Performing Arts Production Senior Specialist

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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 trou