Performing Arts Production Senior Specialist

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The Performing Arts Production Senior Specialist is a key member of the Technical Operations team at the Wexner Center for the Arts, part of The Ohio State University. This position serves as the production manager for all events in designated venues, primarily Mershon Auditorium. This position ensures the execution of technical riders and maintains high production standards in collaboration with the Tech Services team and Columbus Arena Sports & Entertainment (CASE), which manages and promotes events in the Mershon Auditorium.

Responsibilities include advancing communication with programming staff, visiting artists, and external clients to coordinate technical requirements such as space use, lighting, sound, rigging, video, and special effects. The Senior Specialist manages labor, rentals, and materials budgets in alignment with the contracting department. This role requires a collaborative and respectful approach when working with artists, designers, technicians, students, faculty, and clients.

The incumbent supervises and schedules technicians, contract labor, and wardrobe personnel, overseeing the full installation of production equipment. Additional responsibilities include ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of fly systems and rigging equipment, maintaining a safe work environment, and managing show documentation such as invoices, payroll, expense reports, and production notes.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversees contracted technical crew, stagehands, wardrobe personnel, and other hired vendors.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing chain motor rigging installations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a performing arts center environment.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a stage manager or in live event production.
• Broad knowledge of technical theater and production disciplines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in creating and editing CAD drawings in various formats.
• Demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and creative thinking abilities.
• Familiarity with facility management and arts center operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Vectorworks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Theatre or a related field.
• Experience with ETC consoles and basic system operations.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot professional audio systems.
• Experience working under collective bargaining agreements.
• ETCP Rigging Certification or equivalent preferred.
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards and implementation practices.

The Targeted Hiring Range for this position is $58,700 - $77,200 . The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Function: Performing Arts

Subfunction: Performing Arts Production

Band: Specialized

Level: 3

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions .

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.