Job Details

Director, Theater Operations and Production

Position Number: 7339310
Location: West Hartford, CT
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Theatre and Dance

University of Hartford

Director, Theater Operations and Production

FLSA Classification
EX

Reports to
Dean, The Hartt School

Salary Range
D

Weeks Per Year
52

Work Week
40 hours (minimum)

Position Summary
Responsible for coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all theater operations and production activities across The Hartt School's Theatre, Dance, Music, and Community Divisions. Manages a high-volume, multi-venue environment. Supervises production and technical staff; coordinates schedules, budgets, and resources; and ensures the successful execution of all productions from start to finish. Ensures facilities, equipment, and technical practices are safe, well-maintained, and aligned with professional standards. Works closely with faculty, designers, guest artists, and campus partners, to support high-quality artistic outcomes while balancing operational feasibility. Through effective leadership, planning, and collaboration, this role advances production excellence, operational efficiency, and the educational mission of The Hartt School. Performs all duties in full support of the University's mission, understanding that the positive and effective execution of these duties are instrumental to the education of the University's students.

Hiring Range
$66,727 up to $74,000, depending upon experience

Key Responsibilities

Manages daily operations - Oversees the day-to-day operations of all Hartt School performance venues and production activities, ensuring smooth, efficient, and professional operations across multiple venues simultaneously.
Manages operations and production personnel - Hires; trains, supervises; schedules work assignments; and evaluates all theater operations and production staff, including the Lighting Supervisor, Sound/Audio Supervisors, Technical Director/Master Carpenter, carpenters, painters, props personnel, running crews, and specialized over-hire technicians.
Oversees production load-ins - Directs and coordinates all setup, load-in, technical preparation, and strike for productions across multiple venues, ensuring readiness, safety, and adherence to production schedules.
Oversees facility maintenance - Manages all performance venues, technical systems, and production equipment ensuring all are properly maintained, updated, and fully operational to support high-quality artistic work.
Schedules performance venues - Creates and manages the comprehensive calendar for all performance venues; collaborates with the Operations and Audience Services Manager, and the Facilities Manger and Scheduler for Hartt and HPAC to input events into the University's scheduling system; and determines production deadlines, load-in and strike dates, equipment needs, and staffing requirements.
Supervises technical activities - Oversees all technical processes including set construction, props, lighting, sound, recording, painting, focus, levels, and load-ins to ensure personnel work in a safe manner at all times and to achieve maximum efficiency; provides training and guidance as needed.
Creates production budgets - Develops and manages production budgets and cost estimates; monitors purchasing, materials, and supplies to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with production needs.
Collaborates with designers - Hires designers and works closely with directors and designers to align production concepts with budget parameters, venue limitations, labor availability, shop capabilities, safety requirements, and overall feasibility.
Coordinates external personnel - Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with visiting production teams, campus partners, and external organizations to determine over-hire and technical support needs for performances and events.
Participates in leadership activities - Serves as a member of the Dean's Leadership Team, attends weekly meetings with the Dean, and contributes to strategic planning and operational decision-making for The Hartt School.
Other duties - Performs other related duties as assigned.

Posting Number
PS1205P

Working Conditions
Normal office situation.High noise environment.Requires travel, excluding overnight stays. Stockroom or warehouse.High dust, dirt, grease environment.Works with poor ventilation or with regular exposure to odors.

Education
Bachelors Degree required.

Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table.Typically standing and/or walking.Moderate lifting or carrying 26-50lbs. Intermittently sitting, standing, stooping.Using equipment requiring high dexterity.

Special Skills
The ability to work effectively with diverse groups.Valid Driverss License required.

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Close Date
1/28/2027

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions Summary

For full application instructions and position description, visit: https://hartford.peopleadmin.com/postings/7769