Director of Production

Director Of Production

The Director of Production is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all technical, production, and facility-related aspects of performances, events, and rentals within the Jewish Community Center's theater and event spaces. This position oversees production operations for performing arts programming, community events, educational programs, donor events, meetings, concerts, special events, educational programs, and summer drama camp external rentals while ensuring a safe, professional, and welcoming environment that reflects the mission and values of the JCC.

The Director of Production serves as the primary liaison between artists, renters, staff, vendors, and technical personnel and is responsible for maximizing facility utilization while maintaining high production standards and exceptional customer service.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical theater expertise with exceptional organizational skills, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to community engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Management

• Oversee all technical and production aspects of theater performances, concerts, lectures, meetings, community events, external rentals, summer drama camps, preschool programming, and special events.
• Coordinate lighting, sound, video, staging, rigging, and backstage operations.
• Develop and maintain production schedules, technical timelines, and staffing plans.
• Advance technical requirements with visiting artists, production companies, presenters, and community groups.
• Serve as Production Manager for major performances and events.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry best practices.

Theater Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of the theater and associated production spaces.
• Develop and maintain theater HVAC calendar.
• Maintain theater equipment, technical systems, and production inventory.
• Recommend and oversee capital improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Establish operating procedures and production standards.
• Monitor facility conditions and coordinate repairs as necessary.

Rental and Event Services

• Manage all technical and production aspects of facility rentals.
• Meet with prospective renters to assess event requirements and determine technical needs.
• Prepare production estimates and rental-related technical costs.
• Coordinate setup, staffing, equipment usage, and event execution for rental clients.
• Serve as the primary production contact for outside organizations utilizing the theater and event spaces.
• Ensure rental events comply with facility policies, safety requirements, and contractual agreements.
• Work collaboratively with development, arts and culture, membership, and operations teams to support revenue-generating rental activities.

Staff Supervision

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise staff overhires.
• Manage contracted production personnel and vendors.
• Negotiate pay schedules and terms.
• Provide leadership and professional development for technical staff.
• Maintain staffing schedules that support performances, programs, and rentals.

Budget and Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual production and technical budgets.
• Monitor production expenses and rental-related labor costs.
• Assist in establishing rental pricing and technical service fees.
• Evaluate equipment and staffing needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Support revenue generation through efficient management of rental operations.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Partner with Arts & Culture staff, educators, development professionals, and community leaders to support organizational programming.
• Foster positive relationships with artists, patrons, volunteers, renters, and community organizations.
• Support events that celebrate Jewish culture, traditions, and community engagement.
• Represent the JCC professionally with external partners and stakeholders.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, fire codes, and venue safety standards.
• Develop and maintain emergency response procedures for theater operations.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of equipment and facilities.
• Maintain appropriate documentation, certifications, and operational records.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater, Production Management, Arts Administration, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in theater production, event production, or venue management.
• Experience managing technical crews and event staff.
• Knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound, video, staging, and production systems.
• Strong organizational, project management, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by performance and event schedules.

Preferred

• Experience in a performing arts center, community arts organization, or nonprofit environment.
• Experience managing facility rentals and client relations.
• Knowledge of Jewish community organizations and cultural programming.
• ETCP, OSHA, or related industry certifications.
• Experience with venue management and event scheduling software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights when necessary.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Success Measures

• High-quality execution of performances and events.
• Positive renter, artist, and patron satisfaction.
• Growth in theater and facility rental revenue.
• Effective management of production budgets.
• Safe and efficient operation of theater facilities and equipment.
• Strong collaboration across departments and community stakeholders.