What are the responsibilities and job description for the Theater Operations Manager position at City of Cerritos?
Tentative Interview Dates: December 1, 2025 - December 5, 2025
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Under direction of the Theater Deputy Director, manages, coordinates and organizes Theater Department operational, security and technical production functions for productions, performances, shows and events at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA); oversees and allocates resources, staff and support to ensure effective operations and implementation of technical, commercial/professional and theatrical productions; coordinates facility maintenance and capital improvement projects; gathers and analyzes statistical data, activity logs, theater maintenance records and financial documents; develops drafts and delivers a variety of recommendations, analyses and presentations to optimize CCPA productions, operations and functions.; performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
See what current employees have to say about their experience in Cerritos! Watch Here
Under direction of the Theater Deputy Director, manages, coordinates and organizes Theater Department operational, security and technical production functions for productions, performances, shows and events at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA); oversees and allocates resources, staff and support to ensure effective operations and implementation of technical, commercial/professional and theatrical productions; coordinates facility maintenance and capital improvement projects; gathers and analyzes statistical data, activity logs, theater maintenance records and financial documents; develops drafts and delivers a variety of recommendations, analyses and presentations to optimize CCPA productions, operations and functions.; performs related work as required.
- Manages, develops, reviews and administers the Theater Department’s operational and security plans; oversees and organizes operational functions essential to present theatrical productions, concerts, shows and events; facilitates and monitors lighting, sound, rigging and carpentry activities and operations; facilitates and monitors security activities and access control; guides and mentors assigned staff.
- Gathers and conducts research and data collection of technical, security and performance data, including incident statistics, budget and financial data and other related operational information; examines and analyzes statistical and activity documents; prepares recommendations on a wide variety of subjects related to operation of a commercial entertainment and event center.
- Develops and drafts on-going operational and performance/event expense estimates; prepares and tracks related show information, labor costs and actual performance expenses.
- Reviews and arranges multi-purpose and flexible seating theater configurations; coordinates with Theater Department staff on stage productions, maintenance and special events, both within CCPA and at various outdoor locations; ensures and monitors patron concerns, questions and issues related to regarding facilities and equipment are appropriately addressed and resolved.
- Manages and monitors CCPA operational budgets; tracks and records funds received from ticket sales; documents costs and expenditures; coordinates Theater Department accounts payable and accounts receivable activities; prepares recommendations for effective use of CCPA funds.
- Organizes and oversees assigned staff, including technical and security staff; manages assigned contract labor support; receives and approves time sheets and employee evaluations; administers purchasing and invoices; manages accounts payable and purchase order requisitions; assists with offers, contracts and settlements.
- Prepares and negotiates requirements of technical riders and security needs; serves as a primary liaison between performers and venue; communicates with performers, clients, guests and patrons.
- Oversees, negotiates and monitors CCPA filming locations and related agreements.
- Assists and schedules site visits and tours; collaborates and assists City recreational and community service events.
- Develops and drafts strategies, policies and procedures concerning operational aspects of CCPA, including security screenings, emergency procedures, technical production processes, facilities maintenance, capital and other improvement, and other operations.
- Manages CCPA technical production equipment and systems maintenance; coordinates with other City departments, vendors, contractors and representatives to perform regular facilities and equipment maintenance; maintains repair and maintenance records and documents.
- Conducts and collaborates with planning, selection and securing of theater offerings, activities and performances.
- Participates in negotiation of artist and rental client agreements, accords and contracts; monitors and review activities to ensure compliance with performance contracts and provisions.
- Participates in budget development for the Theater Department; Monitors and manages assigned budgets, ensuring fiscal stewardship and City policy compliance related to purchasing, budgeting, and contracting.
- Provides assessments of venue operations to identify areas for improvement; plans and manages changes to enhance the performer and guest experience.
- Provides exceptional customer service to performers, clients, guests, patrons, and other City staff.
- Performs related work as required.
- May work a varying schedule of hours which may include early morning, nights, weekends and holidays.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Principles and practices of municipal government and/or non-profit organization administration.
- Practices to coordinate technical theater departments and on-stage production used to advance and coordinate shows.
- Advancing performances and coordination of logistics, schedules, payroll, contracts, department invoicing, billing and purchase order requests, software applications, and record keeping.
- Audio, video, rigging, lighting, scenery and wardrobe.
- Communicating technology solutions, drafting, set and lighting design.
- Leadership and customer services to manage front of house staff, users, security, stage technicians and events services support.
- Principles of budgeting and accounting.
- Research and statistical methods.
- Techniques and methods of stage, lighting, sound and communication design, installation and preparation of theatrical or related performances.
- Facility and equipment maintenance and capital improvements.
- Gather, analyze and interpret a variety of complex data using effective research techniques.
- Prepare complete and accurate reports.
- Handle multiple projects, manage change quickly, and work with challenging individuals.
- Work with highly sensitive personnel matters. Serve in a very fast-paced environment with long hours.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Provide and execute management of technical and security operations and staff for Pop music, dance, opera, classical, touring Broadway, comedy, and corporate events.
- Budget and review technical riders for Pop music, dance, opera, classical, touring Broadway, comedy and corporate events.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Provide technical guidance and input into the technical operation of the performing arts center.
- Prioritize and schedule work and multi-task.
- Prioritize and delegate projects.
- Meet timelines and follow-through.
- Interpret policy and establish methods and procedures.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Theater Management, Non-Profit Management or Public Administration or a related subject from an accredited college or university.
- Experience: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in administrative work and analysis central to the operation of a major regional performing arts center, or related field, including two (2) years supervisory experience.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is performed in an office and at the CCPA theater facility. Sitting for a prolonged periods of time using a computer keyboard and screen.
- Standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, twisting, reaching, bending, crawling, and grasping.
- When performing work in the field the incumbent may walk and stand on slippery, sloping and uneven surfaces.
- Pushing, pulling, dragging, lifting, and carrying items weighing up to thirty (30) pounds.
- Possible exposure to the elements.
- Mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
- Driving a vehicle on City business.
- Possess a valid California class “C” driver license.