Managing Director of Production & Operations - Pittsburgh Playhouse

POSITION: Managing Director of Production & Operations

DEPARTMENT: Pittsburgh Playhouse

REPORTS TO: Sr. Vice President, Institutional Advancement & Strategy; and Executive Producer, Pittsburgh Playhouse

Position Overview:

A highly skilled and collaborative Managing Director of Production & Operations to lead the execution, integration, and operational excellence of all performance and production activities. This role reports to the Point Park University's Senior Vice President and Pittsburgh Playhouse Executive Producer to ensure that the organization's artistic ambitions are realized with precision, efficiency, and the highest production values.

Working in close partnership with senior leadership, this role translates vision into reality and manages production strategy, resource alignment, and operational systems that support a dynamic, multidisciplinary performance venue. The Managing Director of Production & Operations is both a strategic thinker and an expert executor, responsible for building sustainable infrastructure that enables innovation, creativity, and educational excellence.

The Managing Director of Production & Operations leads the planning, coordination, and execution of productions across theatre, dance, film, and events. Extensive experience spanning live performance, emerging and innovative technologies, large-scale events including galas, award shows, conferences, and festivals, as well as film and television production, live broadcasts, and non-traditional or immersive performance formats is essential to advancing the vision of the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

The Managing Director of Production & Operations supervises budgets, schedules, personnel, union compliance, and all operational logistics, ensuring that every project is delivered efficiently, safely, and to the highest artistic and production standards. This role is fully responsibility for day-to-day production and operational performance, serves as the operational lead of the Playhouse, and owns execution of productions and operational systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced Master of Fine Arts degree and multi-faceted producing experience preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in performing arts production, live events, film and television, and education.
• Experience with educational settings ranging from youth development to higher education is a plus.
• Demonstrate experience managing complex, multidisciplinary programming and large-scale productions.
• Strong background in performance, production, management, budgeting, financial oversight, and planning.
• Experience with immersive, technology-driven, and/or non-traditional performance formats is necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Production Leadership & Execution

• Oversee the planning, development, and delivery of all productions, ensuring alignment with artistic goals and university priorities.
• Establish production standards that reflect excellence, innovation, and fiscal responsibility across all disciplines (theatre, dance, film, animation, and events).
• Supervise teams across all disciplines (creatives, designers, technical direction, stage management, production management, and events).
• Develops and implements production planning for tours and off-site productions.
• Coordinates production for on-location and on-site filming for Playhouse projects.

Operational Strategy & Infrastructure

• Develop and implement operational systems that support a high-volume, multi-venue performance environment.
• Lead long-range production planning, including season calendaring, resource allocation, and scheduling.
• Ensure seamless coordination between artistic, academic, and administrative functions.
• Establish departmental cohesion between production, as well as internal and external events and rentals.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Oversee Playhouse operating budget and production budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources.
• Align staffing, facilities, and technical assets with programmatic needs.
• Identify efficiencies and scalable solutions to support growth and innovation.
• Prepare financial reports to compare weekly performance indicators showing actuals vs budget.

Facilities & Technical Oversight

• Provide leadership and scheduling for the use, maintenance, and advancement of performance spaces, studios, and technical infrastructure.
• Integrate and support emerging technologies into production processes and audience experiences.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and best practices across all production environments.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team of production professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Create professional development pathways for staff and students working within production environments.
• Establish an inclusive and respectful workplace aligned with the Playhouse's educational mission.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Partner the Playhouse with the School of Theatre, Film and Animation, School of Dance, Artistic Directors, faculty, production staff, designers, creatives, and guest artists to ensure production feasibility and excellence.
• Collaborate with academic programs to integrate student learning opportunities into production processes.
• Work closely with marketing and audience engagement teams to align production timelines and deliverables.