Dance Production Manager

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a prestigious private university located in Los Angeles, California, known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic education within the framework of American Catholic higher education. Recognized as a Carnegie classified R2 institution, LMU fosters an inclusive and diverse community that values creativity, service, and the education of the whole person. Among its many distinguished academic departments, the LMU Dance Department stands out as a vibrant hub of artistic expression and innovation, offering students unique opportunities to engage deeply with the performing arts through rigorous training and dynamic production experiences.

The Dance Production Manager at LMU is a vital full-time staff position (10-month appointment) that plays a central role in the successful execution of the department's extensive production calendar. Reporting directly to the Chair of Dance, this position is responsible for leading all aspects of production for the LMU Dance Department, including the management of seven or more annual dance productions, tours, and various performance-related events. The professional appointed to this role will be expected to maintain a consistent in-person presence during department hours to provide responsive support for ad hoc production and technical requirements. Additionally, attendance at weekly faculty and staff meetings, as well as a physical presence at rehearsals, performances, and departmental events, is mandatory to ensure seamless coordination and execution.

This multifaceted role requires a seasoned individual experienced in managing the end-to-end production of dance performances, encompassing oversight of technical and design elements such as sound, lighting, wardrobe, and stage logistics. The Dance Production Manager will coordinate production schedules, maintain detailed calendars for tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, load-ins, and performance dates, and oversee ticket and merchandise sales logistics. They will work closely with the Chair in the planning and pre-production phases for the academic year, supervise student production assistants, and directly manage the Costume Coordinator to ensure a smooth costume fitting and design process.

In addition to logistical and operational responsibilities, the Dance Production Manager takes on a strategic promotional role. Collaborating with the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts Associate Director for Academic Communications, they will develop and implement comprehensive promotional campaigns aimed at elevating the visibility, identity, and engagement of the LMU Dance Department. This includes producing marketing collateral such as posters, programs, social media posts, newsletters, and event listings. The manager will also coordinate outreach initiatives for ticketing, community partnerships, and cross-campus collaborations to effectively promote dance performances and departmental programming.

This position requires someone with exceptional organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and a strong commitment to LMU's mission and values. The ideal candidate will bring not only extensive technical and production expertise but also a creative approach to marketing and communication. Proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and email marketing platforms is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to lead multi-event performing arts seasons and manage budgets efficiently. While videography, sound engineering, costume design, and sewing are desirable additional skills, they are not mandatory.

The salary range for this role is $78,600 to $102,200, commensurate with education and experience. LMU emphasizes an inclusive work environment and is committed to equal opportunity employment, encouraging applicants who value and contribute to diversity and inclusion.

For individuals passionate about dance production, community engagement, and academic collaboration, this role offers a unique platform to shape the artistic output and public presence of one of Southern California's leading university dance programs. Joining LMU means becoming part of a supportive academic community dedicated to fostering creativity, justice, and excellence in higher education.