Sr Manager - Venues, SOA
The Senior Venue Manager reports to the Director of Operations and provides senior-level leadership for venue-based technical operations supporting academic, presenting, university, and external events. The role is accountable for the overall readiness, safety and execution of technical operations across assigned venues, exercising independent judgement and advanced expertise in managing complex productions. The Senior Venue Manager provides direct supervision of the full-time Lighting Manager and Audio Supervisor and oversees production crews, systems and processes to ensure consistently high professional standards while supporting the instructional, artistic and presenting missions of the School of the Arts and the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee production crews during loadโins, rehearsals, performances and strikes, ensuring adherence to professional standards, schedules and operational priorities; provide senior oversight of all technical assets within assigned venues, including lighting, sound, projection, communications systems, rigging, motors and stage facilities; assume responsibility for the execution and supervision of all rigging and motor operations in compliance with safety standards and best practices; provide expert guidance to theatrical designers, faculty and production teams regarding equipment capabilities, specifications and appropriate applications for academic, presenting and external events; establish, document and maintain standardised production procedures, venue workflows and event checklists aligned with institutional expectations.
- Provide strategic coordination of performance venue schedules in partnership with the Production Supervisor, encompassing rehearsals, performances, instructional use and preโ and postโevent operations; ensure venues are productionโready and efficiently transitioned between events through proactive planning and oversight; provide direct supervision and performance management of the fullโtime Lighting Manager and Audio Supervisor, and oversee the recruitment, hiring, assignment, training and evaluation of Event Production Support (EPS) crew, ensuring appropriate alignment of staffing resources with operational and academic needs; coordinate staffing plans and work calls across production shops in collaboration with the Director of Operations and shop supervisors; conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing mentorship to student employees consistent with professional production standards.
- Provide onโsite leadership during production meetings, work calls, rehearsals and performances to ensure effective execution and technical consistency; serve as the primary venueโlevel authority and point of coordination for academic productions, facultyโled performances and visiting artists; oversee coordination with visiting production teams and company management to ensure alignment with institutional policies, venue capabilities and technical standards; lead the identification and resolution of production challenges through coordinated efforts across lighting, sound, scenic and stage operations; exercise judgement to address unforeseen technical or operational issues and implement appropriate solutions in collaboration with the Director of Operations.
- Maintain overall accountability for venue safety compliance, including developing, implementing and documenting safety programmes and training initiatives; ensure venues and workspaces meet institutional safety standards through regular review and proactive risk mitigation; provide leadershipโlevel training, supervision and mentorship for fullโtime, partโtime and student employees in the safe and effective use of technical systems and equipment; oversee the condition, maintenance and repair of technical equipment across venues; plan and coordinate equipment replacement, upgrades and purchasing requests within approved budgets in collaboration with the Director of Operations and shop supervisors.
- Perform other jobโrelated duties as assigned.
Qualifications / Licences / Certifications
- Bachelor's Degree in the arts, management or related field and three years of relevant experience; OR a combination of education and experience equaling seven years in fields related to the Summary of Responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- A combination of education and experience in fields related to the Summary of Responsibilities, equaling eight years of experience.
- Experience managing a multipleโvenue facility.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge
- Thorough knowledge of theatrical and event production systems and infrastructure, including lighting, sound, projection, theatre communications, rigging, motors and stage facilities.
- Thorough knowledge of chainโmotor/hoist systems, counterโweight rigging systems and applicable safety standards and regulations.
- Working knowledge of theatrical construction methods, materials and standard power tools used in performing arts environments.
- Comprehensive knowledge of technical and operational requirements for a broad range of performing arts, academic and special events.
- Demonstrated knowledge of event and production management practices from planning through execution and postโevent evaluation.
- Working knowledge of labourโrelated practices applicable to event and production operations, including scheduling and payroll processes.
- Knowledge of industry standards related to crowd management, event safety, risk mitigation and emergency response.
- Knowledge of office and productionโrelated software applications, including Microsoft Office and systems used for scheduling, payroll and production management.
- Knowledge of organisational workflows and coordination processes for performing arts venues.
- Working knowledge of safe work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety systems applicable to theatrical and event production environments.
Skills
- Skill in providing technical and operational leadership for complex theatrical and event productions.
- Advanced skill in theatrical and event rigging, including counterweight systems and motorised hoists.
- Skill in troubleshooting, maintenance coordination and repair of theatrical and production equipment.
- Skill in the use of industryโstandard production software such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, LightWright, QLab or comparable applications.
- Skill in planning, scheduling and time estimation for concurrent productions and instructional activities.
- Skill in effective communication and coordination with staff, faculty, visiting artists and institutional partners.
Abilities
- Ability to provide seniorโlevel leadership and oversight across multiple technical disciplines.
- Ability to supervise, direct and mentor fullโtime, partโtime and student employees.
- Ability to exercise independent judgement and sound decisionโmaking in complex and timeโsensitive environments.
- Ability to analyse technical and operational needs, identify risks and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to read, interpret and apply technical riders, plots, drawings, schedules, contracts and production documentation.
- Ability to enforce and uphold strict safety standards for staff, performers and audiences.
- Ability to learn and implement new systems, technologies and institutional processes.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
EEO Statement
UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancyโrelated conditions, genetic information or other bases protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
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