Assistant Production Manager

Assistant Production Manager

Join our community and experience Emerson College! The Assistant Production Manager reports to the Production Manager, Emerson Stage. A key member of the Emerson Stage management and production team, they will work alongside the production department, faculty and performing arts students. The position will coordinate the technical and logistical elements of theatrical productions as well as provide oversight of the Emerson Stage staff. They will deliver on scheduling, departmental communication, budget tracking, student mentoring and ensuring production timelines are met during the design and production process.

Essential Job Duties

• Execute the vision of Emerson Stage's leadership, ensuring mutual respect and clear and consistent communication between Emerson Stage staff, faculty and students
• Develop, track and maintain production budgets in consultation with the Director of Theatre Operations and Production Manager
• Implement design deadlines and deliverables, verifying designers meet those deadlines to stay on schedule with designs and the production schedule
• Generate and distribute production documents including rehearsal, production and technical schedules, calendars, and contact lists
• Oversee the student production management assistants in conjunction with the Production Manager
• Mentor student designers throughout the design process and oversee management of their budget, deadlines and communication
• Mentor production and stage management students throughout the pre-production and production process
• Ensure interdepartmental collaboration between departments and allocate resources they may need in preparation for builds and rehearsals
• Serve as a key collaborator in connecting the designers, technicians and management through all Emerson Stage processes
• Schedule and supervise load-ins, load-outs and tech week in conjunction with Technical Director and Production Manager to ensure safety and oversight of student labor
• Coordinate weekly staff meetings with Emerson Stage staff and serve as a representative of Emerson Stage in larger Performing Arts department-wide meetings, as needed
• Guide production engineers with equipment rental scope, securing bids, negotiation and delivery
• Approve production expenses, weekly payroll and overtime in consultation with the Production Mgr.
• Lead on all production and staff meetings alongside the Production Manager
• Maintain safe and healthy working conditions in rehearsal halls, shops, and performance spaces, ensuring compliance in accordance with college's safety policies and industry professional practices
• Perform other duties, as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in theatre production, stage management or related field required; Master's degree in similar fields preferred
• 1-3 years of experience working in theatre production and/or live events required
• The ideal candidate will have experience working in an educational setting, specifically mentoring Stage Managers and/or Production Managers at the college level. Experience in a professional role where mentorship was a responsibility will also be considered
• Experience managing, instructing and supervising production teams required
• Ability to comprehend and assess technical designs and drawings required
• Experience working with drafting, lighting and sound softwares including CAD, Vectorworks and QLab is preferred
• Experience with budget creation and tracking preferred
• Familiarity with production processes (scenic, lighting, costumes, sound, and stage management) required; Familiarity with projections is a plus
• Experience in a wide range of artistic performance media is preferred (Theatre, Opera, Dance, Immersive, Tours, Events, etc.)
• Familiarity with professional unions including Actors Equity, IATSE, AGMA and/or professional affiliations like USITT is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to understand, enjoy, and communicate effectively with academic-oriented individuals
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with college-aged individuals
• Strong communication, organization and time management skills
• Experience working with artistically oriented individuals
• Strong oral and writing skills
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft and Google Suites
• Knowledge of scheduling software and tools
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects
• Ability to prioritize goals and implement plans
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Be willing and enthusiastic to assist others and work in a team setting

Physical Abilities

• Work involves lifting equipment, working with power tools and operating theatrical machinery such as fly systems and chain motors
• Work is performed in a theatre environment requiring occasional on-call availability
• May occasionally work in a confined space or at heights
• Ability to transport equipment within each theater and between theater spaces

Work Environment

• Working in various theatrical spaces front of house and backstage, in the production shops (Scene shops, props warehouse, light lab, costume shop) and a studio environment; conditions will vary depending on the show and phase of the production
• Office setting

Compensation

This 10 month position has a prorated salary of $39,623.41 to $47,456.43 annually, commensurate with experience.

In-Office Expectations

This position is primarily a hybrid role with expected days in the office each week. The hybrid arrangement will be made upon hire. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Boston campus to ensure operational effectiveness. This arrangement must be approved as outlined in the Remote Work Policy.

Grade of Position: 23-05E

Employment Category: Casual (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.