Associate Director of Campus Venues, Performing Arts Center

Middlesex College•Edison, NJ

7h•$87,380

About The Position

The Associate Director of Campus Venues, Performing Arts Center is responsible for the daily operation, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability of the College Theater. Reporting directly to the Director of Events & Media Services, this role provides comprehensive leadership for all aspects of theater operations, including event coordination, staffing, budgeting, maintenance, and external engagement. The Associate Director will serve as the primary liaison for all internal and external clients using the theater, ensure top-tier technical and guest service support, and lead initiatives that elevate the theater as a hub for education, community engagement, and cultural programming. This position will report to the Event Services office and will work closely with the Event Services team to ensure seamless integration of theater events within the larger scope of campus-wide event planning. This position will also be responsible for streamlining the rental process to make it more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly for both campus and community users.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Five (5) years of experience in theater operations, live event production, or performing arts venue management
Proven track record in supervising staff, managing budgets, and overseeing event logistics
Experience with arts related technologies; strong PC skills with knowledge of MS Office
Familiarity with technical requirements for stage and theatre and procedures for the production of varied theatrical and other Performing Arts Center activities
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills
Works positively with a team-oriented approach and a demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population of administrators, faculty, staff, students, community members, and vendors
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Theater Management, Performing Arts, Arts Administration, or a related field
Experience with Colleague and Adobe Creative suite

Responsibilities

Serves as the main point of contact for all internal and external clients using the theater, including College departments, student organizations, and rental clients. Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with external clients, vendors, and collaborators to ensure excellent customer service and client satisfaction.
Oversees the scheduling, coordination, and execution of all events, ensuring all technical, staging, and logistical needs are met and that safety, accessibility, and compliance standards are upheld. Performs regular assessments of the theater’s physical space to ensure it is conducive to high-quality productions, making necessary recommendations for improvements or updates to facilities and equipment.
Leads the development and management of a streamlined, user-friendly rental process including booking, contracts, pricing, policy enforcement, and client support.
Supervises full-time and part-time technical staff; manages timesheets, overtime, training, and scheduling of student workers to ensure appropriate staffing levels for all operating hours and events. Creates a collaborative and service-oriented team culture.
Develops and manages the theater's annual budget, including cost tracking, revenue generation, invoicing, and coordination with the Business Office. Identifies and pursues grants and other funding opportunities to support operations, programming, and equipment upgrades.
Ensures strong collaboration and communication with Event Services and other campus departments to align theater operations with broader institutional goals. Oversees the coordination and management of event technology needs, ensuring technical equipment is properly maintained and that the staff is trained on its use for various events and performances.
Collaborates with the Institutional Research Department to implement a data reporting and analysis structure that can be used to monitor and evaluate arts-related initiatives and strategies. Prepares and communicates reports as needed or requested.
Liaises with the Visual, Performing, and Media Arts Department to support academic productions, performances, and events, including the dance ensemble and theater productions. Creates and publishes arts-related online content for an online PAC presence. Works closely with the Office of Communications & Marketing to develop innovative and effective arts communication and marketing strategies to ensure all events are promoted and advertised in a timely manner in the College and externally via social media.
Collaborates with academic and student affairs departments to support educational programming, co-curricular events, and student learning experiences in technical theater. Leads or collaborates on special projects, such as theater renovations, new initiatives, or innovative technology integrations to keep the theater competitive and up-to-date with industry standards.
Ensures safety in all aspects of theater operations, including the development and enforcement of safety protocols. Works closely with Middlesex College’s Health and Safety office and the Middlesex County Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with safety regulations and fire codes.
Leads the development and implementation of operational procedures and policies to ensure consistency, efficiency, and safety across all theater events.
Maintains and upgrades all theater equipment and systems in collaboration with IT, Facilities, and Event Technology teams; stays current with AV, live-streaming, and production technologies.
Ensures the theater space is clean, safe, and event-ready by overseeing routine maintenance, coordinating with Facilities for capital improvements, and enforcing compliance with institutional policies, insurance requirements, fire codes, ADA standards, and rental agreements.
Collaborates with vendors and contractors to secure necessary services and equipment for theater operations, including obtaining quotes, negotiating contracts, and working with the Purchasing Department to finalize agreements. Submits purchase requisitions for equipment and supplies as needed.
Nurtures relationships with county high schools, local businesses and business groups, arts groups, government agencies, the community, the media, and arts organizations for collaboration and rental opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.