Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor, Center for the Performing Arts

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Center for the Performing Arts seeks a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor to oversee event production and technical operations across CPA programs, campus partnerships, and rentals. The role blends hands-on technical leadership with budgeting and strategic planning to advance the Center’s mission and sustainability.

The position requires leading full-time and part-time staff, coordinating facilities, equipment, and vendor contracts, and driving innovative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience leading technical or production staff.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead production and project management for performances and events across CPA venues and sites.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation for operations.
• Direct production services, vendor relationships, and contracts.
• Oversee all technical theater operations including audio, video, lighting and rigging.
• Ensure safety, accessibility, and continuous improvement across productions.

Skills

Operations leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Safety compliance

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Center for the Performing Arts(CPA)at Penn State seeks a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor** **toprovidestrategic oversight of event production and technical operations in support of CPA's presented performance programs, university partnerships, and rental activity.

This role works to strengthen CPA's physical and technological capacity to support flexible, distributed, and evolving arts experiences while fostering collaboration and coordination across campus partners and institutional systems.

Balancing strategic planning and administration with active engagement in day-to-day operations,the Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor combines hands-on technicalexpertisewith leadership and financial stewardship to advance the Center's mission while ensuring operational excellence and long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Event Production & Strategic Planning

• Lead production and project management for performances and events across CPA venues, off-campus locations, and alternative performance spaces.

• Drive innovation through the CPA Without Walls initiative, exploring new production models, venue configurations, and audience experiences.

• Oversee event management processes and implement industry best practices, technologies, and operational improvements.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead, supervise, and develop production staff, including full-time supervisors and part-time theater personnel.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement, adaptability, and service excellence.

Budgeting & Business Operations

• Direct production budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support operational effectiveness and fiscal sustainability.

• Manage rental production services, vendor relationships, contracts, and production-related expenditures.

Technical & Facility Operations

• Oversee all technical theater operations, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and equipment management.

• Partner with Penn State's Physical Plant and university stakeholders to support facility operations, maintenance, and production-related projects.

Safety, Accessibility, & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and operational standards across all productions and events.

• Promote continuous learning and implement best practices that enhance team performance and organizational effectiveness.

The CPA Without Walls initiative mentioned above is astrategic initiative that expands performing arts experiences beyond Eisenhower Auditorium byutilizingalternative venues, pop-up locations, community spaces, outdoor environments, and other non-traditional settings to engage audiences in new ways.

Travel to partner sites for this initiative is expected in this role.

Important Note: The Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor will be required to work evenings and occasional weekends for event support.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have 6+ years of professional experience in technical production, production operations, performing arts venue management, or a related field.

Additional Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated supervisory experience leading full-time and part-time technical or production staff, including training, scheduling, workflow coordination, and providing day-to-day operational support

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others

• Demonstrated ability to foster engagement through active listening, responsiveness, and relationship-building

• Effective systems-thinking and execution skills, including the ability to connect staffing, scheduling, facilities, equipment, budgets, policies, and institutional processes into coordinated production workflows and operational plans

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate people, resources, timelines, and technical systems while managing multiple priorities,maintainingaccountability, and ensuring consistent follow-through in a complex environment

• Effective problem-solving and risk-assessment skills, including the ability toidentifyoperational issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions that improve workflow and execution

• Demonstrated success improving operational processes, implementing innovative solutions, andestablishingconsistent operating standards to support evolving organizational and production needs

It is also preferred that candidates have one or more of the following qualifications:

• Experience building repeatable systems and consistent operating practices that improve quality, fairness, efficiency, and team accountability

• Experience working in distributed, multi-venue, outdoor, community-based, or nontraditional performance environments

• Experience leading teams through organizational change while maintaining continuity, operational clarity, and forward progress

• Demonstrated leadership incoordinatingtechnical teams, budgets, vendor relationships, and productionlogisticsin complex environments

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

Additional Information:

This position will report to the Managing Director of the Center for the Performing Arts.

The Center for the Performing Arts, part of the College of Arts and Architecture, collaborates with artists, scholars, innovators, and community partners to co-create powerful arts and learning experiences.

The College of Arts and Architecture is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure- Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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