Sr Manager - Venues, SOA

Orem, UT, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $63,793.00 - $75,050.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work schedule

Employee wellness programs

Job Description

Utah Valley University (UVU) is a public university located in Orem, Utah, known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. UVU offers a broad range of academic programs and is recognized for its innovative techniques in instruction, experiential learning opportunities, and strong engagement with the community it serves. Within this vibrant institution, the School of the Arts and the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts stand out as premier platforms providing exceptional academic and cultural events. The Noorda Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts venue hosting diverse artistic performances and productions that enrich both the university community and the public. UVU values safety, creativity, and professionalism, ensuring its facilities and events uphold the highest standards for all participants.

The Senior Venue Manager at UVU delivers senior-level leadership overseeing technical operations in a multi-venue setting directly supporting academic, presenting, university, and external events. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this role carries accountability for the overall readiness, safety, and flawless execution of technical facets across assigned performing arts venues. The Senior Venue Manager exercises independent judgment and advanced expertise in managing complex theatrical and event productions. Responsibilities include direct supervision of the full-time Lighting Manager and Audio Supervisor and managing production crews, technical systems, and operational workflows. The position supports the instructional and artistic mission of the School of the Arts and Noorda Center by maintaining professional standards across lighting, sound, rigging, projection, communications systems, motors, and stage facilities.

Key duties encompass leading production teams during load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and strikes, directing staff schedules and workflow, coordinating between faculty, visiting artists, and technical crews, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations. The Senior Venue Manager establishes standardized production procedures, venue workflows, and event checklists aligned with university policies. Strategic coordination of venue schedules and staffing resources is another core area of responsibility, guaranteeing efficient transitions between academic and presenting events. This leadership role also involves overseeing hiring, training, and performance management for technical staff and student employees, fostering ongoing professional development and safe work practices.

The ideal candidate combines a thorough knowledge of theatrical and event technical systems, operational management, safety compliance, and strong communication skills necessary for coordinating multi-disciplinary teams. Expertise with rigging systems, stagecraft, and production software further enhances the ability to execute high-quality events reliably. This senior management role offers the opportunity to contribute to a renowned performing arts institution within a university setting dedicated to artistic excellence and innovative educational experiences.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in the arts, management, or related field
three years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience totaling seven years
experience managing multi-venue facilities preferred
thorough knowledge of theatrical production systems
knowledge of safety standards and regulations
ability to supervise and mentor staff
strong technical and operational leadership skills
ability to coordinate complex productions and manage multiple priorities
excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
proficiency with production and office software
commitment to safety and compliance
ability to work independently and collaboratively

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in the arts, management, or related field and three years of relevant experience
or a combination of education and experience equaling seven years in fields related to the summary of responsibilities
Preferred: combination of education and experience equaling eight years
experience managing a multiple-venue facility
thorough knowledge of theatrical and event production systems and infrastructure
thorough knowledge of chain motor/hoist systems, counterweight rigging systems, and applicable safety standards and regulations
working knowledge of theatrical construction methods, materials, and power tools
comprehensive knowledge of technical and operational requirements for performing arts, academic, and special events
knowledge of event and production management practices from planning through execution and post-event evaluation
knowledge of labor-related practices including scheduling and payroll
knowledge of crowd management, event safety, risk mitigation, and emergency response standards
knowledge of office and production software including Microsoft Office and scheduling, payroll, and production management systems
knowledge of organizational workflows for performing arts venues
working knowledge of safe work practices, personal protective equipment, and safety systems in theatrical and event production
skill in providing technical and operational leadership for complex productions
advanced skill in theatrical and event rigging including counterweight systems and motorized hoists
skill in troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, and repair of equipment
skill in the use of industry-standard production software
skill in planning, scheduling, and time estimation for concurrent productions
skill in communication and coordination with staff, faculty, and visiting artists
ability to provide senior-level leadership and oversight
ability to supervise and mentor full-time, part-time, and student employees
ability to exercise independent judgment and sound decision-making
ability to analyze technical and operational needs and implement solutions
ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines
ability to read and apply technical documentation
ability to uphold strict safety standards
ability to learn new systems and work effectively both independently and collaboratively

Job Duties

Direct and oversee production crews during load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and strikes ensuring adherence to professional standards, schedules, and operational priorities
Provide senior oversight of all technical assets within assigned venues including lighting, sound, projection, communications systems, rigging, motors, and stage facilities
Assume responsibility for the execution and supervision of all rigging and motor operations in compliance with safety standards and best practices
Provide expert guidance to theatrical designers, faculty, and production teams regarding equipment capabilities, specifications, and appropriate applications for academic, presenting, and external events
Establish, document, and maintain standardized production procedures, venue workflows, and event checklists aligned with institutional expectations
Provide strategic coordination of performance venue schedules in partnership with the Production Supervisor encompassing rehearsals, performances, instructional use, and pre- and post-event operations
Ensure venues are production-ready and efficiently transitioned between events through proactive planning and oversight
Provide direct supervision and performance management of the full-time Lighting Manager and Audio Supervisor, and oversee the recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, and evaluation of Event Production Support (EPS) crew ensuring appropriate alignment of staffing resources with operational and academic needs
Coordinate staffing plans and work calls across production shops in collaboration with the Director of Operations and shop supervisors
Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing mentorship to student employees consistent with professional production standards
Provide on-site leadership during production meetings, work calls, rehearsals, and performances to ensure effective execution and technical consistency
Serve as the primary venue-level authority and point of coordination for academic productions, faculty-led performances, and visiting artists
Oversee coordination with visiting production teams and company management to ensure alignment with institutional policies, venue capabilities, and technical standards
Lead the identification and resolution of production challenges through coordinated efforts across lighting, sound, scenic, and stage operations
Exercise judgment to address unforeseen technical or operational issues and implement appropriate solutions in collaboration with the Director of Operations
Maintain overall accountability for venue safety compliance including developing, implementing, and documenting safety programs and training initiatives
Ensure venues and workspaces meet institutional safety standards through regular review and proactive risk mitigation
Provide leadership-level training, supervision, and mentorship for full-time, part-time, and student employees in the safe and effective use of technical systems and equipment
Oversee the condition, maintenance, and repair of technical equipment across venues
Plan and coordinate equipment replacement, upgrades, and purchasing requests within approved budgets in collaboration with the Director of Operations and shop supervisors
Perform other job-related duties as assigned