University of Southern Mississippi
Production Manager
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States, 39400
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Production Manager.
Location: Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States
Division: School of Performing and Visual Arts
Position Type: Staff
Employment Status: Full Time
Grant Funded: No
Pay Grade: E11
Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants We anticipate the review of applications to begin February 15, 2026. This contract will begin July 1, 2026 and is a full‑time staff position (12‑month, renewable contract). A completed application will include 1) a cover letter describing applicant strengths and qualifications for the position, 2) a professional resume or CV, 3) contact information for three references, 4) link to website or other online portfolio of materials. Application materials can be uploaded to the HR site found here: https://jobs.usm.edu. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H‑1B).
Job Summary This staff position serves as Production Manager for public‑facing programs produced by the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA), which houses academic programs in Theatre, Dance, and Art and Design. The University is accredited by National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs. Theatre and Dance maintain robust performance seasons supported by a fully equipped, multi‑theatre complex with production shops. Venues within the Theatre and Dance Building include the Martha R. Tatum Theatre, a 275‑seat proscenium thrust; the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre, a flexible black‑box seating 130–150; the Woods Theatre, a smaller proscenium seating 80–100; and the Dance Studio Theatre, a 95‑seat convertible studio space. SPVA also produces dance concerts on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Manoni Performing Arts Center, a 740‑seat proscenium theatre managed by the College of Arts and Sciences. The academic‑year performance season includes four to six dance concerts, four main‑stage theatre productions, an annual playwrights series, and a summer repertory season with Southern Arena Theatre. Reporting to the School Director, this position oversees Theatre and Dance production seasons, coordinates equipment and facility maintenance, and manages venue scheduling and rentals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as Production Manager for the SPVA Theatre and Dance academic‑year production seasons and for Southern Arena Theatre.
Coordinate production timelines and schedules for all SPVA performance spaces and work with faculty to develop and manage school‑wide production and design‑tech calendars.
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility with regard to coordinating production budgets and managing venue rental, ticketing, and other revenue.
Coordinate event and venue promotion.
Collaborate effectively with faculty Theatre Producer, Dance Producer, professional shop staff, and design‑tech and performance faculty and guest artists with school administrative staff and directors.
Maintain familiarity with current developments in theatrical design and technology and with best practices in production safety.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by production schedules.
Foster strong relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners to support school operations and initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) from an accredited college or university in technical theatre, arts management, or a related field plus at least three (3) years of production experience in academic or professional theatre/industry settings. Position requires flexible scheduling including some evening and weekend availability. Must have a strong background in production management, stage management, and technical theatre or design.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong communication and managerial skills, including scheduling, production planning, and cost estimation.
Ability to mentor and supervise both skilled and unskilled student workers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
Ability to manage budgets and ensure spending aligns with university policies.
Ability to oversee ticketing, box office operations, and front‑of‑house staff.
Experience setting performance expectations and providing feedback on safety protocols.
Knowledge of current best practices and technologies in theatrical production.
Ability to manage theatrical facilities, equipment, and venue rentals.
Experience with marketing and promotion of productions.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, designers, performers, and technical staff.
Ability to lift and move heavy materials and equipment.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, creative environment with excellent organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from an accredited college or university in technical theatre, arts management, or related field. Five (5) years of experience in academic or professional theatre settings. Experience managing marketing timelines and event promotion. Working knowledge in one or more production or design areas, such as lighting, scenic construction, master electrician work, or technical direction, supporting occasional teaching or complementing faculty expertise. Familiarity with Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Electronic Theater Controls (ETC) lighting consoles, dimming systems, intelligent lighting, LEDs, projection workflows, and digital/analog sound systems including Midas 32, QLab, and basic audio editing software.
About The University of Southern Mississippi Since its founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community‑engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student‑athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety and security of the USM community. The annual federal required compliance document which contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/. You may also request a copy by contacting the University Police Department at Bond Hall, 1st Floor West, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 (601) 266‑4986. The policy statements address the University’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years’ of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.
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Location: Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States
Division: School of Performing and Visual Arts
Position Type: Staff
Employment Status: Full Time
Grant Funded: No
Pay Grade: E11
Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants We anticipate the review of applications to begin February 15, 2026. This contract will begin July 1, 2026 and is a full‑time staff position (12‑month, renewable contract). A completed application will include 1) a cover letter describing applicant strengths and qualifications for the position, 2) a professional resume or CV, 3) contact information for three references, 4) link to website or other online portfolio of materials. Application materials can be uploaded to the HR site found here: https://jobs.usm.edu. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H‑1B).
Job Summary This staff position serves as Production Manager for public‑facing programs produced by the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA), which houses academic programs in Theatre, Dance, and Art and Design. The University is accredited by National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs. Theatre and Dance maintain robust performance seasons supported by a fully equipped, multi‑theatre complex with production shops. Venues within the Theatre and Dance Building include the Martha R. Tatum Theatre, a 275‑seat proscenium thrust; the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre, a flexible black‑box seating 130–150; the Woods Theatre, a smaller proscenium seating 80–100; and the Dance Studio Theatre, a 95‑seat convertible studio space. SPVA also produces dance concerts on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Manoni Performing Arts Center, a 740‑seat proscenium theatre managed by the College of Arts and Sciences. The academic‑year performance season includes four to six dance concerts, four main‑stage theatre productions, an annual playwrights series, and a summer repertory season with Southern Arena Theatre. Reporting to the School Director, this position oversees Theatre and Dance production seasons, coordinates equipment and facility maintenance, and manages venue scheduling and rentals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as Production Manager for the SPVA Theatre and Dance academic‑year production seasons and for Southern Arena Theatre.
Coordinate production timelines and schedules for all SPVA performance spaces and work with faculty to develop and manage school‑wide production and design‑tech calendars.
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility with regard to coordinating production budgets and managing venue rental, ticketing, and other revenue.
Coordinate event and venue promotion.
Collaborate effectively with faculty Theatre Producer, Dance Producer, professional shop staff, and design‑tech and performance faculty and guest artists with school administrative staff and directors.
Maintain familiarity with current developments in theatrical design and technology and with best practices in production safety.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by production schedules.
Foster strong relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners to support school operations and initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) from an accredited college or university in technical theatre, arts management, or a related field plus at least three (3) years of production experience in academic or professional theatre/industry settings. Position requires flexible scheduling including some evening and weekend availability. Must have a strong background in production management, stage management, and technical theatre or design.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong communication and managerial skills, including scheduling, production planning, and cost estimation.
Ability to mentor and supervise both skilled and unskilled student workers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
Ability to manage budgets and ensure spending aligns with university policies.
Ability to oversee ticketing, box office operations, and front‑of‑house staff.
Experience setting performance expectations and providing feedback on safety protocols.
Knowledge of current best practices and technologies in theatrical production.
Ability to manage theatrical facilities, equipment, and venue rentals.
Experience with marketing and promotion of productions.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, designers, performers, and technical staff.
Ability to lift and move heavy materials and equipment.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, creative environment with excellent organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from an accredited college or university in technical theatre, arts management, or related field. Five (5) years of experience in academic or professional theatre settings. Experience managing marketing timelines and event promotion. Working knowledge in one or more production or design areas, such as lighting, scenic construction, master electrician work, or technical direction, supporting occasional teaching or complementing faculty expertise. Familiarity with Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Electronic Theater Controls (ETC) lighting consoles, dimming systems, intelligent lighting, LEDs, projection workflows, and digital/analog sound systems including Midas 32, QLab, and basic audio editing software.
About The University of Southern Mississippi Since its founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community‑engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student‑athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety and security of the USM community. The annual federal required compliance document which contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/. You may also request a copy by contacting the University Police Department at Bond Hall, 1st Floor West, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 (601) 266‑4986. The policy statements address the University’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years’ of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.
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