University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
Posted Job Title
Production AssociateJob Profile Title
Temporary Employee - Non-ExemptJob Description Summary
Reporting to Penn Live Arts’ Artistic Project Manager and supervised by various members of the full-time production team, the Production Associate is a part-time temporary position dedicated to supplementing the various event, digital, and performance-based labor needs of Penn Live Arts.Each Production Associate will have varied specialties and qualifications but is required to have basic working knowledge of technical theater or audio-visual practices, terms, and nomenclature.
Job Description
Production Associates will be called on to perform basic tasks including, but not limited to; hanging, focusing, or striking stage lighting; setting up stage audio or portable PA systems; setting up projections and/or playback equipment; setting up or striking stage properties such as chairs, music stands, platforms, choral risers, and acoustic shells; digital video camera operation or other livestream or digital video support; wardrobe maintenance and support; and general assistance in all back-of-house technical and shop spaces.
Depending on the skillset that each Associate brings to the table, they may also be tasked with; programming lighting consoles (ETC Eos Family); programming audio or video in QLab or Playback Pro; programming or operating digital audio consoles (Yamaha CL and TR series, DiGiCo, or Behringer X32); livestream engineering, camera operation, video direction, or minor post-production video editing; stage managing or supervising venue activities; or assisting with stage carpentry or theatrical rigging projects.
Training opportunities will be available for Associates wishing to expand or deepen their skillsets.
These positions would be scheduled on an as-needed basis, dependent on venue workloads and full-time staff bandwidth, with as much advance notice as possible. Due to the nature of performing arts, live and digital events, these positions would require significant evening and weekend hours. Production Associates are not eligible for benefits or to work on any performances or events under IATSE jurisdiction.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / School
Penn Live ArtsPay Range
$7.25 - $22.00 Hourly RateSalary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
- Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
- Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.
Skills Required
- Basic working knowledge of technical theater or audio-visual practices, terms, and nomenclature.
- Ability to hang, focus, or strike stage lighting and set up stage audio, portable PA, projections, and playback equipment.
- Set up or strike stage properties (chairs, music stands, platforms, risers, acoustic shells) and general back-of-house assistance.
- Digital video camera operation, livestream or digital video support.
- Willingness and availability to work significant evening and weekend hours.
- Background check may be required after a conditional job offer.
- Programming lighting consoles (ETC Eos Family) and audio/video in QLab or Playback Pro.
- Operate digital audio consoles (Yamaha CL and TR series, DiGiCo, Behringer X32); livestream engineering; video direction; minor post-production editing; stage management; carpentry or theatrical rigging assistance.
University of Pennsylvania Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about University of Pennsylvania and has not been reviewed or approved by University of Pennsylvania.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical coverage is offered through multiple plan options with bundled prescription and behavioral health, plus dental and vision, with eligibility typically beginning on day one when starting on the first of a month. High‑deductible plan enrollees can receive employer HSA contributions alongside wellness and EAP supports.
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Retirement Support — Faculty and staff can participate in 403(b) plans featuring automatic university contributions and a dollar‑for‑dollar matching plan, with an additional supplemental annuity option. Investment access is provided via TIAA with standard rules for rollovers and notices.
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Parental & Family Support — Tuition benefits extend to employees, spouses/partners, and dependent children, complemented by backup childcare/elder care and a paid parental leave policy. Eligibility timing and service requirements apply, with the dependent‑tuition benefit highlighted as a standout offering.
University of Pennsylvania Insights
