Production Manager Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Production Manager
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Production Manager.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
School of Performing and Visual Arts
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
No
Pay Grade
E11
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
We anticipate the review ofapplications to begin February 15, 2026. This contract will begin July 1, 2026and is a full-time staff position (12-month, renewable contract). Acompleted application will include 1) a cover letter describing applicantstrengths and qualifications for the position, 2) a professional resume or CV,3) contact information for three references, 4) link to website or otheronline portfolio of materials. Application materials can be uploaded to the HRsite found here: https://jobs.usm.edu.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on afull-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will notsponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).Job Summary
Thisstaff position serves as Production Manager for public-facing programs producedby the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA), which houses academicprograms in Theatre, Dance, and Art and Design. The University is accredited byNational Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), National Association ofSchools of Dance (NASD), and National Association of Schools of Art and Design(NASAD) and offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA)degree programs. Theatre and Dance maintain robust performance seasonssupported by a fully equipped, multi-theatre complex with production shops.Venues within the Theatre and Dance Building include the Martha R. TatumTheatre, a 275-seat proscenium thrust; the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre, aflexible black box seating 130-150; the Woods Theatre, a smaller prosceniumseating 80-100; and the Dance Studio Theatre, a 95-seat convertible studiospace. SPVA also produces dance concerts on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage atthe Manoni Performing Arts Center, a 740-seat proscenium theatre managed by theCollege of Arts and Sciences. The academic-year performance season includesfour to six dance concerts, four mainstage theatre productions, an annualplaywrights series, and a summer repertory season with Southern Arena Theatre.Reporting to the School Director, this position oversees Theatre and Danceproduction seasons, coordinates equipment and facility maintenance, and managesvenue scheduling and rentals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Serve as Production Manager for the SPVA Theatre and Dance academic year production seasons and for Southern Arena Theatre.
2. Coordinate production timelines and schedules for all SPVA performance spaces and work with faculty to develop and manage school-wide production and design-tech calendars.
3. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility with regard to coordinating production budgets and managing venue rental, ticketing, and other revenue.
4. Coordinate event and venue promotion.
5. Collaborate effectively with faculty Theatre Producer, Dance Producer, professional shop staff, and design-tech and performance faculty and guest artists and with school administrative staff and directors.
6. Maintain familiarity with current developments in theatrical design and technology and with best practices in production safety.
7. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by production schedules.
8. Foster strong relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners to support school operations and initiatives.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsBachelorof Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) from an accredited college oruniversity in technical theatre, arts management or a related field plus atleast three (3) years of production experience in academic or professionaltheatre/industry settings. Position requires flexible scheduling including someevening and weekend availability. Must have a strong background in productionmanagement, stage management, and technical theatre or design.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and managerial skills, including scheduling, production planning, and cost estimation.
• Ability to mentor and supervise both skilled and unskilled student workers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Ability to manage budgets and ensure spending aligns with university policies.
• Ability to oversee ticketing, box office operations, and front-of-house staff.
• Experience setting performance expectations and providing feedback on safety protocols.
• Knowledge of current best practices and technologies in theatrical production.
• Ability to manage theatrical facilities, equipment, and venue rentals.
• Experience with marketing and promotion of productions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, designers, performers, and technical staff.
• Ability to lift and move heavy materials and equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, creative environment with excellent organizational skills.

Preferred QualificationsMasterof Fine Arts (MFA) from an accredited college or university in technicaltheatre, arts management, or related field. Five (5) years of experience inacademic or professional theatre settings. Experience managing marketingtimelines and event promotion. Working knowledge in one or more production ordesign areas, such as lighting, scenic construction, master electrician work,or technical direction, supporting occasional teaching or complementing facultyexpertise. Familiarity with Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Electronic Theater Controls(ETC) lighting consoles, dimming systems, intelligent lighting, LEDs,projection workflows, and digital/analog sound systems including Midas 32,QLab, and basic audio editing software.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.