Backstage Associate Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Title: Associate Production Manager, Marian Anderson Hall & Philadelphia Orchestra

Department: Production Department

Reports to: Director of Production

Summary

The Associate Production Manager, Marian Anderson Hall & The Philadelphia Orchestra, oversees the planning and execution of safe, efficient, and high-quality production activities within Marian Anderson Hall. Reporting to the Director of Production, this role manages production budgets, coordinates technical and logistical elements, supervises production staff and vendors, and prepares comprehensive post-event reports. Serving as a key liaison among artists, musicians, artistic leadership, production teams, and external partners, the Associate Production Manager fosters strong collaboration to ensure seamless event execution and an exceptional experience for all stakeholders.

Essential Functions:

• Partner with the Director of Operations; The Philadelphia Orchestra and Production Manager of Marian Anderson Hall to plan, advance, and execute the technical, operational, and logistical requirements of orchestra productions, while overseeing daily production operations within Marian Anderson Hall.
• Serve as the primary production liaison for resident company partners, including the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and Curtis Institute Orchestra, ensuring seamless coordination and successful execution of performances, rehearsals, educational programs, and special events.
• Act as the lead production contact for Philadelphia Orchestra presentations, including the Spotlight Series and touring orchestra engagements, coordinating all production elements from advance planning through event execution.
• Lead production operations for orchestra rehearsals, performances, and special events, supervising technical crews, stage operations, and production workflows to maintain the highest standards of artistic and operational excellence.
• Manage comprehensive production planning and financial administration, including labor forecasting, budget development, production estimates, technical advance documentation, instrument tuning coordination, event billing, and final settlement reconciliation.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration across Artistic, Programming, Operations, Facilities, and Production departments to ensure alignment of event requirements, organizational objectives, and patron experience goals.
• Coordinate rental equipment procurement, vendor partnerships, and transportation logistics, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, control costs, and improve service delivery.
• Administer and ensure compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, including IATSE Stagehand, Wardrobe, and Teamsters contracts, as well as resident company licensing and facility use agreements.
• Direct the allocation of production resources, including staffing, equipment, venue spaces, and union labor, to support productions and presentations across multiple performance and event venues.
• Provide on-site production event coverage for campus-wide performances, rehearsals, special events, and institutional initiatives as required.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Production, Production team, and Operations leadership to advance departmental goals, support strategic initiatives, and drive continuous improvement in production processes, systems, and service standards.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in technical theater, stage management or equivalent experience required.
• 3+ years of experience in theatrical management in a similar environment required.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary art forms required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise in production and stage management, and event operations, with exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to execute complex productions in fast-paced performing arts environments.
• Extensive experience supporting both presenting and producing organizations, with a proven ability to manage the unique artistic, operational, and logistical requirements of orchestral, theatrical, and live entertainment productions.
• Comprehensive understanding of stage management practices and production technologies, including sound reinforcement, theatrical lighting, video presentation, and backstage operations.
• Proven experience managing unionized workforces and administering collective bargaining agreements, with a strong working knowledge of IATSE Stagehand, Wardrobe, and Teamster labor environments and associated work rules.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with artists, production personnel, vendors, resident companies, and organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy, responsiveness, and customer service in deadline-driven settings.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to anticipate challenges, exercise sound judgment, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
• Skilled in resource planning, labor allocation, and event logistics, with a continuous focus on safety, operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and delivering exceptional artist, client, and audience experiences.
• Ability to lead and motivate diverse teams while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports organizational goals and artistic excellence.
• Proficient in production budgeting, financial tracking, scheduling, and event management systems, with the ability to balance operational needs and budgetary objectives effectively.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Work schedule includes early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Schedule includes work across campus and occasional off campus locations
• Ability to stand, climb, walk up to 5 hours, and use repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift, push, and move up to 25-50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this position the employee will be required to work indoors, outdoors, and in loud environments and areas with minimal lighting.

Resume and cover letter are required when applying for this position.

About The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly (POEA) bring together one of the world’s preeminent orchestras with the iconic venues that have anchored Philadelphia’s cultural life for nearly 170 years. As owner and operator of the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the programming partner for the historic Forrest Theatre, POEA serves as a cornerstone of the city’s artistic and civic identity, welcoming one million people annually to a vibrant constellation of stages across Center City.

Representing both the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and a dynamic roster of resident partners and visiting artists, POEA presents more than one-thousand events annually that represent a wide range of programming, including Broadway, classical, comedy, theater, jazz, dance, and family presentations, reflecting and serving the breadth of the region’s communities. Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, deep commitment to diverse communities, and expanding digital platforms, POEA acts as a convener and civic partner—bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and creating an expansive, inclusive future for the arts in Philadelphia and beyond.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or disability status.

Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. POEA strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws.