The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre Arts seeks a Production and Operations Manager (POM) to join our Team. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and a talented communicator. The POM oversees all production and theater operational needs for the Department of Theatre Arts (DoTA). Reporting to the Artistic Director, this position is an integral part of the team within the DoTA. The POM works in collaboration with and maintains key relationships with the Department Chair, Technical Director, Designers, Directors, Producer, Production Stage Managers, technical staff, students and Office of the Dean.
SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY :
Responsible for orienting and training others, assigning and reviewing their work, monitoring budgets and business affairs. Incumbents typically work with general direction and supervision received from the Artistic Director and/or Department Chairperson.
NATURE AND SCOPE :
Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students and staff of the department and the University at large. External contacts include consultants, vendors, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors and the general public.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Duties for the POM includes collaborating with all production and artistic personnel to ensure top quality and safety for productions and operations; supervising production, front of house and box office student workers; creating a positive working environment, and is a positive role model/mentor for students; creating and maintaining production schedules; facilitating production meetings to ensure clear and accurate communication between creative teams, production staff, and administrative support; monitoring design budgets and facility management.
Specific Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):
1. DESIGN PROCESS AND ANALYSIS
Guide all director/design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs. With the input of appropriate technical staff, analyze all designs submitted to determine feasibility of execution within the allotted time, budget and personnel available.
2. SCHEDULE
In collaboration with the Artistic Director and Department Chair, develop production calendars for respective productions, showcases and special programming; maintain production calendars and design deadlines for each production/event. Determine load-in and tech schedules for the productions, as well as strike and restore; schedule and attend all design and production meetings.
3. FINANCES
Monitor production budgets and track production costs; keep the Artistic Director and Procurement designee apprised of the status of the production budget on a regular basis.
4. MANAGING PERSONNEL
Coordinates the assignment, scheduling, and training of students working in operational, administrative and support positions. In consultation with the Artistic Director, manages all production staff and contractors including, but not limited to: designers, technical staff, running crew, artistic consultants and any additional personnel required for specific production needs.
5. PRODUCTION LIAISON
Facilitate clear communications throughout the production process, and act as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, Artistic Director, Department Chair and administrative staff. Coordinate and conduct all design and production meetings. Attend read-thru, rehearsals (periodically), designer run, technical rehearsals, previews, performances and strike.
6. FRONT OF HOUSE and BOX OFFICE
The POM is responsible for training, scheduling and overseeing students serving in front of house roles (managers and ushers), as well as box office support. The POM organizes the box office system and activities; manages all front of house and box office operations; suggests and implements policies and procedures to maintain efficient processes; creates a pleasant experience for our patrons; addresses concerns of our patrons and the general public. The POM works with the stage manager and production staff to ensure that performances begin promptly and the house is cleared after curtain call, in a timely manner. The POM oversees the count and allocation of box office funds. The POM is responsible for ensuring that reports for front of house and box office are shared and archived.
7. DEPARTMENT SUPPORT
As necessary, supports special events and programming at the request of the Artistic Director, Department Chair or the Office of the Dean.
8. FACILITY OVERSIGHT
The POM is also responsible for facility oversight. Duties include (but not limited to) securing rehearsal and production spaces; serve as onsite faculty/staff supervisor for student classwork and group showing rehearsals. The POM will liaison with the Building Manager, Physical Facility Management team, and the Office of the Dean.
9. SAFETY COMPLIANCE
The POM is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of a safe workplace in compliance with TITLE X, OSHA, ADA and Building Fire Codes. During this current climate, the POM will enforce policies and procedures per the University regarding COVID. The POM addresses any safety hazards or safety infractions and follows up on any hazard reports. The POM is also responsible for ensuring that the full production team is familiar with Safety and Emergency procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned. These duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and are subject to review and shift according to future changes/developments.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply policies and procedures. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population. Advanced knowledge of office and administrative practices and principles. Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) Strong leadership skills to lead a team. Models accountability and encourages others to succeed. Ability to evaluate teams and set performance goals and objectives. Strong commitment to current best Health and Safety practices. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities. Must be available to work extended work hours at times, including nights and weekends. The ability to establish and maintain effective harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students and the general public.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree and/or five (5) years of related experience including at least 5 years of managing a staff. Broad background in theater and management; knowledge of all areas; preference for experience managing a production, theater or other performing arts projects.