What Does a Technical Director Do? – Becoming a technical director can be a difficult undertaking. You need to have the right education, skills, and experience in order to do the job well. And there’s little room for error.
If you’re interested in learning how to become a technical director, here is some helpful advice. We’ll go over what you need to know in regards to education and experience, how much you can expect to make as a tech director, and what skills are necessary to succeed in this field.
How to Become Technical Director in 2022
If you are a creative, love to create and have an eye for design, you might be wondering how to become a Technical Director.
The role of the technical director in theater management is to ensure that the scenery on stage is correctly lit and designed so as to not interfere with the actors’ performances. A technical director also oversees all technical aspects of the show, such as sound and lighting design, set construction, and choreography.
To learn more about how to become a Technical Director, read this post from Tinsel & Tine Theater Management!
What is Technical Director?
In film and theatre, a technical director is the person responsible for maintaining, operating and running different types of equipment and machinery to support the production. The role of a technical director is an extremely versatile one that can involve anything from leading a crew of technicians to operate complex lighting systems to using computers in video editing. The duties of a technical director vary based on the needs of their specific production, but they will always be responsible for overseeing the physical aspects of their show.
An individual with this title will usually have many years experience working in their field and should be knowledgeable about all facets of production. As well as being able to work closely with designers, directors and producers, they must also have excellent communicative skills. A technical director is essentially the “middle man” between the stage hands who work on set, and the people who design what they do behind-the-scenes. They are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a production run smoothly.
What does a technical director do?
Technical directors make sure that everything is working in the show, from props to costumes. They also help stage managers and directors come up with creative solutions to problems when they arise. In order to do this successfully, they need a lot of creativity and organizational skills. But what exactly is a technical director?
A technical director is responsible for the entire production process of a theatrical performance not just their own area of expertise. So if you want to be a technical director, you should be prepared for some long hours!
Technical directors provide a team, department or entire company with technical support. They oversee all technical aspects of the business, from creating and implementing programs to overseeing day-to-day use of company computers, tablets and phones. Duties for a technical director may include:
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Develop and implement in-house standards for the acquisition, use and maintenance of technology
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Monitor and evaluate the use of various software programs and applications
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Identify and implement data security solutions
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Provide technical support to staff in other departments, which may entail operating or staffing a help desk
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Research the market and stay current on technological advancements and developments
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Provide updates to company executives regarding technology use, needs and budget
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Support sales teams with customer satisfaction by analyzing user requirements and usability metrics
Technical director salary
One of the most interesting and complex positions in the film industry, a technical director is responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly. They’re like a one-person production team who manages all aspects that have to do with the mechanics of the film. From organizing equipment to coordinating shooting schedules, it’s an important job that requires a lot of knowledge and responsibility. Check out this article to learn more about what technical directors do and how much they’re paid!
Average salary
Most technical director jobs are full time, although they can also be contract or temporary. Salaries vary depending on the level of experience and education of the director and the industry and location of the employer. Sometimes, technical directors might receive a bonus besides their salary.
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Common salary in the U.S.: $102,116 per year
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Some salaries range from $14,000 to $229,000 per year.
Technical director requirements
To get a position as a technical director, here are some requirements you may need:
Education
Technical directors should have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. Recipients of these degrees study the basics of computer hardware and software, learn how to write programs and optimize customer experience with technology.
Some technical directors also have advanced degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in technology, a Master of Science in information technology or a Master of Science in computer science. Earning a master’s degree can help a technical director earn management positions quickly and increase their earning potential.
Training
The training a technical director receives is typically through a combination of education and experience. Many technical directors will complete internships during school in which they will gain hands-on experience in the field. They will also learn the various computer programs and languages needed to excel in the technology industry. Most technical directors have at least 10 years of experience in information technology. They often start in entry-level roles, then receive promotions for leadership roles after several years of experience.
Technical directors may also receive off-the-job training in the form of conferences and seminars. During conferences, a technical director can learn about new program releases and updates to maintain current knowledge of their field. As the technology industry is constantly changing, these professionals need to keep up to date on the latest developments.
Certifications
While there are no specific certifications that a technical director must have, some common certifications requested for this position include:
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate
These certificates show proficiency with Microsoft solutions such as Azure, SQL 2016 and Universal Windows Platform. MCSA holders can also take live five-day classes or online classes to receive the next level of Microsoft certification, which is the Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider.
Certified Information Security Manager
This is a management-focused IT certification that helps show a technological director’s understanding of how security relates to best business practices. Prerequisites for the course include five years of experience in information security management.
Skills
Besides training and education, technical directors will need skills such as:
Technical skills
A technical director must have excellent technical skills, such as the ability to troubleshoot, manage security and introduce new applications into the workplace.
Communication skills
A technical director likely reports to superiors about the technical needs of the organization. They need to communicate with sales, design and customer service teams to understand their technology needs. They also need to work with their own teams to train them in troubleshooting problems and finding solutions.
Attention to detail
When writing programs, even small details can affect the code. A technical director must pay close attention to minute details to detect and solve problems. This skill will also help them ascertain how best to apply the company’s resources.
Time management
A technical director’s job involves overseeing the technical aspects of a company, so they must be able to accurately estimate the time needed to complete all of their duties. They should be able to allocate time for any emergencies that may arise.
Collaboration
A technical director may manage a department or be one of many directors in a large company. They might work with engineers and non-technical staff. A person in this position has to function effectively as part of a team and can lead when needed.
Technical director work environment
These professionals can work in almost every industry. Here are a few likely workplace characteristics:
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Constant use of mobile phones, laptops and tablets
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Communicating regularly with other professionals through meetings and informally
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Some travel or out-of-office work to stay current with the latest technology
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Continuing education to learn details of new systems, software languages or new developments in the industry
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Interaction with state and federal agencies about cybersecurity issues
Technical directors can find employment in a variety of industries, including:
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Small businesses
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Large corporations with an international presence
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Nonprofit organizations
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Government agencies
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Education
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Research institutions
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Pharmaceutical companies
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Retail chains
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Media companies
How to become a technical director
Here are the common steps to take if you are considering becoming a technical director:
1. Obtain the necessary college education.
Most positions at this level will require a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, computer programming or a related field. Some positions also require a master’s degree in a similar field. Consider reviewing technical director jobs in your desired industry to determine whether employers typically prefer a bachelor’s or master’s degree before pursuing your education.
2. Earn technical certifications.
Many technical organizations offer a variety of certifications related to their products. Earning a certification in different programs and coding languages can help you learn more in the IT field and increase your potential salary. You can choose to earn more than one certification at the same time.
3. Gain relevant work experience.
Most technical directors have several years of experience in the information technology industry. You should first apply for entry-level jobs, such as IT technician or technical support specialist to gain knowledge and develop your skills. After some experience in an entry-level role, you can apply for management or leadership positions.
4. Apply for a technical director job or promotion.
f you have worked with the same business for several years, you may wish to apply for a promotion to become a technical director. Determine whether your company has the position and the availability to receive a promotion. If needed, you can search for positions with other businesses in the industry and geographical location where you want to work. Ensure you have the necessary experience and education before applying to different roles.
Technical director job description example
Midsize apparel company on the verge of a major expansion seeks a technical director who is ready to grow with us. The position involves leading the technical division of a company with 72 employees, four retail outlets, a design house and a sizable online shopping presence. We anticipate growing to 25 outlets throughout the east coast over the next 18 months and doubling the size of our online operations. We are looking for someone to oversee customer experience and establish in-house technology and security protocols.
Minimum requirements are a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field and 10 years of experience. Experience in retail or apparel industry, customer relations or managerial positions a plus. Competitive salary and benefits. Some travel is required.