Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor, Center for the Performing Arts

• Lead production and project management for performances and events across CPA venues, off-campus locations, and alternative performance spaces.

• Drive innovation through the CPA Without Walls initiative, exploring new production models, venue configurations, and audience experiences.

• Oversee event management processes and implement industry best practices, technologies, and operational improvements.

• Lead, supervise, and develop production staff, including full-time supervisors and part-time theater personnel.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement, adaptability, and service excellence.

• Direct production budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support operational effectiveness and fiscal sustainability.

• Manage rental production services, vendor relationships, contracts, and production-related expenditures.

• Oversee all technical theater operations, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and equipment management.

• Partner with Penn State's Physical Plant and university stakeholders to support facility operations, maintenance, and production-related projects.

• Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and operational standards across all productions and events.

• Promote continuous learning and implement best practices that enhance team performance and organizational effectiveness.

The CPA Without Walls initiative mentioned above is a strategic initiative that expands performing arts experiences beyond Eisenhower Auditorium by utilizing alternative venues, pop-up locations, community spaces, outdoor environments, and other non-traditional settings to engage audiences in new ways.

Travel to partner sites for this initiative is expected in this role.

Important Note: The Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor will be required to work evenings and occasional weekends for event support.

Applicants must have 6+ years of professional experience in technical production, production operations, performing arts venue management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated supervisory experience leading full-time and part-time technical or production staff, including training, scheduling, workflow coordination, and providing day-to-day operational support

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others

• Demonstrated ability to foster engagement through active listening, responsiveness, and relationship-building

• Effective systems-thinking and execution skills, including the ability to connect staffing, scheduling, facilities, equipment, budgets, policies, and institutional processes into coordinated production workflows and operational plans

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate people, resources, timelines, and technical systems while managing multiple priorities, maintaining accountability, and ensuring consistent follow-through in a complex environment

• Effective problem-solving and risk-assessment skills, including the ability to identify operational issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions that improve workflow and execution

• Demonstrated success improving operational processes, implementing innovative solutions, and establishing consistent operating standards to support evolving organizational and production needs

It is also preferred that candidates have one or more of the following qualifications:

• Experience building repeatable systems and consistent operating practices that improve quality, fairness, efficiency, and team accountability

• Experience working in distributed, multi-venue, outdoor, community-based, or nontraditional performance environments

• Experience leading teams through organizational change while maintaining continuity, operational clarity, and forward progress

• Demonstrated leadership in coordinating technical teams, budgets, vendor relationships, and production logistics in complex environments