Director of Production

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the American Repertory Theater?

A.R.T. is a leading force in American Theater, producing groundbreaking work driven by risk‑taking and passionate inquiry in Cambridge and beyond. Since 2008, Artistic Director Diane Paulus has pursued A.R.T.’s mission to “expand the boundaries of theater” by programming transformative theatrical experiences that include the audience as a central partner. A.R.T. is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader of artistic innovation, with productions that began at A.R.T. winning 19 Tony Awards. The American Repertory Theater is part of Harvard’s Central Administration and is located on the Harvard campus, serving as a central role in the university’s cognitive life, catalyzing discourse and creative exchange among academic departments, students, and faculty.

Job Description

Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Artistic Director, this role provides long‑term and seasonal strategic oversight and direction to the Production department, ensuring productions align with A.R.T.’s mission. The Director of Production oversees all aspects of A.R.T.’s annual programming, establishing success standards, schedules, and budgets.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

Team Management and Communication

• Serve as the leading strategist and collaborator between senior leadership, production staff, and design teams, ensuring communication throughout the department.
• Lead the Production Department, supervising seven department heads and managing union and non‑union personnel at multiple locations.
• Set standards, policies, and expectations for departmental success.
• Assess team performance and training needs to build a high‑performing, highly engaged team.
• Relate production‑mission concerns and solutions to the Artistic Director and Managing Director on an ongoing basis.
• Promote an inclusive, respectful work environment for staff, employees, and guest artists.

Budget Management

• Set and monitor the annual Production Department budget (~$9 million), forecasting, maximizing efficiencies, and controlling costs.
• Develop and manage individual production budgets, expenses, and timelines in coordination with key directors.

Project and Production Management

• Advocate a safe environment for all production staff, staying current with theater health and safety practices.
• Manage the pre‑production and production processes with the Artistic Producer, working with creative teams to meet budget and resource constraints.
• Ensure productions are delivered safely, on‑time, within budget, and with artistic excellence.
• Oversee scenic, costume, and property delivery, including automation and special effects.
• Manage technical, safety, and logistical aspects of production elements such as stage management, lighting, sound, and video wardrobe teams.
• Create season schedules and staffing plans in collaboration with artistic teams.
• Make key decisions when consensus cannot be reached.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, staff, directors, designers, and stage managers.

Special Projects

• Contribute to a capital campaign for a new facility in Allston, recommending and prioritizing technical needs and establishing practices for the new space.

Working Conditions

The Loeb Drama Center is a multi‑story building without an elevator; work takes place on all levels and will cease in February 2027. The Goel Center has modern accessibility. This position requires night and weekend work, especially during tech and previews, and occasional local and out‑of‑state travel. Software used includes Microsoft Office, Slack, SharePoint, Zoom, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and PeopleSoft.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Prior experience managing staff sizes of twenty or more people.
• At least five years of progressively increasing management responsibility in a theatrical production setting.
• Thorough understanding of live theater production processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and emerging AI tools, including complex spreadsheets and collaboration platforms.
• General knowledge of all theater crafts (scenic construction, rigging, automation, painting, costume, wardrobe, wigs, lighting, sound, props).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience with capital projects preferred, but not required.
• Capacity to develop and maintain strong professional relationships across the organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, adjusting priorities quickly as needed.

Additional Information

• Applicants should attach a cover letter and, if moved forward, provide samples of written communication, budget spreadsheets, and schedules.
• Standard hours include night and weekend work during tech and previews, with occasional local and out‑of‑state travel.
• Harvard University cannot provide visa sponsorship.
• Pre‑employment reference and background screenings are required.
• The position includes a 6‑month orientation and review period.

Work Format Details

All duties must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Work location sponsorship must be confirmed prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Harvard’s Salary Ranges provide the corresponding range and related information.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, ensuring everyone at Harvard thrives. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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