Performing Arts Production Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) seeks a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor to provide leadership for CPA’s accessibility services, volunteer engagement, and front-of-house staffing systems in support of a welcoming, inclusive, and relationship-centered participant experience. The Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor will develop and manage accessibility programs and a volunteer engagement model that moves beyond transactional service exchange to build meaningful connections among donors, alumni, students, artists, and community members. The person in this role will champion accessibility, inclusive hospitality, and community engagement, collaborating with campus and community partners to create exceptional experiences for all audiences.

• Lead accessibility services and accommodations for audiences and participants.
• Serve as the primary contact for accessibility requests and concerns.
• Promote accessibility best practices through training, partnerships, and continuous improvement.

• Recruit, train, schedule, and recognize volunteers and front-of-house staff.
• Develop meaningful volunteer experiences that support engagement, hospitality, and student success.
• Build relationships that strengthen volunteer participation and community connections.

• Manage front-of-house operations to ensure exceptional service, safety, and accessibility.
• Coordinate staffing and oversee event-day audience services and issue resolution.
• Support ticketing, concessions, and related patron service functions as needed.

• Manage budgets, records, policies, procedures, and training resources.
• Track program outcomes and use feedback and data to improve services.
• Support grant reporting, stewardship efforts, and strategic initiatives.

• Maintain expertise in accessibility, volunteer engagement, and audience services.
• Apply best practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Important Note: Due to the nature of this role and the schedule of events, the Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor will be required to frequently work evenings and occasionally work weekend hours. Work hours within the typical Monday through Friday schedule will be flexed accordingly.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Experience managing volunteer programs, accessibility services, audience engagement initiatives, or related programs
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, ADA compliance, and inclusive customer service practices
• Customer service focused, with the ability to navigate complex situations, resolve conflicts, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise judgment in addressing challenges and service needs

• Supervisory, program management, or leadership experience
• Experience with donor stewardship, alumni engagement, volunteer management, community engagement, or constituent relations in higher education, nonprofit, or cultural organizations
• Experience overseeing front-of-house operations, event logistics, or audience services
• Experience using data, assessment, and participant feedback to evaluate programs and drive continuous improvement
• Experience with accessible event planning and assistive technologies

• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None Successful completion of Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP), CPR/AED, and KultureCity Sensory Inclusive training is required as part of the onboarding process.

This position will report to the Assistant Director of Participant Experiences. The Center for the Performing Arts, part of the College of Arts and Architecture, collaborates with artists, scholars, innovators, and community partners to co-create powerful arts and learning experiences. The College of Arts and Architecture is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.