Senior Performing Arts Operations Lead

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 66,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor to oversee event production and technical operations for the Center for the Performing Arts. This role blends strategic planning with hands-on leadership to support CPA programs, university partnerships, and rentals.

Responsibilities span leading production, budgeting, and staff development, while ensuring safety and operational excellence across venues and off-site spaces. Periodic evenings/weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in technical production or related fields.
• Supervisory experience leading full- and part-time staff.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful.
• Ability to foster engagement through active listening and relationship-building.
• Systems-thinking to connect staffing, facilities, equipment, budgets and policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead production and project management for performances and events across CPA venues and off-campus locations.
• Drive innovation through the CPA Without Walls initiative and explore new production models.
• Oversee event management processes and implement best practices and tech improvements.
• Lead, supervise, and develop production staff and theater personnel.
• Direct production budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Manage rental production services, vendor relationships, contracts, and expenditures.
• Oversee all technical theater operations: audio, video, lighting, rigging and staging.
• Collaborate with Physical Plant and campus partners on facility operations and projects.
• Ensure safety, accessibility, and operating standards; promote continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Audio equipment

Lighting equipment

Rigging equipment

Job description

Penn State University seeks a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor to oversee event production and technical operations for the Center for the Performing Arts. This role blends strategic planning with hands-on leadership to support CPA programs, university partnerships, and rentals.

Responsibilities span leading production, budgeting, and staff development, while ensuring safety and operational excellence across venues and off-site spaces. Periodic evenings/weekends may be required.