Head Audio Engineer - Aronoff Center

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The Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is currently seeking a full-time Head Audio Engineer at our downtown Aronoff Center for the Arts location. The Head Audio Engineer is a hands-on leader who establishes and ensures consistent standards of excellence across the production department with a focus on audio operations. They oversee the audio systems, equipment, and event execution across the Aronoff Center for the Arts. They maintain audio department inventory, oversee maintenance, and lead audio department calls. They build and nurture a culture that champions continuous improvement, consistent communication, accurate delivery of departmental duties, and teamwork. The Head Audio Engineer works a schedule consisting of nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to meet the responsibilities of their role. This is a year-round, full-time staff position that works under Cincinnati Art’s Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with IATSE Local 5.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Audio Department Ownership & Leadership

• Maintain technical readiness of audio equipment and systems.
• Receive, read, and execute all production advance details as they relate to audio needs.
• Ensure compliance with backstage and FOH position safety and cleanliness policies 
• Represent the Aronoff Center as a liaison and guide to outside productions and clients.
• Oversee AV systems as needed to provide high-quality experiences for guests including assistive listening devices, TV monitors, paging systems, etc. 
• Serve as running crew on productions. 
• Organize and maintain the storage/accessibility of Audio tools, equipment, supplies, and other resources.
• Collaborate with managers across the organization to support initiatives, respond to guest feedback, and continually assess and enhance the appearance of the facility. This includes participating in interdepartmental training, providing on-the-spot coaching, and always demonstrating leadership.
• Own and work within the confines of pre-approved budgets of the Audio Department while exercising professional discretion regarding resource allocation.
• Conduct regular inventory to ensure adequate supply of expendables and equipment is on hand and in good working order. Place orders as necessary.
• Partner with the Technical Director and General Manager to advance initiatives, modernize processes, and address operational deficiencies. 

Supervisory
This position does not have any regular direct reports. However, they often lead calls of stagehands and touring production staff as required for the execution for any individual event.

• Build and nurture a culture of excellence that includes leading by example, demonstrating excellence in accountability, and prioritizing professionalism and respect in the workplace.
• Educate, evaluate, and lead production personnel (local union and outside production) to deliver the highest quality of sound production for all events. 
• Hold personnel accountable to company policies and departmental expectations through consistent training, messaging, and coaching. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Experience, Education, and Union Affiliation

• 10+ years of professional theatrical stage experience including stellar sound engineering capabilities and 10+ years of experience managing audio equipment, systems, and inventories required. Up to 4 years of professional experience may be displaced by a successfully completed BA, BFA, or MFA program in Production Technology, Audio Engineering, or similar.
• Strong sound design and editing abilities preferred. 
• Experience in a roadhouse that presents Broadway musicals is preferred. 
• Experience with Yamaha DM7, LEOPARD PA system, Galileo GALAXY network platforms, and Milan network protocol preferred.
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred.
• This position requires membership within IATSE Local 5. If not already a member, the Head Audio Engineer is required to join the union upon hiring.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge/Skills/Ability

• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and service recovery skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to accuracy, organizational skills, and pride in delivering excellence.
• Proficiency with computers including the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while remaining tactful.
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate in English. 
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a broad range of people (including staff, clients, and guests) in a professional, polite, and hospitable demeanor. 
• Ability to read technical advances and interpret technical diagrams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Possess professional demeanor and appearance.
• Access to reliable transportation every day of the week and at all times of the day. 

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move easily up and down stairs and climb ladders.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, climb, and crawl.
• Must be able to lift, slide, drag, carry, and otherwise manipulate objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to perform work duties outside during inclement weather.
• Must have good eyesight or corrected vision to ensure completeness and accuracy of tasks.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to noise levels standard in the live event industry.

TO APPLY:
Applications are due by Sunday, September 6, 2026
Interested candidates may complete an application online at https://www.cincinnatiarts.org/about-us/employment-opportunities
Or in person at: Cincinnati Arts Association
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Administrative Offices)
650 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

No phone calls, please. CAA is an EOE/M/F/D/V/SO Employer.