Director of Production - Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County

Job Title: Director of Production

Department: Operations

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Classification: Full time, salaried, exempt

Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 (depending on experience)



JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Production (Director) serves as a critical member of the Arts Council (AC)’s team, bringing technical expertise to staff, partners, and renter interactions. The Director will manage all technical and production aspects of Arts Council’s performance facilities (theatres and unconventional spaces) including but not limited to Reynolds Place Theatre, Mountcastle Forum/Black Box, Hanesbrands Theatre, rehearsal spaces, Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts garage space (when programmed), and provide technical support for Arts Council programs (ie: Parks Concert Series, etc.). AC’s spaces are multi-use and flexible performance and event venues used for a range of diverse programming including concerts, films, live theatre, dance, weddings, corporate events, and more. AC’s spaces are non-union; however, the organization occasionally works with IATSE Local 635. The Director recruits, hires, schedules, supervises, trains, and mentors a range of technical and production personnel (full-time, hourly, and contract staff), in addition to maintaining and safeguarding the technical and production assets of the facilities.

This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will work in tandem with Director of Programming. This position will also have a strong working relationship with the President & CEO.





PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical/Production Planning + Execution

• Oversee the planning, evaluation, scheduling of production and technical staff, implementation, engineering, and supervision of all technical elements involved in Center activities, partner events and rentals.

• Lead all technical elements for live events including planning, production-related budgeting, load-in, hang and focus (as needed), technical rehearsal, strike/load-out, and venue transitions.

• Have an understanding of and ability to operate lights, sound, projection or other live technical elements during concerts, theatrical and dance performances, or other live events.

• Work with Director of Programming, clients, partners, and resident companies to determine the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs, for events and performances presented at the facility in advance of production dates.

• In partnership with the Director of Programming, review rental contracts and performance riders, ensuring all equipment is planned for and the event is properly staffed by the technical and production team.

• Manage and schedule technical and production staffing for events and performance, with appropriate number of staff members and clear expectations of job responsibilities per event, and ensure production and technical staff is not scheduled for double shifts or consistent back-to-back events, load-in/load-outs, etc.

• Serve as a production and tech staff point person for events (internal and external), and be on call when not actively serving in this capacity in the event AC does not have enough production and technical staff to cover all events on campus, etc.

• Design, set up, maintain, and operate lighting and sound systems for theatre, dance, music, and other productions and projects as necessary.

• Supervise and assist with set and stage construction (platform buildout, etc.) and management as necessary.

• Provide support and assistance for enhanced load-ins/load-outs, enhanced as necessary.

• Generate estimated and actual reports of technical equipment and production staff hours utilized for each production/event for Director of Programming to utilize in Rental Settlements and billing.

• Oversee equipment allocation and shop pull in advance of each production/event.

• Serve as on-call technical support for rental groups and internally produced programs in resolving issues related to lighting, sound, projection, and other technical equipment.

• Ensure organization of backstage and storage spaces with assistance from Production Associates.

• Ensure that technical information about Arts Council venues (including technical drawings, lighting and sound rep plots, tech packs for each venue, and equipment inventory) is accurate and up-to-date.

• Implement and manage community equipment rental program.

• Hire and oversee local stagehands and other independent contractors when additional labor or technical expertise is needed.

• Maintain the industry standards for safety for AC’s staff, partners, and renters in the facility.

Technical Oversight + Communications

• Operate, maintain and safeguard the technical assets of the facility, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, and audiovisual equipment.

• Oversee proper use and maintenance of stage/performance facilities.

• Provide technical details and necessary production timelines for partner and rental agreements in partner with the Director of Programming.

• Interface directly with partners and renters to ensure external technical elements (music, video content, presentations, etc.) are submitted to AC on schedule for a smooth and efficient production.

• Create a maintenance plan for all technical and production equipment owned by AC, and provide capital improvement needed, along with expenses associated.

• Monitor the condition of venue equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arrange for the repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; perform preventive maintenance on equipment.

Budget Management

• Participate in the preparation and management of production and technical budgets.

• Advise AC staff on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for specific events.

• Maintain production-related inventory.

• Make recommendations to AC leadership regarding purchases of technical equipment.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, and mentor a range of full-time, hourly, and contract staff with a variety of skill levels.

• Manage and maintain technical and production staff schedule.

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, assign technical and production staff for individual shows.

• Participate in long range planning to serve equipment and facility needs of the organization.

• Participate in staff and program meetings to guide production planning and provide technical expertise.

• Meet regularly and partner with Director of Programming to ensure facilities and technical systems align with rental agreements and expectations.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED



EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Ideal candidates will have a degree in production or technical theatre plus four or more years’ experience working in theatrical or event production; OR equivalent experience working in theatrical or event production for a minimum of 7 years’ experience.

• Previous experience as a Technical Director preferred.

• Candidates with equivalent experience in technical production including live performance lighting, sound, AV, or a commercial production company are encouraged to apply.

• Working knowledge of live event operations including but not limited to lighting, computerized lighting systems, sound, audiovisual, and projections with a high level of knowledge in one or more of the areas above, and the ability to troubleshoot all levels of equipment. (ability to manage simplistic and state-of-art equipment is a must).

• Ability to supervise staff and lead a team required. Supervisory experience with technical and production staff of all levels of experience.

• Superior attention to detail, while meeting deadlines.

• Exemplary customer service skills.

• Demonstrated ability to take and follow direction, with the ability to be flexible.

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work within multiple budget lines.

• Understanding of the event production process, tech needs, and ability to clearly communicate with AC staff, partners, renters, and other stakeholders.

• Excellent in-person, email, and phone communication skills.

• General computer skills, including Microsoft Office products and Scheduling Database Systems, such as Rentman, Ungerboech, etc.

• Knowledge of rigging and using standard theatrical construction techniques a benefit.

• Working knowledge of appropriate safety precautions and procedures.

• Valid driver’s license with safe driving record and a reliable personal vehicle.

• Candidates must be able to lift 50 pounds and manage sustained physical activity.

• Commitment to high quality, accountability, and attention to the details of every assignment or project (including the avoidance of typos and other technical errors in written work)

• Strong interpersonal skills, the ability and willingness to work collaboratively with others and the discipline to comply with Arts Council policies and procedures.

• Receptive and responsive to constructive criticism and committed to self-improvement.

• Must be available to work extended hours, including nights and weekends.



SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for the Director of Production position will be paid an annual salary of $55,000-$65,000, depending on experience and skill levels. The position qualifies for the full range of Arts Council employee benefits, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403B retirement plan company match after 1 year of employment, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

In the event that productions take place during holidays, the Director and/or production staff may use other days to make up for that time worked without penalty accrued vacation time.



APPLICATION TO APPLY

Email cover letter and resume with at least 3 professional references to Chase Law, President & CEO at claw@intothearts.org. Please put “Director of Production Applicant” in the subject line by April 7, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.



Arts Council is committed to having diverse voices in our organization and cultural sector. We seek collaboration with those who bring a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences to the work of advancing our mission. We strongly encourage and seek applications from BIPOC (Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color), people with disabilities, bilingual and/or multicultural individuals, immigrants, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary: $55,000-$65,000 (depending on experience)