Managing Director of Production & Operations - Pittsburgh Playhouse

Point Park University • Pittsburgh, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

A highly skilled and collaborative Managing Director of Production & Operations is sought to lead the execution, integration, and operational excellence of all performance and production activities at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. This role reports to Point Park University's Senior Vice President and Pittsburgh Playhouse Executive Producer, ensuring artistic ambitions are realized with precision, efficiency, and high production values. The position involves translating vision into reality, managing production strategy, resource alignment, and operational systems to support a dynamic, multidisciplinary performance venue. The Managing Director is a strategic thinker and expert executor, responsible for building sustainable infrastructure for innovation, creativity, and educational excellence. This role leads the planning, coordination, and execution of productions across theatre, dance, film, and events, requiring extensive experience in live performance, emerging technologies, large-scale events, film/TV production, live broadcasts, and non-traditional/immersive formats. Responsibilities include supervising budgets, schedules, personnel, union compliance, and operational logistics to ensure efficient, safe, and high-standard project delivery. The role is fully responsible for day-to-day production and operational performance, serving as the operational lead of the Playhouse and owning the execution of productions and operational systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in performing arts production, live events, film and television, and education.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced Master of Fine Arts degree and multi-faceted producing experience preferred.
• Experience with educational settings ranging from youth development to higher education is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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).
• Develop and implement production planning for tours and off-site productions.
• Coordinate production for on-location and on-site filming for Playhouse projects.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior