Sound Designer

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Definition of Class

The Department of Theatre & Film at The University of Mississippi invites applications for a staff Sound Designer beginning August 2022. The department currently enrolls 120 majors with 18 full time faculty, nine full time staff members, and offers a BA in Theatre Arts, BFA in Theatre Arts emphases in Acting for Stage & Screen, Design & Theatre Production, and a BFA in Film Production. This position creates and oversees sound design and engineering for theatrical applications. The incumbent conceptualizes and facilitates sound design for theatrical productions; prepares, tracks, and reconciles sound shop purchases and monitors production specific sound budgets; and provides audio engineering to establish necessary soundscapes for each production.

Examples of Work Performed

• Participates in design and conceptual meetings to formulate the direction, design, and artistic approach of each production.
• Serves as the lead sound designer and engineer for productions.
• Collaborates with colleagues across various areas of the department to make a positive contribution to the project and ensure successful productions.
• Attends production meetings to provide the proper execution of sound design ideas.
• Oversees the hiring, training, and scheduling of student workers who staff the sound area.
• Provides regular maintenance to existing sound shop tools and equipment to ensure they are in safe working order.
• Arranges repairs for equipment if repairs cannot be made internally.
• Produces estimated sound budgets needed for each production.
• Stays abreast of new technology and procures sound shop materials, supplies, and equipment based on needs assessments.
• Monitors sound shop accounts and reconciles purchases by maintaining a running balance of expenditures.
• Strategizes with directors and designers to establish the necessary soundscapes for each production.
• Ensures the set-up and timely delivery of all sound elements for both performance and rehearsal spaces.
• Responds to daily rehearsal and performance reports with information as necessary.
• Oversees the successful realization of sound designs in the venue and troubleshoots soundscape issues throughout productions.
• Utilizes playback software such as QLab.
• Assists the electric shop as needed with hanging and focusing lighting equipment.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.
1. Conceptualizes and facilitates sound design and ensures proper execution of the design ideas.
2. Prepares, tracks, and reconciles sound shop purchases and monitors production specific sound budgets.
3. Provides support for proper audio engineering to establish necessary soundscapes for each production.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in Theatrical Design/Technology or related field.
AND
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience related to the above described duties.
Substitution Statement:
Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

Applicants should complete the University’s online application form at https://careers.olemiss.edu/ AND submit a cover letter, an updated resume, a link to an online portfolio, and a list of five professional references.

Salary/Wage Information

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.