Production Manager-Main Stage & Black Box

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. 

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. 

Under the direction of and reporting to the Managing Director, the Production Manager leads end‑to‑end production operations for the Shea Center’s main stage and black box venues, advancing each engagement from planning through strike.

Major Duties and Responsibilities       

• Builds production calendars and budgets.
• Oversees technical requirements across lighting, audio, rigging, scene, costume, and props, and coordinating the implementation of artist contracts and technical riders.
• Schedules rehearsals, load‑ins, performances, and load‑outs.
• Supervises and assigns stage crews composed of student, casual, and union/overhire personnel as applicable; and ensures safety and regulatory compliance for public assembly spaces, including ADA adherence.
• Maintains accurate documentation and communication among artists, campus partners, and internal teams; manages facility and equipment upkeep.
• Drives continuous operational improvements and best practices.
• Attends production meetings and runs technical rehearsals as needed to support academic events and rentals hosted in Shea Center spaces.
• Runs rehearsals and dress rehearsals, takes detailed blocking notes, conducts script analysis, and develops prompt books, maintaining consistency across performances.
• Other duties as necessary and appropriate for the Position. 

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in technical theatre, theatre production, production management, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree/MFA in technical theatre or production management is preferred.
• Three to five or more years substantial hands‑on experience overseeing technical teams and productions in professional theatre or live performance.
• Certificates or advanced coursework in areas such as audio engineering, lighting design, rigging, stage management, or Vectorworks/AutoCAD/QLab are highly valued, as is senior‑level experience in arts/non‑profit or university performing‑arts centers. 

Competencies/Skills Required

• Strong command of venue safety and code compliance
• Expertise in budgeting and scheduling
• Communicates clearly under pressure to resolve issues, maintains meticulous documentation, and is proficient with industry tools such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD together with standard productivity software.
• An ability to mentor and develop student technicians and early‑career staff is central to the position’s contribution to the University learning environment.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and have theater experience. 

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced capability in lighting and sound system design and shop workflows.
• Experience supervising mixed personnel groups that may include union crews.
• Familiarity with current theatre technologies and rental‑supported programming.
• Experience within higher‑education performing arts centers and successful collaboration across University arts units.

Other Information

This position requires the ability to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, prolonged standing during rehearsals and performances, and a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Consistent on‑site presence is expected during major events, load‑ins/outs, and critical production periods.

This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees in the above job. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Starting Salary - AFT Range 24 - $76,486.40 - $87,954.55

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT)

Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.
Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.
General questions related to this application process, please contact [email protected].
Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

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Total Rewards and Benefits:

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EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts