Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor, Center for the Performing Arts at Pennsylvania State University

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor for the Center for the Performing Arts. This role leads and manages accessibility services, volunteer engagement, and front-of-house operations to foster an inclusive, welcoming, and relationship-centered participant experience, collaborating with campus and community partners to enhance audience experiences.

Highlights

Lead accessibility services and accommodations for audiences and participants, serving as the primary contact for accessibility concerns.
Recruit, train, schedule, and recognize volunteers and front-of-house staff, developing meaningful volunteer engagement and community connections.
Manage front-of-house operations ensuring service quality, safety, and accessibility, including event staffing and issue resolution.
Oversee administrative tasks such as managing budgets, records, policies, and training resources, while using data to improve services.
Maintain expertise in accessibility, volunteer engagement, and audience services and foster continuous improvement.
Strong knowledge of accessibility standards, ADA compliance, and inclusive customer service practices required.
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience in volunteer programs, accessibility services, or audience engagement.
Preferred qualifications include supervisory experience, front-of-house operations oversight, and using data and feedback for program evaluation.
Successful completion of Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP), CPR/AED, and KultureCity Sensory Inclusive training required during onboarding.
Salary range is $59,580 to $86,400 with full-time employee benefits including tuition discounts and comprehensive medical coverage.

Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor, Center for the Performing Arts Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICSâ

The Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) seeks a Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor to provide leadership for CPA's accessibility services, volunteer engagement, and front-of-house staffing systems in support of a welcoming, inclusive, and relationship-centered participant experience.

The Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor will develop and manage accessibility programs and a volunteer engagement model that moves beyond transactional service exchange to build meaningful connections among donors, alumni, students, artists, and community members.

The person in this role will champion accessibility, inclusive hospitality, and community engagement, collaborating with campus and community partners to create exceptional experiences for all audiences.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Accessibility Services & Inclusion Engagement

Lead accessibility services and accommodations for audiences and participants.
Serve as the primary contact for accessibility requests and concerns.
Promote accessibility best practices through training, partnerships, and continuous improvement.

Volunteer Engagement & Stewardship

Recruit, train, schedule, and recognize volunteers and front-of-house staff.
Develop meaningful volunteer experiences that support engagement, hospitality, and student success.
Build relationships that strengthen volunteer participation and community connections.

Front-of-House Operations & Guest Services

Manage front-of-house operations to ensure exceptional service, safety, and accessibility.
Coordinate staffing and oversee event-day audience services and issue resolution.
Support ticketing, concessions, and related patron service functions as needed.

Administration & Strategic Support

Manage budgets, records, policies, procedures, and training resources.
Track program outcomes and use feedback and data to improve services.
Support grant reporting, stewardship efforts, and strategic initiatives.

Professional Development

Maintain expertise in accessibility, volunteer engagement, and audience services.
Apply best practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Important Note: Due to the nature of this role and the schedule of events, the Performing Arts Operations Specialist Supervisor will be required to frequently work evenings and occasionally work weekend hours.

Work hours within the typical Monday through Friday schedule will be flexed accordingly.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders
Experience managing volunteer programs, accessibility services, audience engagement initiatives, or related programs
Knowledge of accessibility standards, ADA compliance, and inclusive customer service practices
Customer service focused, with the ability to navigate complex situations, resolve conflicts, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated success building and maintaining productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise judgment in addressing challenges and service needs

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

Supervisory, program management, or leadership experience
Experience with donor stewardship, alumni engagement, volunteer management, community engagement, or constituent relations in higher education, nonprofit, or cultural organizations
Experience overseeing front-of-house operations, event logistics, or audience services
Experience using data, assessment, and participant feedback to evaluate programs and drive continuous improvement
Experience with accessible event planning and assistive technologies

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

Successful completion of Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP), CPR/AED, and KultureCity Sensory Inclusive training is required as part of the onboarding process.

Important Application Instructions:

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

Additional Information:

This position will report to the Assistant Director of Participant Experiences.

The Center for the Performing Arts, part of the College of Arts and Architecture, collaborates with artists, scholars, innovators, and community partners to co-create powerful arts and learning experiences.

The College of Arts and Architecture is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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