Assistant Production Manager

Isabella-Stewart-Gardner-Museum; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is seeking an Assistant Production Manager to coordinate and execute production for concerts, events, and programs in Calderwood Concert Hall and other spaces. The role requires managing stage setup, contracted crews, and basic sound/lighting, working closely with the Director of Artistic and Production Management to plan staffing and artist communication.

Evening and weekend availability is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends for concerts/events.
• Experience in production for performing arts preferred.
• Excellent English communication, both spoken and written.
• Strong attention to detail and timely stakeholder communication.
• Organizational, problem-solving, and diplomatic skills are essential.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up Calderwood Concert Hall stage for performances and rehearsals.
• Coordinate stage crews, lighting, and sound for events.
• Manage day-of production needs and artist communications.
• Develop stage plots and timelines with production leadership.
• Oversee contractor crews and post-event space reset.
• Collaborate with museum departments to meet conservation and security rules.
• Support audio archiving and basic maintenance of the hall.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Communication

Google Workspace

English fluency

Problem solving

Diplomacy

Initiative

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Google Sheets

Google Workspace

Job description

Description

Department: Production

Reports to: Director of Artistic and Production Management

Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, benefits eligible

Schedule: 32–36 hours per week, with weekend and evening availability required

Salary range: $28-$30 depending on experience

This is an onsite, Boston-based position. Local candidates strongly preferred. No agencies, please.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values

Isabella Stewart Gardner so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; it’s a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists, broaden our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museum’s core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella’s promise to serve the public and be a resource for the city.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Production Manager coordinates and executes production for concerts, events, and programs in Calderwood Concert Hall and other Museum spaces. The role manages day-of production needs, including stage setup and adjustments, contracted stage crews, and basic sound and lighting. Working closely with the Director of Artistic and Production Management, the position plans production and staffing needs, coordinates artist communications, and develops a thorough understanding of the Hall’s technical capabilities. The role collaborates with Museum colleagues to ensure smooth program delivery and adherence to Conservation and Security requirements, and supports audio archiving and basic concert hall maintenance. Availability to work evenings and weekends when concerts, events, or programs take place is required.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Concert/Event Days

• Set Calderwood Concert Hall stage for musicians, performers, speakers, and other program participants prior to their arrival for rehearsals.
• Set up other Museum event spaces for music, performers, speakers, and other program participants prior to arrival, collaborating closely with Collections, Conservation, Development, Education, or other Museum departments. Pays particular attention to Conservation and Security requirements for all events, both inside and outside of Calderwood Concert Hall.
• Adjust basic lighting based on concert/event/program needs.
• Prepare and test any speaking microphones.
• Work with Front of House, Visitor Services, and/or program staff to manage the start of the concert/event/program.
• Oversee stage crew contractors, make stage changes as needed.
• Clean and reset Calderwood Concert Hall or event space post-program.

Non-Concert/Event Days

• With Director of Artistic and Production Management, review upcoming concert/event/program production and staffing needs, and create advance communication with artists.
• Schedule audio and lighting technicians and stage managers
• Create stage plots and timelines for concerts/events/programs.
• Train and familiarize with Calderwood Concert Hall sound and lighting boards.
• Catalog and upload archival program audio to Gardner Digital Repository (GDR) and Performance Today.
• Work with the Director of Artistic and Production Management on basic Calderwood Concert Hall maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Artistic and Production Management.

Requirements

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of one year experience working in production for performing arts events, live music, or related performing arts.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends when concerts, events, or programs are taking place.
• Familiarity with a wide variety of orchestral and ensemble set ups, including classical, jazz, and world music genres.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and fluency in the English language (verbal and written).
• A strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate and confirm details with stakeholders in a timely way.
• Highly organized with the ability to problem solve in real time and devise solutions that optimize visitor experience.
• Ability to work with diplomacy and tact; ability to interact gracefully with varied stakeholders and audiences.
• Ability to take initiative, multitask, and work graciously in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, especially Google Sheets
• Commitment to advancing the ISGM’s strategic goals and values.
• Ability to carry, lift, push, and move equipment or other materials of up to 35 pounds; able to bend or stoop; able to be active, sit, or stand for extended periods.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States is needed upon hire (we are not able to sponsor visas).
• Successful completion of pre-employment background checks.

Desirable

• Prior experience with lighting, sound, and/or other performance production equipment and technology.
• Prior experience with recording technology
• Museum and/or non-profit experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age (40 or older), disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, ancestry, or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founder's legacy, the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration, excellence, belonging, and a diversity of perspectives and experience.

Request An Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who are unable to fully access ISGM's online application system may contact us at [e-mail] for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.