Director of Production

Job Description

Job Description

Global Arts Live

Cambridge, MA, United States

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Global Arts Live is a vibrant nonprofit arts presenter dedicated to celebrating the world's music and dance. Since its founding in 1990, the organization has been a cultural anchor in the Greater Boston area, presenting more than 60 performances annually in venues ranging from intimate 250 seat clubs to major theaters seating up to 3,500. Known for its adventurous spirit and deep commitment to cultural exchange, Global Arts Live connects local audiences with renowned and emerging artists from more than 70 countries. The organization's programs engage audiences with performances that span traditions, genres, and geographies, and each season brings a rich mix of global artistry to venues in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston.

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Connie Chin, who joined in 2021, and Founder Maure Aronson, Global Arts Live is undertaking a strategic leap forward and unprecedented organizational growth by launching a new performing arts center set to open in Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA in fall 2026. The custom-built center features a 400-seat state-of-the-art proscenium theater designed for dance, music, and other genres, a 125-seat cabaret stage, a rehearsal studio, and a ground floor commons that will offer an urban living room to the public. Strategic priorities include strengthening local partnerships, expanding educational and audience development efforts, and building sustainable earned revenue models-all while staying true to its core mission of presenting transformative global performance. The new venue offers meaningful opportunities to deepen the organization's commitment to community engagement, including collaborations with neighborhood organizations, cultural groups, and civic partners.

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION JOB OVERVIEW

Global Arts Live is seeking to hire an individual to serve as Director of Production for both Global Arts Live and 585 Arts which will operate a new performing arts complex currently being built in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Director of Production will plan, administer, and supervise all production operations at the 585 Arts complex as well as offsite Global Arts Live concerts presented in theaters and performance spaces in greater Boston. This position will report to the 585 Arts General Manager and work closely with the Global Arts Live Director of Artistic Programming on offsite events. Leading the production department, they will supervise a staff of 8-10 employees plus high school age interns. The successful candidate will skillfully execute the production requirements of visiting artists, create a positive work environment, and be committed to excellent results.

The expected program mix for the 585 Arts complex is 40% dance, 40% music and 20% other forms which will include corporate and private events. We project that 65% of concerts will take place at 585 Arts and 35% offsite. Off-site concerts take place in venues ranging from 250-3500 seats and will be mostly music concerts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage overall strategies and planning for production department
• Manage and engage production staff; manage and mentor interns.
• Coordinate closely with 585 Arts General Manager, Director of Audience Services and offsite venue production staff
• Advance incoming productions
• Manage production budget, report on finance, coordinate payroll with Finance office
• Develop schedules and staffing across two busy venues and a rehearsal space
• Serve as chief safety officer; maintain a safe working environment; ensure compliance with state and local codes and OSHA regulations
• Hire department heads and staff as needed including overhire personnel
• Maintain a database of skilled freelance personnel
• Perform drafting as necessary
• Source equipment, materials and other resources
• Oversee maintenance, repair and replacement of theatre equipment
• Supervise work calls when shift coverage is needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Expertise

• Prior experience as head of production in a busy facility or for a theatre or dance organization
• Significant demonstrated expertise in production services at an arts presenting facility that includes music and dance

• Touring experience or experience hosting touring music and dance artists
• Comprehensive knowledge of and field experience with theatrical technologies including electric distribution, lighting/systems, audio and video equipment/systems and stage and rigging equipment
• Experience with planning, logistics and budget management
• Department head experience in one or more departments
• Hands-on experience in several production departments
• Commitment to the performing arts as a profession and a community
• Familiarity with stage lighting, audio, rigging, video, props, stage management and wardrobe

Leadership skills

• Proven ability to hire, lead and engage a professional full-time production staff, hourly staff and interns
• Experience with Project Management
• High-level problem-solving skills, including the ability to anticipate difficulties
• Familiarity with stage lighting, audio, rigging, video, props, stage management and wardrobe
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Software

• Vectorworks or AutoCAD; 3D skills are a plus
• Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Planner, Notes
• Adobe Acrobat
• Facility learning new software applications
• Calendaring and schedule software, a plus
• Lightwright and Q-Lab, a plus

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary range of $115,000 - $125,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, disability and life insurance; SIMPLE Cafeteria flexible spending account; paid vacation, sick, and personal days; and 10 paid holidays.

TO APPLY

We are committed to considering a broad array of candidates that have the skills we are seeking, including those with non-traditional workplace backgrounds. So, whether you're taking the next step in your career path, looking to transition, or returning to work after a gap in employment, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

1. Please apply through and submit a resume and cover letter.
2. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible since interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
3. No postal mail, no phone calls, please.

Reflecting the artists we present and the audiences we serve, Global Arts Live is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates demonstrating diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Global Arts Live is committed to creating a work environment that values respect, integrity, diversity, and inclusion.