant number of otherwise restricted positions. A strong technical portfolio or an advanced degree from a Virginia institution like George Mason University or Virginia Tech can accelerate the timeline.
Where can I find and apply to technical director jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to technical director jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and specialization, and apply directly through each listing. No signup is required to see open positions.
See All 32 Technical Director Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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