Production Manager - Muhlenberg College : Job Details

The Position: Production Manager Job Summary: Muhlenberg College is seeking a Production Manager to join our nationally recognized Department of Theatre & Dance. The Theatre and Dance programs at Muhlenberg College are dynamic, large, physically and intellectually engaging programs that serve approximately 300 majors and minors. The Theatre program produces 4-6 productions and the Dance program produces 4-6 productions each year ranging from fully produced musicals to staged readings to intimate dance studio performances. The Department houses four performance venues - two proscenium theatres and two flexible studio theatres. As the production head for the department, the PM provides leadership and direction for all production activities, including budgeting, billing, scheduling and oversight of guest artists and overhires and management of production facilities including the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance, Studio 22 and the aspects of the Center for the Arts and Rehearsal House that apply to Theatre and Dance. The PM supports an active student-centered production season in Theatre and Dance within the context of a challenging liberal arts curriculum for a highly motivated undergraduate student body who are committed to direct learning partnerships with faculty and staff. While all candidates with Arts Administration and Production Management experience are encouraged to apply, priority will be given to candidates who can oversee our student stage management program by teaching a Stage Management course and mentoring student SMs on productions. (Teaching is compensated as adjunct in addition to base salary.) The PM works under the supervision of the Chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance. This is a dynamic, collaborative role central to the artistic success of the Theatre & Dance Department. The Department of Theatre & Dance is deeply committed to labor equity in an anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-ableist, gender-affirming, body-positive, and consent-forward environment. The methodologies of this incoming candidate should also be reflective of such contemporary sensibilities in casting ethics, rehearsal and production practices, and communication strategies. Schedule & Benefits: At Muhlenberg, we value your work-life balance, and are pleased to offer this full-time, year-round opportunity. Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays (including three days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day), vacation (22 days per year), sick leave, 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. Waiting periods may apply. Relocation assistance is available for this position. In addition, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Muhlenberg is a qualifying employer under the federal government's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential, liberal arts college of approximately 1,800 students and offers baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. The College provides an intensely challenging, supportive environment centered around a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for lives of leadership and meaning in a dynamic, global society. The academic program is amplified by a range of innovative programming: comprehensive and intentional residence-life programming, expansive experiential learning requirements, and an innovative coaching program designed to maximize every student's performance and potential. Part of eastern Pennsylvania's scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, Pennsylvania's third-largest, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The Lehigh Valley, which also includes neighboring cities Bethlehem and Easton, is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and the Northeast, leading Pennsylvania in population growth for people aged 18-34. Home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, a rich blend of diverse cuisine, and so much more, visit Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College and check out Allentown here. Characteristic Responsibilities:

• Serve as the communication, logistics and financial manager of the production process for all productions.
• Supervise production staff.
• Contribute to Season Selection, including forecast budgets for possible production options including checking on rights availability, evaluating production elements required for each production and all guest artist needs.
• Draft budgets for all productions including materials, royalties, meals, transportation, guest artist fees and housing and negotiate rights.
• Create schedule of productions in consultation with the Chair and Artistic Director in consultation with the Music Department. Coordinate with Conference Services on events, venues and scheduling.
• Work with Artistic Director, Technical Director, Head of Electrics, and Costume Shop Manager to determine and confirm design deadlines and production calendar.
• Negotiate and set expectations for guest directors, choreographers and artists.
• Manage auditions for each semester's productions.
• Troubleshoot and problem solve during all the production processes.
• Monitor and track all designer deadlines - ensure deadlines are met by both designers, directors and shops.
• Manage rehearsal needs - space, resources, etc.
• Schedule and organize production meetings.
• Forecast and manage the Production Budget in cooperation with the Operations Manager.
• Coordinate with theatre and dance student organizations in consultation with faculty advisors.
• Serve on the college safety committee. Proactively anticipate safety issues/concerns and implement training and safety plans.
• Coordinate the Stage Management program including teaching and mentoring.
• Supervise and mentor student stage managers.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics: Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in arts administration, business management, accounting, or a degree in theatre and/or dance with an emphasis on Stage Management. MFA or MA preferred.
• Exceptional project and event management skills - minimum 5 years relevant professional experience required.
• Ability to manage a diverse team of staff and contingent labor, holding them to deadlines and the highest quality output.
• A passion for teaching and mentoring students.
• Knowledge of theatre and dance productions and box office and front of house operations.
• Clear verbal communication, writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Must be proficient in Excel, Word, box office software and email programs and proficient in Google suite.
• 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.
• Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels with diplomacy and tactfulness.
• Demonstrated high level of confidence in independently making strategic decisions, good judgment, and innovative and creative problem solving skills.
• Commitment to collaborative environments, transparency in team-based planning, ensemble-based creation processes and excellence in teaching and mentoring students.
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills with the ability to assess and prioritize work assignments and manage tasks through to completion.
• Dedication to seeking, implementing and adjusting working methods to find the most productive and creative models for each project team.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and build strong relationships and credibility with staff and external contacts.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks required.

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) separate diversity statement summarizing professional experiences and capacities that prepare you to contribute to our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button. An equal opportunity employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff from racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for additional information about Muhlenberg's commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive community. Legal Notice Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-###-####.