Head of Opera Production & Stage Operations

Breathe Project; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Opera is seeking a full-time Director of Production to oversee all staged productions, Resident Artist Program productions, outreach events, and related activities. The Director of Production reports to the General Director and ensures artistic excellence, safety, and efficient production operations in support of the company’s mission.

Responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating technical personnel, negotiating rentals, and guiding design processes with directors

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as Director of Production, Production Manager, or related production experience in opera.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, ability to budget and prepare new productions, and running large scale productions.
• The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative, solution-oriented approach and brings effective and proven skills in oral and written communication, team building, organization, and analytics.
• Excellent computer skills with MS Office and project management programs.
• Experience working with union crews and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience with sound and lighting equipment and setting up equipment for events.
• Ability to lift and carry material weighing 25-50 pounds and to work evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to Pittsburgh Opera’s mission, values, and ethical standards.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the season planning process, researching and advising on productions, scheduling, and budget implications.
• Responsible for recommending, engaging and managing all necessary technical personnel for productions and the Production Department.
• Responsible for negotiating set and costume rentals for all productions and stewarding the design process for all new productions with directors, designers, and opera staff.
• Maintains Pittsburgh Opera production rental catalogue and establishes rental rates and conditions.
• Develops production budgets that support the planned season and align with the company’s overall financial goals.
• Develops production calendars and timelines for each production and determines time, labor and material requirements for each production.
• Oversees management of all expenses, payroll, and purchases related to productions and events and provides regular financial reporting to senior leadership.
• Oversee all technical, design, and logistical elements of opera production and events.
• Attend all lighting sessions, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Serves as liaison with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust venues and other community venues regarding production matters.
• Serves as company’s primary resource on stage safety and compliance with all necessary industry regulations.
• Serve as team leader in negotiations of IATSE union agreements and fosters collaborative and respectful relationships with various unions with which Pittsburgh Opera has agreements.
• Oversees company’s warehouse and shop operations.
• Works with senior management to manage and oversee the Bitz Opera Factory (Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters) including ongoing maintenance, facility management, and equipment purchases.
• Fosters a team-based, problem-solving culture and collaborates with other senior managers and Pittsburgh Opera staff to support outreach events and fundraising activities.

Skills

Budgeting

Team leadership

Communication

Project management

Union experience

MS Office

Sound/Lighting equipment

Availability evenings/weekends

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field

Tools

MS Office

Project management software

Job description

Pittsburgh Opera is seeking a full-time Director of Production to oversee all staged productions, Resident Artist Program productions, outreach events, and related activities. The Director of Production reports to the General Director and ensures artistic excellence, safety, and efficient production operations in support of the company’s mission.

Responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating technical personnel, negotiating rentals, and guiding design processes with directors