Production Manager

About Us

Located in Morrow, Georgia, Clayton State University is roughly 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta. The university offers employees an adaptable, collaborative environment that fosters professional and personal development.

The university is committed to having a positive impact on the State of Georgia and beyond by serving students and the community through broadening access to high-quality education and advancing workforce development. Clayton State offers multiple certificates, Associates, Bachelors, and Masters Degree programs, which currently enroll over 5,500 students in challenging campus and online courses.

Clayton States main campus is situated on 214 beautiful acres in a lakeside setting just minutes from downtown Atlanta, making access to the vibrant metropolitan area swift. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution has named the university a Top Workplace in Atlanta for six consecutive years. The Chronicle of Higher Education also named Clayton State one of 79 higher education institutions across the nation in its list of 2017 Great Colleges to Work For.

Job Summary

The Production & Operations Manager serves as a key member of Spivey Halls management team and is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all performances presented at Spivey Hall. This position provides leadership in production management, venue operations, artist services, contract administration, facility oversight, and event logistics to ensure the successful operation of a world-class performing arts venue.

The Production & Operations Manager oversees daily operations, manages artist and event contracts, supervises production staff, coordinates with campus and community stakeholders, and ensures that all activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the Halls artistic and operational objectives. The position serves as a primary liaison among artists, agents, presenters, campus partners, contractors, and technical personnel, and provides strategic and operational support to the Executive and Artistic Director (EDAD).

Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Manages venue operations, coordinating logistics, staffing, and support services for performances, educational programs, rehearsals, rentals, conferences, and special events.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates the master venue calendar, coordinating scheduling, staffing, and operational resources.
• Serves as the primary operational liaison with university departments, external presenters, community organizations, vendors, and rental clients, ensuring effective communication and coordination of venue services and event requirements.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates operational policies, procedures, and service standards to promote efficiency, safety, customer service excellence, and continuous operational improvement.

Production Management

• Manages all technical and production aspects of performances and events.
• Supervises, and as needed, operates production systems and equipment, including staging, lighting, audio, recording, back-line equipment, and backstage operations; provides direct technical support when necessary; and ensures equipment is properly maintained.
• Coordinates technical advances, production schedules, rehearsals, load-ins, and load-outs to ensure efficient and successful event execution.
• Ensures production activities meet applicable safety standards and are executed with a high level of quality, professionalism, and technical excellence.

Artist Services & Contract Administration

• Administers artist, rental/co-presentation, and Department of Music event contracts and ensures compliance with contractual and university requirements.
• Reviews artist riders and coordinates technical, hospitality, transportation, lodging, and related event logistics in consultation with the EDAD.
• Serves as the primary contact for artists, agents, managers, and touring personnel.

Staff Leadership & Administration

• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates production staff, student assistants, stagehands, and technicians.
• Establishes staffing plans and operational procedures that support efficient event execution and customer service.
• Promotes a collaborative work environment and ensures compliance with university policies and safety standards.

Facility & Equipment Management

• Oversees the maintenance, repair, and replacement planning for venue equipment, stage systems, instruments, furnishings, and backstage facilities.
• Collaborates with University Facilities Management and vendors to maintain venue systems and infrastructure.
• Monitors environmental conditions necessary for the preservation of instruments and facilities and ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations and industry best practices.

Budgeting, Planning & Strategic Support

• Supports the EDAD in developing and monitoring operational and production budgets, tracking expenditures, processing invoices, preparing financial reports, and evaluating operational needs to support the effective use of resources.
• Participates in programming discussions, long-range planning, capital equipment planning, procurement, and strategic initiatives.
• Represents Spivey Hall at university meetings, community events, and professional organizations, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Music, Theatre, Arts Administration, Event Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in concert production, venue operations, performing arts management, or a closely related field, including working knowledge of theatrical and concert production systems: lighting, audio, projection, and stage operations.
• Experience coordinating live performances and events, including artist services, production planning, and venue logistics.
• Experience supervising employees, student workers, contract personnel, and event staff.
• Ability to move throughout the venue, work in backstage and performance spaces, and lift, carry, push, or move equipment and materials necessary to support event and production operations.
• Valid drivers license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a performing arts setting, including classical music and jazz presenting.
• Experience administering event, artist, or rental agreements and coordinating artist services, technical riders, hospitality, transportation, and lodging.
• Experience managing event schedules, venue calendars, and facility usage.
• Experience monitoring budgets, reviewing expenditures, processing invoices, and supporting purchasing or procurement activities.
• Knowledge of venue safety practices, public assembly operations, and event risk management.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of performing arts venue operations, live event production, and theatrical systems.
• Knowledge of artist services, contract administration, event logistics, and venue safety practices.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in office software, scheduling systems, and budget-tracking tools.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
• Ability to supervise, train, and lead staff, student employees, and contract personnel.
• Ability to work collaboratively with artists, agents, faculty, staff, vendors, and community partners.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

Clayton State University will have a positive impact on the State of Georgia and beyond by serving students and the community through broadening access to high-quality education and advancing workforce development. Our statement of core values is adaptability, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and people-centered. Each Clayton State University community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on Clayton States Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct can be found online at https://www.clayton.edu/strategic-plan/mission-vision-values and https://www.clayton.edu/human-resources/current-employees/resources-policies

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating eligibility for employment with Clayton State University, as determined by Clayton State University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Candidate must disclose potential, actual, or apparent conflicts of interest in compliance.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, statutes, rules, and regulations of this institution and the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of Clayton State University and the University System of Georgia (USG). Clayton State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any Clayton State University program or activity because of the individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The positions schedule is driven by the performance and production calendar. While administrative and planning responsibilities generally occur during regular business hours, evening and weekend availability is required for rehearsals, performances, and special events. Work schedules will be adjusted to accommodate production demands. Scheduling will support both operational needs and a sustainable work-life balance, consistent with university policies.

Clery Disclosure

This position may be considered a Campus Security Authority, CSA. A Campus Security Authority is a Clery-specific term that encompasses certain departments, groups, and individual employees who have a duty to report crimes they become aware of, as defined by the Clery Act.