Director of Production

George Mason University; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Director of Production for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. This individual will provide strategic leadership and oversight for production and technical services within the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

The successful candidate will manage a multidisciplinary team, optimize production systems, and ensure compliance with all safety standards. A Bachelor's degree and extensive experience in live event management are required.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in technical production or live event management.
• Experience in multi-venue facility operations.
• Proven management of large-scale productions.

Responsibilities

• Directs a multidisciplinary production team.
• Establishes and manages production budgets.
• Oversees technical production activities.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Technical Production

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Production management software

Scheduling systems

Job description

Director of Production

Department: College of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: Professional Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: $110,000 - $125,000; commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is dedicated to advancing the study, creation, performance, and exhibition of the arts. The college honors the values of great traditions while actively engaging in the creation of new works and ideas, blending academic and professional, campus and community, past and present. The Hylton Performing Arts Center (HPAC) stimulates and transforms cultural and economic vitality through high‑quality performances and programs, inspiring education and enrichment.

About the Position

As a member of HPAC’s senior leadership team, the Director of Production provides executive‑level strategic leadership, operational direction, and organizational oversight for all production and technical services across a complex, multi‑venue performing arts center. The position aligns production systems, staffing structures, and technical capabilities with institutional priorities, artistic excellence, and revenue‑generating activities. The Director serves as the Center’s primary authority on production strategy, infrastructure planning, and operational performance.

The Director of Production plays a critical role in:

• Driving institutional excellence in production delivery
• Advancing revenue growth through rentals and partnerships
• Leading capital planning and lifecycle management of technical systems
• Ensuring HPAC remains a competitive, innovative, and nationally recognized venue

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership, Fiscal Administration & Organizational Management:

• Directs, develops, and mentors a multidisciplinary production team of 6 FTE, 4 indirect reports, and over 20 wage workers
• Establishes, evaluates, and optimizes organizational structures, staffing models, and workflows aligned with institutional strategy
• Develops, tracks, and manages comprehensive production budgets, including permanent labor, operating expenses, equipment rentals, and capital improvements
• Ensures fiscal accountability and return on investment
• Oversees over‑hire workforce strategy, contract execution, and payroll administration in compliance with labor standards
• Manages vendor relationships, procurement strategy, and technical purchasing processes
• Aligns facility capabilities with university, artistic, and community priorities
• Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, service‑driven, and safety‑focused culture

Production Excellence & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Provides executive oversight for all technical production activity across multiple venues and event types
• Leads production advancement strategy, including interpretation and execution of complex technical riders
• Translates artistic and technical requirements into executable, resource‑efficient plans
• Ensures seamless delivery in venues with advanced production systems, including large‑scale rigging and theater infrastructure
• Maintains proactive communication and alignment across staff, leadership, academic departments, and external partners
• Serves as the final escalation point for high‑risk or complex production and personnel issues
• Conducts contract and rider review (“redlining”) to ensure compliance with university and Commonwealth requirements

Facilities, Equipment & Safety Management:

• Leads long‑term capital planning and lifecycle management of technical systems and infrastructure
• Partners with facilities and campus leadership on preventive maintenance strategy and execution
• Ensures compliance with OSHA, ESTA/ANSI, and industry safety standards
• Mitigates institutional risk through rigorous safety oversight and compliance practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical production or live event management within a major performing arts center, academic presenting organization, or comparable multi‑venue environment
• Experience operating within a multi‑venue facility, including spaces exceeding 1,000 seats and concurrent event management
• Proven experience managing large‑scale productions across lighting, audio, video, rigging, carpentry, and stage operations
• Minimum of five years of experience managing full‑time staff, indirect reports, and part‑time/hourly workforce
• Direct responsibility for departmental budgets, including labor, over‑hire payroll, and operational expenditures
• Expertise in production advancement, contract interpretation, and execution of complex technical riders
• Knowledge of advanced theatrical production systems across multiple disciplines
• Advanced operational knowledge of counterweight and motorized fly systems (75+ line sets), digital audio networks (Dante/AVB), and advanced lighting systems and protocols
• Skill in leading large, multidisciplinary teams in complex environments
• Skill in financial management, budgeting, and resource planning
• Exceptional interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills across diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to align production operations with strategic, financial, and institutional goals
• Ability to manage high‑pressure, multi‑event environments and resolve complex issues
• Proven ability to serve as the final escalation authority in high‑risk, time‑sensitive environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience with large‑scale counterweight rigging systems and fly systems in proscenium theaters
• Experience integrating production with academic programs, including student engagement and experiential learning
• Experience with venue management software, scheduling systems, and production databases
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures, including HR, procurement, and compliance requirements
• Advanced knowledge of concert hall acoustics, orchestral production, and touring production standards
• Advanced knowledge of strategic planning and operational alignment within complex performing arts or multi‑unit environments
• Knowledge of cost recovery, procurement practices, and revenue‑generating venue operations
• Knowledge of multi‑venue operations and varied event types across presenting, academic, and rental activity
• Advanced knowledge of safety standards and regulatory practices (e.g., OSHA, rigging, electrical systems)
• Knowledge of production management systems, scheduling tools, and technical databases
• Skill in long‑range planning, including capital planning, equipment lifecycle management, and infrastructure strategy
• Skill in leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, full‑time and part‑time workforce models
• Skill in supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and integration with academic programs
• Skill in communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Ability to evaluate and implement emerging production technologies, including hybrid and streaming systems
• Ability to make data‑informed decisions regarding resource allocation and investment priorities
• Ability to represent the organization as a senior production authority in high‑level artist and client engagements
• Ability to develop staffing strategies and foster a collaborative, inclusive, high‑performance culture
• Ability to implement and maintain comprehensive safety and risk mitigation programs
• Ability to lead adoption of technology‑driven workflows and operational innovation
• Ability to build consensus, resolve conflict, and influence decision‑making at senior levels
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members

Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for the Director of Production, please submit an online application that includes a cover letter and resume, as well as three professional references with contact information. Application materials should be submitted online.

Posting Open Date: June 12, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 10, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes