Associate Dean for Production Arts + Operations

University of North Carolina Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina Charlotte invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Production Arts + Operations in the College of Arts + Architecture. The role collaborates with Dance, Music and Theatre Chairs to schedule performances, manage venues, and oversee budgets across COAA spaces.

Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean leads production and administrative efforts, maintains a teaching load of 3–6 credits annually, and drives initiatives advancing the college’s

Qualifications

• Requires earned doctorate or terminal degree in one of the performing arts disciplines (Dance, Music, or Theatre) or Education/related production arts field.
• Demonstrated understanding of design and production, performance planning, project management, budgeting, and performing arts operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Dean in oversight of research missions, degree programs, faculty evaluation, and budget development.
• Schedule all internal and external performances and curricular events.
• Oversee use of performing arts spaces, contracts, and purchasing in coordination with dean and staff.
• Lead strategic and budget planning; maintain teaching load of 3–6 credits annually.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Performance planning

Leadership

Communication (written and oral)

Team management

Education

Doctorate in Performing Arts

Terminal degree in related field (production arts)

Job description

Associate Dean for Production Arts + Operations

Position Information

Position Number: 003744

Working Title: Associate Dean for Production Arts + Operations

Classification Title: Associate Academic Dean

College: Col of Arts & Architecture (Col)

Department: College of Arts + Architecture

Position Designation: Faculty

Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time

Months per year: 12

Primary Purpose of Department: The College of Arts + Architecture was formed in 2008 with the aim of combining the arts disciplines and architecture under one roof, bringing a critical mass of artists and designers together to elevate the College's voice. As the only college of its kind in the UNC System, the COAA demonstrates UNC Charlotte's commitment to arts and culture on campus and in the broader community, presenting exhibitions, lectures, and more than 100 performances each year. The College is home to three graduate degree programs, nine undergraduate programs, and certificate programs in Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Advanced Dance Studies, and a professional training certificate in dance in partnership with the Charlotte Ballet. The College is deeply committed to student retention and graduation and provides extensive resources, including academic and career advising, internships, and scholarships. Students and faculty all benefit from the College's commitment to personalized advising from specialized, full-time professional academic advisors who work with students one-on-one throughout their course of study.

Vacancy Open to: All Candidates

Description of Work: Assist the Dean in the oversight of various duties, which may include but aren't limited to, advancing research missions, supporting the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, faculty evaluation, faculty development, facilitate external support for undergraduate and graduate programs, curriculum development, course schedule planning, faculty/staff hiring and supervision, budget development, fiscal monitoring, and other related administrative activities with and for the assigned program areas. Reports directly to the Dean and may assume some duties of the Dean in their absence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Associate Dean for Production Arts + Operations works with the Chairs of the Dance, Music and Theatre Departments to schedule all internal and external performances (as well as curricular and programmatic events). The Associate Dean also supports instructional delivery in order to ensure the effective use of these spaces in a manner that advances departmental and College strategic goals and academic missions. This includes overseeing the use of performing arts spaces and venues in the COAA, operations and production budgets, and performing arts contracts and purchasing (in consultation with the Dean, Assistant Dean of Business and Personnel, and the Performing Arts Business Services Coordinator). The Associate Dean also works with the Performing Arts Operations Manager to manage the College's performing arts venues, including Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts, the Johnson Band Center, and the Rowe Arts Building.

The Associate Dean for Production Arts + Operations is a member of the College's leadership team. As such, the Associate Dean collaborates with various COAA leaders, including the Director of Communications & External Relations, the Director of Galleries, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean for Research, the Director of Collaborative Works, and the Director of Assessment. Administrative duties include (but are not limited to) strategic and budget planning and management. The Associate Dean will also maintain a teaching load consisting of a minimum of three (3) credit hours and a maximum of six (6) credit hours per academic year. These courses may include advanced discipline-specific courses (production and/or performing arts), courses in the arts designed for non-majors (which constitute an important aspect of the university's general education program), and courses offered as part of departmental and/or university honors programs.

This position has eleven direct reports, including the Production Manager, two SHRA staff (Performing Arts Operations Manager and Audiences Services Director), two EHRA staff (Costume Lab Manager and Assistant Technical Director), and seven faculty members who complete the CoAA Design & Production Unit. This includes lecturers in Lighting Design, Costume Design, Stage Management, Sound Design, Technical Direction, and a Master Electrician.

The Associate Dean for Production Arts + Operations oversees the academic mission of the Design & Production Unit (working in collaboration with the performing arts Chairs and the Production Manager). The Design & Production Unit supports college performances and events both directly and through practicum and introductory courses taught by unit lecturers.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience: UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned doctorate or terminal degree in one of the performing arts disciplines represented within the College (Dance, Music, or Theatre; this may also include Arts Education). Other disciplines that may be considered include Education or a related degree in the production arts. Demonstrated understanding of the relationship between design and production, performance planning, project management, project budgeting, and/or performing arts operational needs.

Minimum Experience/Education

UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned doctorate or terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline.

Preferred Education, Skills and Experience

Experience with dance, music, and theatrical productions in an educational setting is preferred. Strong leadership skills and written and oral communication skills are preferred. The ability to manage multiple projects and teams concurrently is also desired. This role will collaboratively manage relationships across multiple disciplines with varying degrees of experience and knowledge; the ability to foster positive, collegial, and professional relationships is highly desired.

Job Dates

Job Open Date: 09/16/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Date Review of Applications will Begin: 10/01/2026

Proposed Hire Date: 07/01/2027