Production Manager
Full Time
full time
5 Nov 2025
Hanover
Verified by Turrior
Content + Source + Freshness • 14 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
75 / 100
Offer value
Moderate value reflects the challenging nature of technical production management and its artistic focus.
- Lead production for a prestigious arts center
- Engage with a variety of artistic projects
- Collaborate with diverse production teams
- Requires substantial experience (6+ years)
Pros
- Involvement in high-profile cultural events
- Management of diverse production teams
- Strong community and artist engagement
Cons
- Stressful environment with production deadlines
- Experience requirement (6+ years) limits some applicants
- Potential for long hours during productions
Who it's for
Mid to Senior • On-site, Full-Time
Good fit
- Mid-career production professionals
- Individuals enthusiastic about cultural engagement
- Leaders with technical production backgrounds
Not recommended for
- Entry-level candidates without relevant experience
- Those preferring non-arts roles
- Jobseekers wanting flexible or remote jobs
Motivation fit
Desire to contribute meaningfully to artistic endeavorsInterest in leading and mentoring production teamsWillingness to work in a vibrant arts culture
Key skills
Technical production managementExperience in arts and cultureLeadership and team coordinationStrong communication skills
Score: 75/100 AI verified analysis
About the job
Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Production Manager, the Production Manager is responsible for planning and oversight of all technical aspects of assigned Hopkins Center performing arts events including presented, produced, hosted and digital presentations. Key relationships include artists, agents, professional technical personnel, Hopkins Center staff, as well as other campus departments and respective leadership. This position supervises IATSE Local 919 union technical theater and student employees.
Production Management
This position coordinates and oversees the preparation and implementation of lighting, sound, scenic and projection designs as well as rigging configurations for all assigned productions. The work includes the review of performance contracts, technical riders and coordinates with appropriate personnel to define production-related audio, video, lighting, rigging, recording and stage management requirements. The Production Manager may adapt production elements to conform to assigned performance spaces as necessary and coordinate with production staff and with professional agents, artists, technical directors, artistic directors, Hopkins Center ensemble directors, etc., to advance and resolve technical plans related to events.
This position coordinates and oversees the preparation and implementation of lighting, sound, scenic and projection designs as well as rigging configurations for all assigned productions. The work includes the review of performance contracts, technical riders and coordinates with appropriate personnel to define production-related audio, video, lighting, rigging, recording and stage management requirements. The Production Manager may adapt production elements to conform to assigned performance spaces as necessary and coordinate with production staff and with professional agents, artists, technical directors, artistic directors, Hopkins Center ensemble directors, etc., to advance and resolve technical plans related to events.
This position oversees backstage activities related to the production set-up, rehearsal, performance and strike; ensures adherence to production specifications, IATSE union rules and safe work practices. Serves as point of contact for artists in technical rehearsals and performances; interprets and acts to meet unanticipated needs. Manages IATSE union and student employees in show preparation, job assignments during performances and post-show restoration of performance spaces.
The Production Manager models a backstage work culture characterized by proficiency, safety, excellence and creative problem-solving; anticipates potential issues and proposes solutions; builds and stewards business relationships with outside labor providers and vendors, and incorporates production strategies in meeting the Hop’s inclusion, equity, accessibility and diversity goals. Develops and maintains strong relationships with production stakeholders and peers across the university, in the region and nationally.
Administrative
The Production Manager creates work assignments and provides necessary instruction to labor crews and student employees; they schedule crew work calls in accordance with IATSE union regulations; record and communicate hours worked by IATSE union and student employees; provide supervision and guidance to student employees; and establish estimates for labor/equipment costs for events. They stay abreast of technical advances in the field; make recommendations to the Senior Production Manager.
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Bachelor’s Degree and at least six years of increasingly responsible technical production experience in the arts, cultural or live entertainment sectors, including at least three years of management responsibility
- Demonstrated experience leading comprehensive production advance processes covering all technical disciplines and administrative aspects, such as scheduling, budgeting and staffing
- Demonstrated experience effectively leading production teams and managing large-scale productions
- Demonstrated accomplishment maintaining current knowledge of production practices and systems across all technical disciplines
- Demonstrated understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive and accurately interpret ideas, information and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors
- Demonstrated knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner
- Commitment to working effectively as part of an equitable, anti-racist, anti-biased team and work environment; related training is a plus
- Demonstrated knowledge of effective planning, decision-making processes and associated tools and techniques
- Ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment
- Business acumen: Demonstrated knowledge, insight and understanding of business concepts, tools and processes that are needed for making sound decisions
- Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate
- Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population
- Employment will be contingent upon possession of a valid US driver’s license and continued qualification as an Approved Driver under the Dartmouth College Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Policy
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated production management or technical direction experience with a wide variety of arts and entertainment projects, such as major touring theatrical productions, concert tours, the full range of performing arts and community events
- Demonstrated production management or technical direction experience in an arts presenting organization; arts producing organization; university-based organization; or multi-venue performing arts organization
- Demonstrated production management or technical direction experience with international artists and productions
- Demonstrated production management or technical direction experience in an educational setting; experience in teaching, mentorship or training roles; experience mentoring student employees
- Interest in and strong commitment to the mission and programs of the Hopkins Center
- Demonstrated fluency in the use of technology and commitment to adopting new technology, including all stage production disciplines
- Experience using Visio, Slack, Airtable, Vectorworks, QSys and Google Drive
