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Director of Production

Req # 10004174

About the Department

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is dedicated to advancing the study, creation, performance, and exhibition of the arts, acting on the strong belief in their transformative influence on individuals and societies. The College honors the values of great traditions in the arts while actively engaging in the creation of new works and ideas. This distinctive fusion of the academic and the professional, the campus and the community, the past and the present, defines the college as it engages new art forms, communities, and ways of working to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center (HPAC) stimulates and transforms the cultural and economic vitality of our region by presenting diverse performances and programs of high quality and artistic excellence to inspire, educate, enrich, and enhance the community. The Hylton Center’s vision is to nurture artistic excellence and engagement, as we strive to be the creative commons of this dynamic region, inspiring the community to express its voice by participating in the Center’s work as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners.

About the Position

As a member of the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s senior leadership team, the Director of Production provides executive-level strategic leadership, operational direction, and organizational oversight for all production and technical services across a complex, multi-venue performing arts center.

This position is responsible for aligning production systems, staffing structures, and technical capabilities with institutional priorities, artistic excellence, and revenue-generating activities, serving as the Center’s primary authority on production strategy, infrastructure planning, and operational performance.

The Director of Production plays a critical role in:

• Driving institutional excellence in production delivery;
• Advancing revenue growth through rentals and partnerships;
• Leading capital planning and lifecycle management of technical systems;
• Ensuring HPAC remains a competitive, innovative, and nationally recognized performing arts venue.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership, Fiscal Administration & Organizational Management:
  • Directs, develops, and mentors a complex, multidisciplinary production team (lighting, audio, carpentry, stage management, video) supervising 6 FTE, 4 indirect reports, and a 20+ wage workforce;
  • Establishes, evaluates, and optimizes organizational structures, staffing models, and workflows aligned with institutional strategy;
  • Develops, tracks, and manages comprehensive production budgets, including permanent labor, operating expenses, equipment rentals, and capital improvements;
  • Ensures full fiscal accountability and return on investment;
  • Oversees overhire workforce strategy, contract execution, and payroll administration in compliance with institutional and labor standards;
  • Manages vendor relationships, procurement strategy, and technical purchasing processes;
  • Serves as the senior production leader, aligning facility capabilities with university, artistic, and community priorities;
  • Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, service-driven, and safety-focused culture.
• Production Excellence & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Provides executive-level oversight for all technical production activity across multiple venues and event types;
  • Leads all production advancement strategy, including interpretation and execution of complex technical riders;
  • Translates artistic and technical requirements into fully executable, resource-efficient production plans;
  • Ensures seamless delivery in venues with advanced production systems, including large-scale rigging and theatrical infrastructure;
  • Maintains proactive communication and alignment across production staff, administrative leadership, academic departments, and external clients and partners;
  • Serves as the final escalation point for high-risk or complex production and personnel issues;
  • Conducts contract and rider review to ensure compliance with university and Commonwealth requirements.
• Facilities, Equipment & Safety Management:
  • Leads long-term capital planning and lifecycle management of technical systems and production infrastructure;
  • Partners with facilities and campus leadership on preventative maintenance strategy and execution;
  • Ensures compliance with OSHA, ESTA/ANSI, and industry safety standards;
  • Mitigates institutional risk through rigorous safety oversight and compliance practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Generally, ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical production or live event management within a major performing arts center, academic presenting organization, or comparable multi-venue environment;
• Demonstrated experience operating within a multi-venue facility, including spaces exceeding 1,000+ seats and concurrent event management;
• Proven experience managing large-scale productions across multiple technical disciplines (lighting, audio, video, rigging, carpentry, and stage operations);
• Generally, a minimum of five (5) years of experience managing full-time staff, indirect reports, and part-time/hourly workforce;
• Direct responsibility for departmental budgets, including labor, overhire payroll, and operational expenditures;
• Demonstrated expertise in production advancement, contract interpretation, and execution of complex technical riders and negotiation;
• Knowledge of advanced theatrical production systems across multiple disciplines;
• Advanced operational knowledge of counterweight and motorized fly systems (75+ line sets), digital audio networks (Dante/AVB), and advanced theatrical lighting systems and protocols;
• Skill in leading large, multidisciplinary production teams in complex environments;
• Skill in financial management, budgeting, and resource planning;
• Exceptional interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills with ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups;
• Ability to align production operations with strategic, financial, and institutional goals;
• Ability to manage high-pressure, multi-event environments, and resolve complex issues;
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders;
• Proven ability to serve as the final escalation authority in high-risk, time-sensitive environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field;
• Experience with large-scale counterweight rigging systems and fly systems in proscenium theaters;
• Experience integrating production with academic programs, including student engagement and experiential learning;
• Experience with venue management software, scheduling systems, and production databases;
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures, including HR, procurement, and compliance requirements;
• Advanced knowledge of concert hall acoustics, orchestral production, and touring production standards;
• Advanced knowledge of strategic planning and operational alignment within complex performing arts or multi-unit environments;
• Knowledge of cost recovery, procurement practices, and revenue-generating venue operations;
• Knowledge of multi-venue operations and varied event types across presenting, academic, and rental activity;
• Advanced knowledge of safety standards and regulatory practices (e.g., OSHA, rigging, electrical systems);
• Knowledge of production management systems, scheduling tools, and technical databases;
• Skill in long-range planning, including capital planning, equipment lifecycle management, and long-term infrastructure strategy;
• Skill in leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, including full-time and part-time workforce models;
• Skill in supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and integration with academic programs;
• Skill in communicating complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences;
• Ability to evaluate and implement emerging production technologies, including hybrid and streaming systems;
• Ability to make data-informed decisions regarding resource allocation and investment priorities;
• Ability to represent the organization as a senior production authority in high-level artist and client engagements;
• Ability to develop staffing strategies and foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performance culture;
• Ability to implement and maintain comprehensive safety and risk mitigation programs;
• Ability to lead adoption of technology-driven workflows and operational innovation;
• Ability to build consensus, resolve conflict, and influence decision-making at senior levels;
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Equal Opportunity/affirmative action employer

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.