Production Manager

Muhlenberg College - Allentown, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Allentown, PA

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Production Manager at Muhlenberg College will oversee the production process for the Theatre and Dance Department, which serves approximately 300 majors and minors. This role is central to the artistic success of the department, supporting a dynamic production season that includes a variety of performances. The Production Manager will manage logistics, finances, and communication for productions, while also mentoring student Stage Managers and potentially teaching Stage Management courses. The position emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the communication, logistics, and financial manager of the production process for all productions.
• Supervise the production staff and liaise with guest directors, choreographers, and designers.
• Contribute to Season Selection, including checking on rights availability, evaluating production elements, and forecasting budgets.
• Forecast and manage the annual production budgets.
• Work with guest artists and oversee production facilities, including the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance and Studio 22.
• Create an annual schedule of productions and confirm design deadlines.
• Monitor and track deadlines across productions.
• Troubleshoot and problem solve during production processes.
• Lead production meetings.
• Coordinate/liaise with theatre and dance student organizations.
• Proactively anticipate safety issues/concerns and implement training and safety plans in coordination with the Technical Director.
• Supervise and mentor student stage managers, including overseeing student SMs during auditions for department productions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in arts administration, business management, or theatre and/or dance with an emphasis on Stage Management.
• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in project and event management.
• Ability to effectively lead, mentor, support, and manage a diverse team of staff and contingent labor.
• Knowledge of theatre and dance productions, box office, and front of house operations.
• Excellent verbal communication, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated experience with financial management of complex event budgets requiring excellent analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and meeting deadlines; ability to prioritize and manage complex workflows.
• Experience and commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging and working with diverse populations.

Nice-to-haves

• MFA or MA preferred.
• An aptitude for mentoring student Stage Managers.
• Demonstrated high level of confidence in independently making strategic decisions and sound judgment.
• Dedication to seeking, implementing, and adjusting working methods to find the most productive and creative models for each project team.

Benefits

• Generous holidays including three days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
• 22 days of vacation per year.
• Sick leave and eight weeks paid parental leave.
• Life Sports Center membership.
• Tuition opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending plans.
• College-provided short- and long-term disability.
• Life insurance and retirement plans.
• Relocation assistance available.