Operations Program Manager Jobs in Ashland, OR (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE FAIR EXPERIENCE

The Fellowship, Assistantship, Internship, and Residency (FAIR) Experience at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers meaningful professional development for aspiring, emerging, mid-career, and established artists, artisans, and arts administrators. Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Tim Bond, The FAIR Experience was created with the mission of creating a doorway in Southern Oregon to access training in the field. As the oldest and largest repertory theater in the U.S., OSF offers a unique learning environment shaped by our repertory model, where participants engage with experienced professionals across disciplines. FAIR empowers the next generation of theater practitioners to build lasting careers and contribute to the evolving field of American theater. 

FAIR Statement of Purpose 

The FAIR Experience at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival promotes equity and diversity within the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the field of American theatre at large, while generating the conditions of belonging and support within an enriching professional development environment. 

FAIR is designed to honor OSF's commitment to including diverse people, ideas, cultures, and traditions in all areas of our work. We encourage people of diverse identities to apply.

FAIR Program Structure 

The FAIR Experience is an educational opportunity that fosters artistic growth, learning & development, and engagement through a range of experiences. At the core of the program are the FAIR Forums, where participants explore interdisciplinary topics that bridge inquiry and practice. These forums, along with experiential activities like changeover viewings and production tours, provide insight into OSF’s repertory process and broader artistic landscape. You will also be given a schedule of educational activities to attend alongside your 2027 FAIR cohort. The season culminates in a capstone, encouraging participants to reflect, create, and give back through a flexible range of creative or administrative contributions.  

Learning Expectations

Engage in weekly FAIR Forums
Participate in supplemental activities, including meet-and-greets, hall runs, production tours, and changeovers.
Complete a capstone address at the end of the season.

Position Overview

The FAIR Operations Assistant at Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers a dynamic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in arts administration within one of the nation’s leading regional theater organizations. Working closely with the Director of Operations, the Assistant will support a wide range of administrative, logistical, and seasonal initiatives that help ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Festival and the well-being of its company members, staff, and guests.

This position will work with several Operations departments across the organization, including Access Services, Archives, Concessions, Facilities, Front of House, General & Company Management, Gift Shop, and Safety & Security. The Assistant will assist with both daily operational needs and larger seasonal projects tied to the successful launch and execution of the 2027 season, including production openings and Festival support services.

Responsibilities may include assisting with hospitality coordination, scheduling, transportation logistics, insurance and contracting support, business operations, interdepartmental communication, and other projects essential to the overall operation of the Festival. The role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.

The FAIR Operations Assistantship provides meaningful exposure to the intersection of production, artistic, and organizational management. This assistantship will gain practical experience working alongside professionals across multiple departments while contributing to the successful operation of a large-scale performing arts institution.
This opportunity is especially well suited for early- to mid-career professionals interested in arts administration, nonprofit management, theater operations, or producing within a professional performing arts setting.

Key Responsibilities

- Support the Director of Operations with daily administrative and logistical tasks related to Festival operations.

- Assist with coordination across multiple departments, including Access Services, Archives, Concessions, Facilities, Front of House, General & Company Management, Gift Shop, and Safety & Security.

- Help facilitate smooth day-to-day operations for company members, staff, artists, and guests during the 2027 Festival season.
Provide operational support for production openings, seasonal events, and special projects.

- Assist with hospitality coordination, including housing, transportation, and company support needs.

- Support scheduling, communication, and coordination between departments and external partners.

- Assist with business operations tasks such as documentation, tracking, data entry, filing, and organizational systems.

- Help prepare materials related to contracts, insurance, and operational planning.

- Participate in problem-solving and troubleshooting to help maintain efficient Festival operations.

- Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment across departments.

- Attend meetings, take notes, and assist with follow-up action items as needed.

- Provide general administrative support for operational and seasonal initiatives.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (minimum of three years relevant administrative, hospitality, or management work)
• Valid driver’s license and a clear Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and multitasking skills
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and responsive in emergencies.
• Interest in theater management, producing, or company operations
• Physical ability to frequently climb stairs and navigate OSF's campus; occasional kneeling, crouching, or crawling; must be comfortable driving in low-visibility conditions

Pay
$20/Hour, Full-time hours

Additional Details
Positions Available: 1
• Schedule: Varies weekly based on production needs; generally 30–40 hours per week
• Work Conditions: This position will require weekend and evening work, and often receives after-hours requests for assistance.
• Equipment Provided: A department laptop and a work cell phone when on-call
• Union Status: This position is not union-affiliated, but participants will gain exposure to union-affiliated workflows and mentorship.
• Collaborating Departments: Access Services, Archives, Concessions, Development, Facilities, Front of House, General & Company Management, Gift Shop, Stage Management, Production, Safety & Security.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

All documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

1. Resume

Include relevant experience and indicate Equity-level productions (if applicable).

2. Cover Letter (1–2 pages)

Your cover letter should address:

- Why are you interested in working at OSF
- Your interests and accomplishments in your chosen discipline
- How the FAIR Experience aligns with your artistic and/or professional goals

3. Two Letters of Recommendation

Letters must come from professional or academic references. Each letter must be uploaded individually in PDF format.

4. Artistic or Personal Statement (1–3 pages)

A reflective document outlining your personal voice, values, and vision as an artist, artisan, or arts administrator.

Application and Materials Due by July 6, 2026