Technical Manager/ Live Sound Engineer

• Resume and cover letter required

About The Ark

Live since 1965, The Ark is Michigan’s nonprofit home for folk and roots music. Widely recognized as one of the top independent music venues in the world, The Ark is known for the quality and diversity of its programming.

Our intimate 400-seat venue hosts approximately 300 performances annually, featuring a dynamic mix of emerging and established artists, both local and nationally touring.

Position Overview

The Ark is seeking an experienced Technical Manager / Live Sound Engineer to join our team in a part-time (30 hours/week) role with benefits.

This position blends hands-on live sound engineering with technical leadership, overseeing a dedicated Volunteer Tech Crew to deliver exceptional live audio, lighting, video, and livestream production.

This is a highly collaborative, artist-facing role that plays a key part in maintaining The Ark’s reputation for world-class performances.

This role is primarily based onsite at The Ark and requires afternoon and evening hours, including weekends.

What You’ll Do

Live Sound Engineering
• Engineer 10–15 shows per month
• Lead load-in/load-out, stage setup, and soundcheck
• Mix live performances while maintaining safe listening levels
• Collaborate with touring engineers and production teams
• Support livestream and broadcast production as needed

Technical Systems & Equipment
• Maintain all audio, lighting, video, and broadcast equipment
• Identify repair needs and recommend system improvements
• Manage production supply requests and inventory

Tech Crew Leadership
• Recruit, schedule, train, and mentor volunteer technicians
• Coordinate staffing for all events
• Provide on-call support and technical guidance
• Lead Tech Crew meetings and foster a positive team culture

Pre-Production
• Advance technical requirements with artists and tour managers
• Review and document show needs
• Ensure appropriate technical staffing for each event
• Oversee select load-ins and complex productions

What Success Looks Like
• Consistently delivering high-quality live sound experiences
• Building and supporting a skilled, engaged volunteer tech team
• Maintaining reliable, well-functioning technical systems
• Representing The Ark professionally with artists and partners

Required Qualifications
• 3+ years of live sound engineering experience
• Strong experience with digital consoles (e.g., Yamaha CL3 or similar)
• Working knowledge of stage lighting systems (RoadHog 4)
• Ability to lift and move equipment
• Flexible availability (evenings, weekends, holidays)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with touring artists and production teams
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair technical equipment
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Reliable transportation and consistent communication access

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with livestreaming, video production and digital platforms
• Familiarity with Google Drive or similar tools
• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations

Compensation & Benefits
• Hourly rate: $32–$35/hour (based on experience)
• Part-time, non-exempt position

Benefits include:
• Generous paid time off
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (Priority Health HMO)
• SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% employer match
• Parking reimbursement

Pay: $32.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person