Now Hiring: Production Manager

Production Manager

Arts Council Winston-Salem and Forsyth County

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Director of Production

Department: Venue Operations - Production

Supervises: Production staff (full-time, part-time, and contract technicians)

Salary Range: $52,000 - $55,000 (depending on experience)

Location: Most of the time in office at 251 N. Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 with the flexibility to be hybrid

Position Summary

The Production Manager provides expert technical leadership for all performances, events, and other rentals across Arts Council venues. This role oversees the planning, execution, and maintenance of all technical production elements, including lighting, sound, projection, staging, and rigging, and ensures that every event is conducted safely, professionally, and in alignment with client and organizational expectations.

The Production Manager supervises production staff and works closely with the Director of Production and Director of Facilities and Event Services to ensure technical and operational alignment across the campus. With oversight from the Director of Production, the Production Manager also executes rental contracts.

Primary Responsibilities

Technical Production

• Oversee planning, design, and execution of all technical elements, including lighting, sound, projection, staging, and rigging, for Arts Council produced and rental events.

• Serve as senior technical lead and on-site Production Manager for complex events, making operational decisions on behalf of Arts Council.

• Maintain on-call availability during events for emergency technical response and critical decision-making.

• Troubleshoot equipment issues in real time, coordinating rapid resolution of technical challenges.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation including rep plots, inventories, system documentation, and equipment readiness records across all venues.

• Provide event design services including technical elements and event layout to ensure client alignment and satisfaction.

Safety and Compliance

• Enforce industry safety standards across all venues, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local requirements and industry best practices.

• Develop and maintain safety protocols for technical operations, rigging, load-in/load-out, and venue access.

• Conduct, schedule, and/or facilitate regular equipment inspections and coordinate maintenance and repairs.

Rental Contracts and Technical Support

• Review technical riders for rental confirming operational feasibility before contracts are finalized.

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for rental clients, external production teams, resident companies, and Arts Council produced events.

• Ensure technical staffing and equipment availability align with contracted services.

• Work closely with the Director of Facilities and Event Services to coordinate rental logistics and ensure alignment between client expectations and operational capabilities.

Team Leadership and Staff Development

• In collaboration with the Director of Production, recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate production staff including full-time, part-time, and contract technicians.

• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous learning within the production team.

• Provide mentorship in technical theatre, event production, and industry best practices.

• Coordinate production staffing schedules to align with the event calendar and budget parameters.

Budget and Equipment

• Prepare and manage the production budget, including equipment purchases, maintenance contracts, and staffing.

• Oversee vendor relationships for production-related equipment and services.

• Identify capital needs and cost-saving opportunities in coordination with the Director of Production.

Capital Projects

• In collaboration with the Director of Production and using technical expertise, work on future capital project recommendations, acquire necessary quotes and estimates, and create proposals to present to the Board of Trustees and the Development team for grant writing and fundraising purposes.

• Act as the point of contact for all capital projects with the venues and/or under the umbrella of Production.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Production on technical systems, infrastructure, and any technology needs related to production operations.

• Coordinate with the Director of Facilities and Event Services to ensure seamless communication between event set-up, booking, and technical production.

• Partner with the Director of Programming and Community Experience to ensure programs and events are supported by adequate technical resources.

• Collaborate with Marketing to ensure technical accuracy in event descriptions, public-facing materials, and campus signage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in technical theatre, production, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in live event production or technical theatre.

• Advanced knowledge of lighting, sound, projection, rigging, and production safety protocols.

• Strong leadership and supervisory experience managing diverse technical teams.

• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor/rental contracts and client relationships.

• Excellent communication skills and a client-service orientation.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work nights and weekends as required.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, accessibility, and community-centered arts engagement.

Work Conditions

• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability required based on event schedule.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

• Work at heights and in varied lighting conditions.

• On-call availability for technical emergencies during events.

Contact jfeimster@intothearts.org to apply