What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at Muhlenberg College?
The Position : Production Manager
Job Summary :
Muhlenberg College is seeking a Production Manager to join our nationally recognized Department of Theatre & Dance. The Theatre and Dance programs at Muhlenberg College are dynamic, large, physically and intellectually engaging programs that serve approximately 300 majors and minors. The Theatre and Dance programs typically produce four productions per year, ranging from fully produced musicals to staged readings to intimate dance studio performances. The Department houses four performance venues - two proscenium theatres and two flexible studio theatres.
Reporting to the Chair for Theatre & Dance, the PM supports an active student-centered production season in Theatre and Dance within the context of a liberal arts curriculum. While all candidates with Arts Administration and Production Management experience are encouraged to apply, priority will be given to candidates who can mentor student Stage Managers (SMs). Should the successful candidate wish to pursue this opportunity, they may elect to also teach Stage Management courses as an adjunct (paid above the PM salary). This is a dynamic, collaborative role central to the artistic success of the Theatre & Dance Department. The department is deeply committed to labor equity in an anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-ableist, gender-affirming, body-positive, and consent-forward environment. The methodologies of this incoming candidate should also be reflective of such contemporary sensibilities in casting ethics, rehearsal and production practices, and communication strategies.
Schedule & Benefits : At Muhlenberg, we value your work-life balance, and are pleased to offer this full-time, year-round opportunity. Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays (including three days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day), vacation (22 days per year), sick leave, eight weeks paid parental leave, Life Sports Center membership, tuition opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, College-provided short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement. Waiting periods may apply. Relocation assistance is available for this position. In addition, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Muhlenberg is a qualifying employer under the federal government's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The College & Surrounding Area : Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential, liberal arts college of approximately 1,800 students and offers baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. The College provides an intensely challenging, supportive environment centered around a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for lives of leadership and meaning in a dynamic, global society. The academic program is amplified by a range of innovative programming : comprehensive and intentional residence-life programming, expansive experiential learning requirements, and an innovative coaching program designed to maximize every student's performance and potential.
Part of eastern Pennsylvania's scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, Pennsylvania's third-largest, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The Lehigh Valley, which also includes neighboring cities Bethlehem and Easton, is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and the Northeast, leading Pennsylvania in population growth for people aged 18-34. Home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, a rich blend of diverse cuisine, and so much more, visit Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College and check out Allentown here.
Characteristic Responsibilities :
- Serve as the communication, logistics and financial manager of the production process for all productions.
- Supervise the production staff and liaise with guest directors, choreographers and designers.
- Contribute to Season Selection, including checking on rights availability, evaluating production elements and forecasting budgets.
- Forecast and manage the annual production budgets.
- Work with guest artists and oversee Production facilities, including the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance, Studio 22.
- Create annual schedule of productions and confirm design deadlines.
- Monitor and track deadlines across productions.
- Troubleshoot and problem solve during production processes.
- Lead production meetings.
- Coordinate / liaise with theatre and dance student organizations.
- Proactively anticipate safety issues / concerns and implement training and safety plans in coordination with the TD.
- Supervise and mentor student stage managers including overseeing student SMs during auditions for department productions.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics :
Qualifications :
To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes : 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) separate diversity statement summarizing professional experiences and capacities that prepare you to contribute to our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals; and 4) names / contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.
An equal opportunity employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff from racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for additional information about Muhlenberg's commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive community.
Legal Notice
Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-664-3112.
