Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor, Center for the Performing Arts

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

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POSITION SPECIFICS ​

The Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) at Penn State seeks a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor to provide strategic 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 technical expertise with 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 a strategic initiative that expands performing arts experiences beyond Eisenhower Auditorium by utilizing alternative 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, maintaining accountability, and ensuring consistent follow-through in a complex environment

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

Demonstrated success improving operational processes, implementing innovative solutions, and establishing consistent 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 in coordinat ing technical teams, budgets, vendor relationships, and production logistics in 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

Important Application Instructions :

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

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