Director of Production

Job Description

The Director of Production serves as a key member of the Center for the Arts' leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Director. This role provides strategic oversight of day-to-day event production and technical operations across all center activities, including presented performance programs (spanning the full range of performing arts genres), exhibitions, and rental events.

The Director of Production leads a team of 7 full-time employees plus wage staff in production management, audio/video, staging/rigging, and lighting operations in a variety of diverse facilities including the 1,200-seat Fife Theatre, the Cube (black box theater), performance halls, galleries, lobby spaces, and outdoor event locations. This position balances planning and administration with active engagement in day-to-day operations, combining hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership to advance the center's artistic mission while maintaining operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee successful implementation of the production aspects of all events presented in the center including, but not limited to, center-presented performing arts productions and engagement activities, visual arts programs in the center's galleries, university departmental programs and events scheduled in the center, and external community rentals.
• Meet the staffing requirements of the stage operations, events, and electronics and audio shops with trained personnel.
• Play a key role in developing, implementing and renewing the Center's production and technology strategy, including the following aspects: 1) evaluating and adopting new production technology 2) planning equipment and technology acquisitions and maintaining the Center's capital equipment plan for Production 3) promoting general technological innovation within the Center, and 4) providing performance supervision to ensure the highest level of quality of program implementation.
• Help to develop and steward relevant collaborations with faculty, staff and others across campus and in the community to support programs in the center.
• Oversee a department of 7 full-time employees, in addition to student and other hourly wage positions.
• Plan annual production budget in collaboration with other center leadership to ensure resources are maximized and costs are controlled.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Experience & Expertise

• Demonstrated expertise directing production services at an arts presenting organization with diverse programming across music, theatre, and dance genres
• Proven experience working with professional touring companies, student ensembles, and community arts organizations
• Comprehensive knowledge of and field experience with theatrical technologies including electric distribution, lighting/systems, audio and video equipment/systems, and stage and rigging equipment.
  
  

Leadership & Management Skills

• Experience developing and supervising professional full-time staff and hourly staff
• Demonstrated vendor negotiation and contract management experience
  
  

Education

• Advanced degree in arts-related field, OR Bachelor's degree with significant related professional experience
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at a major university presenting organization
• Knowledge of and experience in different live entertainment venues and national touring industry, including trends, challenges, regulations, and best practices
• Extensive experience in event and stage management for indoor/outdoor productions, including knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal safety codes and working with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Knowledge of new media and innovative arts technologies
• Advanced expertise in at least one specialty area of theatrical technologies preferred
• Understanding of academic mission and unique challenges within higher education environments
• Experience with research university operations and academic partnerships
  
  

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$105,000-$115,000, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

Initial review on August 15, 2025; applications accepted until position is filled

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have criminal conviction and driving checks.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Toni Cartee at cartee@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.