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Job Title:
Performing Arts Production Senior Specialist
Department:
Wexner Center for Arts | Tech Operations
The Production Manager is a vital member of the Technical Operations team at the Wexner Center for the Arts, overseeing all production activity in designated venue(s). This role ensures the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of technical riders and production plans, working in close collaboration with visiting artists, internal teams, and Columbus Arena Sports & Entertainment (CASE), which manages Mershon Auditorium. It requires strong organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to lead and inspire diverse teams.
This role is ideal for a production professional who thrives in dynamic, artist-centered environments and is committed to excellence, safety, and collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advance technical planning with the Director of Production, Programming Staff, Artists, and External Clients
- Coordinate details of all production elements: lighting, sound, rigging, video, special effects, and space usage
- Oversee the setup, smooth operation, breakdown, production settlement, and review of assigned events
- Schedule and manage labor, organize rentals, and manage material and expendables for assigned productions and events.
- Oversee installation and safe operation of production setups, including fly systems and rigging, electrical tie-ins, elevated lift operations, and elevated work environments.
- Supervise and schedule related technical crews, wardrobe personnel, and vendors
- Maintain production documentation: invoices, payroll, calendars, specs, communication, and notes
- Foster a respectful, collaborative environment with artists, designers, technicians, students, and faculty
- Organizational, problem-solving, and creative thinking abilities
- Keep up with current trends, research, and development in the areas of assignment
- Work a variable schedule, including nights and weekends
- Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Direct oversight of contracted technical crew, stagehands, wardrobe personnel, and hired vendors
Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 4 years of relevant experience required.
- Valid Driver’s License
Required Experience & Skills:
- Experience managing performance rigging systems (chain motors, line sets, overhead rigging)
- Knowledge and experience with single and double purchase fly systems
- Knowledge of softgoods and scenic painting
- 3+ years in a performing arts center environment with staging, lighting, sound, and communication systems
- 3+ years as a production manager in live event settings (concerts, theater, corporate events)
- Strong working knowledge of technical theater disciplines and safe, creative production practices
- Proficiency in CAD drawing creation and review
- Proficiency with Vectorworks or other drafting/design software
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Familiarity with facility management and arts center operations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Vectorworks
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ETC lighting consoles and systems
- Ability to troubleshoot venue audio, video, and lighting systems
- Experience working under collective bargaining agreements
- ETCP Rigging Certification (or equivalent)
- Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards and implementation
Additional Information:
The Targeted Hiring Range for this position is $58,700 - $77,200. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.
Function: Performing Arts
Subfunction: Performing Arts Production
Band: Specialized
Level: 3
Location:
Wexner Center for the Arts (0386)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Creative Production