Director of Production

Director of Production

As a member of the Hylton Performing Arts Center's senior leadership team, the Director of Production provides executive-level strategic leadership, operational direction, and organizational oversight for all production and technical services across a complex, multi-venue performing arts center. This position is responsible for aligning production systems, staffing structures, and technical capabilities with institutional priorities, artistic excellence, and revenue-generating activities, serving as the Center's primary authority on production strategy, infrastructure planning, and operational performance. The Director of Production plays a critical role in:
Driving institutional excellence in production delivery;
Advancing revenue growth through rentals and partnerships;
Leading capital planning and lifecycle management of technical systems; and
Ensuring HPAC remains a competitive, innovative, and nationally recognized performing arts venue.
Responsibilities include:
Directing, developing, and mentoring a complex, multidisciplinary production team (lighting, audio, carpentry, stage management, video) supervising 6 FTE, 4 indirect reports, and a 20+ wage workforce;
Establishing, evaluating, and optimizing organizational structures, staffing models, and workflows aligned with institutional strategy;
Developing, tracking, and managing comprehensive production budgets, including permanent labor, operating expenses, equipment rentals, and capital improvements;
Ensuring full fiscal accountability and return on investment;
Overseeing overhire workforce strategy, contract execution, and payroll administration in compliance with institutional and labor standards;
Managing vendor relationships, procurement strategy, and technical purchasing processes;
Serving as the senior production leader, aligning facility capabilities with university, artistic, and community priorities; and
Fostering a collaborative, inclusive, service-driven, and safety-focused culture.
Production excellence and stakeholder engagement includes:
Providing executive-level oversight for all technical production activity across multiple venues and event types;
Leading all production advancement strategy, including interpretation and execution of complex technical riders;
Translating artistic and technical requirements into fully executable, resource-efficient production plans;
Ensuring seamless delivery in venues with advanced production systems, including large-scale rigging and theatrical infrastructure;
Maintaining proactive communication and alignment across production staff, administrative leadership, academic departments, and external clients and partners;
Serving as the final escalation point for high-risk or complex production and personnel issues; and
Conducting contract and rider review ("redlining") to ensure compliance with university and Commonwealth requirements.
Facilities, equipment, and safety management includes:
Leading long-term capital planning and lifecycle management of technical systems and production infrastructure;
Partnering with facilities and campus leadership on preventative maintenance strategy and execution;
Ensuring compliance with OSHA, ESTA/ANSI, and industry safety standards; and
Mitigating institutional risk through rigorous safety oversight and compliance practices.
Required qualifications include:
Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
Generally, ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical production or live event management within a major performing arts center, academic presenting organization, or comparable multi-venue environment;
Demonstrated experience operating within a multi-venue facility, including spaces exceeding 1,000+ seats and concurrent event management;
Proven experience managing large-scale productions across multiple technical disciplines (lighting, audio, video, rigging, carpentry, and stage operations);
Generally, a minimum of five (5) years of experience managing full-time staff, indirect reports, and part-time/hourly workforce;
Direct responsibility for departmental budgets, including labor, overhire payroll, and operational expenditures;
Demonstrated expertise in production advancement, contract interpretation, and execution of complex technical riders and negotiation;
Knowledge of advanced theatrical production systems across multiple disciplines;
Advanced operational knowledge of counterweight and motorized fly systems (75+ line sets), digital audio networks (Dante/AVB), and advanced theatrical lighting systems and protocols;
Skill in leading large, multidisciplinary production teams in complex environments;
Skill in financial management, budgeting, and resource planning;
Exceptional interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills with ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups;
Ability to align production operations with strategic, financial, and institutional goals;
Ability to manage high-pressure, multi-event environments, and resolve complex issues;
Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders; and
Proven ability to serve as the final escalation authority in high-risk, time-sensitive environments.
Preferred qualifications include:
Master's degree in related field;
Experience with large-scale counterweight rigging systems and fly systems in proscenium theaters;
Experience integrating production with academic programs, including student engagement and experiential learning;
Experience with venue management software, scheduling systems, and production databases;
Knowledge of university policies and procedures, including HR, procurement, and compliance requirements;
Advanced knowledge of concert hall acoustics, orchestral production, and touring production standards;
Advanced knowledge of strategic planning and operational alignment within complex performing arts or multi-unit environments;
Knowledge of cost recovery, procurement practices, and revenue-generating venue operations;
Knowledge of multi-venue operations and varied event types across presenting, academic, and rental activity;
Advanced knowledge of safety standards and regulatory practices (e.g., OSHA, rigging, electrical systems);
Knowledge of production management systems, scheduling tools, and technical databases;
Skill in long-range planning, including capital planning, equipment lifecycle management, and long-term infrastructure strategy;
Skill in leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, including full-time and part-time workforce models;
Skill in supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and integration with academic programs;
Skill in communicating complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences;
Ability to evaluate and implement emerging production technologies, including hybrid and streaming systems;
Ability to make data-informed decisions regarding resource allocation and investment priorities;
Ability to represent the organization as a senior production authority in high-level artist and client engagements;
Ability to develop staffing strategies and foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performance culture;
Ability to implement and maintain comprehensive safety and risk mitigation programs;
Ability to lead adoption of technology-driven workflows and operational innovation;
Ability to build consensus, resolve conflict, and influence decision-making at senior levels; and
Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Instructions to applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Director of Production at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.
Posting open date: June 12, 2026
For full consideration, apply by: July 10, 2026
Open until filled: Yes