Chapman University logo

Chapman University

Production Manager

🇺🇸 Orange, CA

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $74K - $90K

💻 Project Management

🗓️ August 29th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

Chapman University is hiring a Production Manager who will report to the Dean of the College of Performing Arts (CoPA) and oversee all production-related aspects of programs and events. The role includes budgeting, planning, hiring and training technical staff, managing production teams, and ensuring productions are completed on time, within budget, and according to artistic visions while maintaining safety and professionalism.

Highlights

  • Oversee all production aspects for College of Performing Arts programs and events, including budgeting and scheduling.
  • Hire, train, and supervise technical and operational staff, including the Costume Studio Manager and Technical Director.
  • Manage production-related budgets, purchasing, and expense tracking.
  • Coordinate production meetings, enforce design deadlines, and collaborate with artistic teams and CoPA stakeholders.
  • Maintain and schedule facilities and equipment under the department's jurisdiction.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a safe working environment.
  • Require bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and 3-5 years of production management experience.
  • Must have working knowledge of theatrical equipment, counterweight fly systems, lighting, electrics, and audio/visual systems.
  • Familiarity with CAD and theatrical design rendering software is required.
  • Salary range: $74,000 - $90,000 annually; full-time, exempt position.

Production Manager Full Description

Chapman University


Toggle navigation  

Production Manager
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment for the final candidate is contingent upon satisfactory completion of and outcomes of a criminal background screening, DMV check, and upon the acceptance of and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Work schedule changes from project to project, requiring flexibility to facilitate productions including nights, weekends, and occasionally holidays.

Work location on campus varies depending on Production Department work assignments.
Posting Details
 Position Information 
Position Title  | Production Manager
Position Type  | Regular
Job Number  | SA64224
Full or Part Time  | full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification  | Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range  | $74,000 - $90,000
Pay Range Information  | Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
 Position Summary Information 
Job Description Summary  | The Production Manager reports to the Dean of the College of Performing Arts (CoPA) and oversees all production-related aspects of programs and events. This role is responsible for all budgeting and planning in coordination with the Dean, in addition to organizing meetings for production management and safety. This position is responsible for hiring and training technical and operational staff and coordinating the various production teams.

This role supervises the Production Management Department and staff and leads strategic planning for the department. Direct reports include the Costume Studio Manager and Technical Director, who supervise technical full-time, part-time, and student staff. This position develops, implements, and enforces department policies and ensures safety is a priority for staff and students. The Production Manager schedules and maintains all facilities under their jurisdiction and ensures that all aspects of CoPA productions are completed within budget, according to the artistic teams’ visions, and on time for the first public performance.

The Production Manager collaborates with other CoPA stakeholders regarding season calendars, production selection, venue assignments, selection of designers and Artistic Team members, and technical solutions to design concepts. Coordinates and leads all production meetings. Enforces established design deadlines. Manages the budgets allocated for each production, oversees purchasing, and reconciles expense tracking. This position ensures that all Production Management staff are promoting a safe and professional work environment, maintaining accepted safety standards in all facilities, and ensuring that student learning is a priority for every production.

The application review process will start in early September.
Responsibilities  | Production Management Partner with the Dean of CoPA and other college leadership for Strategic Planning and Production Management. Communicate effectively with employees, directors, designers, and other members of the artistic team to manage productions smoothly. Work in close cooperation with CoPA’s Assistant Director of Artistic Operations, and with the appropriate faculty members in each department. Oversee production aspects and logistics of performance production for CoPA, in all venues used by the College with specific emphasis on the larger-scale productions for Theatre, Dance, and Opera. Specific disciplines include, but are not limited to, scenic carpentry and painting, theatrical properties, theatrical rigging, theatrical lighting, audio, and projection, costumes, hair, wigs, and makeup. Participate in the development of the CoPA Season Calendar; approve Production Calendars, and oversee the scheduling of Full-Time, Part-Time, and Student production staff. As a part of the production selection process, lead and assist the departments in navigating and procuring copyright permissions for performance works, including theatrical and music rights. Manage production-related budgets and advise on efficient spending of budgeted funds. Manage purchasing for CoPA Production Management, Theatre Production, Dance Production, and Opera Production budgets, ensuring compliance with university policies. Recommend designers and track designer performance and interaction with students and staff. Contract guest artists, designers, and coordinate contracts for production needs Work with the production and artistic teams to understand the artistic vision for the production. Collaborate with the artistic team to meet theatrical needs for various events. Monitor the artistic designs to identify potential problem areas and assist the production team in finding solutions as needed. When necessary, set and communicate budget, labor, facility, or other limitations relating to production and artistic choices. Review and understand designs for each project. Utilize ideas and experience with theatre processes and equipment to increase productivity and efficiency. Schedule and lead production and planning meetings. Work closely with production staff at the Musco Center for the Arts and Chapman Auditorium when CoPA is presenting performances in those venues. This includes communication, knowledge, and adherence to venue and union-contract policy Partner with on-campus operational departments, including Facilities Management, IS&T, Public Safety, Legal, Risk Enterprises, and others, in support of venue and production operations. Adhere to the highest safety standards during all production-related operations. 
Supervising Staff Establish Department Policies and Standard Operating Procedures Hire, manage, and supervise the CoPA Production Management staff, especially overseeing the work of the Technical Director and Costume Studio Manager Direct the supervision of student workers and prioritize safety and learning. Oversee training of staff for professional development, productivity, and safety Hire part-time and artistic team members; contract independent team members; supervise as appropriate
Venue and Equipment Management Oversee the Management of the Entertainment Technology Center, Waltmar Theatre, Halsell Studio, and, to a lesser degree, Salmon Recital Hall and Sandi Simon Center for Dance during production times, in coordination with the appropriate parties. When not in production, oversee maintenance and inventory of CoPA assets, also in collaboration with departmental faculty and staff and in partnership with various on-campus partners. Under the supervision of the Dean of CoPA, collaborate on venue advancement throughout CoPA spaces. Monitor, report, and advise on venue and operational safety issues within CoPA facilities Evaluate production equipment needs and arrange for the repair or replacement of equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications  | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or the equivalent background and experience. Three to five years’ experience in a relevant Production Management position. Experience supervising production and technical staff. Experience with tools and facilities for professional, educational, and theatrical productions. Working knowledge of counterweight fly systems, stage lighting, electrics, and audio/visual systems. Experience creating, monitoring, and adhering to budgets and production calendars. Working knowledge of standard theatrical equipment and terminology. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals at all organizational levels, both inside and outside of the university, solving problems with diplomacy and tact. Ability to work on multiple projects, while maintaining a positive attitude in a potentially stressful environment. Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures. Knowledge of pertinent regulations and codes relating to theater productions. Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment. Familiarity with CAD and theatrical design rendering, as well as other software used in the field. Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction.
Desired Qualifications  | Experience in an educational setting Digital media skills OSHA 10 certification.
Special Instructions to Applicants  | Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment for the final candidate is contingent upon satisfactory completion of and outcomes of a criminal background screening, DMV check, and upon the acceptance of and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Work schedule changes from project to project, requiring flexibility to facilitate productions including nights, weekends, and occasionally holidays.

Work location on campus varies depending on Production Department work assignments.
Minimum Number of References  | 3
Maximum Number of References  | 5
Pre-screening Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Do you have at least three years' experience in a relevant position? 
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * Do you have supervisory experience? 
    • Yes
    • No
  3. * Do you have working knowledge of standard theatrical equipment and terminology? 
    • Yes
    • No
  4. * Do you have a OSHA 10 certification? 
    • Yes
    • No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
  1. Letter of Recommendation 1
  2. Letter of Recommendation 2
  3. Letter of Recommendation 3
MAIN CAMPUS
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6815

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
Contact Us
Office of Human Resources
One University Drive
Orange, California 92866
TalentServices@chapman.edu
 

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.








 To ensure the security of your data, you will be logged out due to inactivity in 3 minutes at
 .

 Any data not saved will be lost.

 Click 'OK' to keep your session active.