The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech seeks an experienced and collaborative Director of Production to join its senior leadership team. Come support the Center's exceptional work presenting a wide spectrum of nationally and internationally renowned artists and programs, enhancing the campus and community cultural landscape in southwest Virginia.
The Director of Production serves as a member of the Center for the Arts’ leadership team and reports to the Executive Director, providing strategic oversight of day-to-day event production and technical operations in support of the center's presented performance programs, exhibitions, and rental activity. Programmed facilities include the 1200-seat Fife Theatre, the Cube (black box theater), galleries as needed, lobby spaces, and outdoor locations when used for events and installations.
Areas of responsibility include overall departmental management, events management, stage operations including audio/video, staging/rigging, and lighting operations, planning and implementation of new technologies, supervising and training both full-time and wage staff, and managing the production budget. This position balances planning and administration with active engagement in day-to-day operations, combining hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership to advance the center's artistic mission while maintaining operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Direct and oversee successful implementation of the production aspects of events presented in the center including, but not limited to, center-presented performing arts productions and engagement activities, visual arts programs in the center's galleries, university departmental programs and events scheduled in the center, and external community rentals.
Play a key role in developing, implementing, and renewing the Center's production and technology strategy, including the following aspects: 1) evaluating and adopting new production technology 2) planning equipment and technology acquisitions and maintaining the Center's capital equipment plan for Production 3) promoting general technological innovation within the Center, and 4) providing performance supervision to ensure the highest level of quality of program implementation. Build community engagement opportunities through activities related to presented programs
Meet the staffing requirements of the stage operations, events, and electronics and audio shops with trained personnel; supervise (directly or indirectly) 7 full-time staff, in addition to student and non-student wage employees. Help to develop and steward relevant collaborations with faculty, staff and others across campus and in the community to support programs in the center. Plan annual production budget in collaboration with other center leadership to ensure resources are maximized and costs are controlled.
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated expertise directing production services at an arts presenting organization with diverse programming across music, theatre, and dance genres
Proven experience working with professional touring companies, student ensembles, and community arts organizations
Comprehensive knowledge of and field experience with theatrical technologies including electric distribution, lighting/systems, audio and video equipment/systems, and stage and rigging equipment.
Experience developing and supervising professional full-time staff and hourly staff
Demonstrated vendor negotiation and contract management experience
Advanced degree in arts-related field, OR Bachelor's degree with significant related professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
Experience at a major university presenting organization
Knowledge of and experience in different live entertainment venues and national touring industry, including trends, challenges, regulations, and best practices
Extensive experience in event and stage management for indoor/outdoor productions, including knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal safety codes and working with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)
Knowledge of new media and innovative arts technologies
Advanced expertise in at least one specialty area of theatrical technologies preferred
Understanding of academic mission and unique challenges within higher education environments
Experience with research university operations and academic partnerships