Production Manager – Events & Theatrical Productions

About The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

The Trump Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliate, the National Symphony Orchestra.

At the Trump Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Trump Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

Mission Statement: As America’s performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across the United States and around the world, connecting the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, no matter their background. We welcome all Americans and creators and visitors from across the globe to discover, experience, learn about, be inspired by, and engage with the arts.

Why Join Us

We offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees to include:

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA

Pay Details

The Trump Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $71,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate the presentation and/or production of performances and events presented by and/or at The Center and The Reach. This position primarily manages and administers production operation details of multiple productions and events with many occurring at the same time or in close sequence in theaters and event spaces. The Production Manager will be responsible for creatively solving production problems while working within the guidelines of labor agreements, existing inventory, and available schedule; and in keeping with the policies, procedures, and standards of The Center. The Production Manager will also at times serve as in-house production designer for major fund-raising events of The Center and general aesthetic designer of some stage presentations and outside events.

Key Responsibilities

• As Production Manager for internal and external special events: serve as production liaison for clients and artists : maintain and disseminate to perspective clients technical specifications of the venue(s); review artist show contracts and technical specifications; provide production budgets, schedules, and labor estimates; design scenic and lighting decor; and produce appropriate plots. Schedule crews; order production equipment and supplies; report trucking activities. . Prepare and distribute production schedules and layout plans including drawings of ground or space plans, to departments affiliated with presentations including, but not limited to: Programming, Security, Facilities and Theater Management.
• Production manages theatrical productions, including touring Broadway attractions, international theater companies, major and international ballet companies, as well as The Center’s productions, and rentals. The Production Manager contacts artist and/or artist’s management to request technical information, receives technical forms and stage plots from programming staff, artists or traveling productions, and determines production needs, crew (Stagehands, wardrobe, hair and make-up) staffing, and schedule requirements. Serves as primary production liaison for all productions assigned. Maintains and disseminates technical specifications of the venue(s); reviews artist show contracts and technical specifications; provides production budgets, schedules, labor estimates; schedules crews; orders production equipment and supplies and reports trucking activities. Prepares and distributes production schedules to departments affiliated with presentations including: Programming, Security, Facilities and Theater Management.
• As Production Manager, oversees or acts as scenic and lighting designer for Center events that may include: NSO Ball, Mark Twain Prize Gala; Honors Activities, 4th of July Gala. Works closely with Special Events staff to develop, construct and implement creative design. Create appropriate scenic, lighting and seating plots, ensuring that the event is code compliant with respect to egress. Work with vendors to produce scenic elements.
• Provides administrative support in Production Operations and Maintenance; maintains event schedule; coordinates Building Service group set-ups & breakdowns; orders and tracks production equipment and supplies; assists Project Manager with yearly budget.
• Other duties as assigned such as overseeing maintenance or capital improvement projects in theater spaces.

Key Qualifications

• A minimum of 5-7 years in theatrical production management, technical production, stage management, and/or production design is required.
• Bachelor’s degree is required and experience in theatrical design or theatrical technical management is strongly recommended.
• Thorough working knowledge of all areas of theatrical production and presentation.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
• Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks is very helpful.
• Knowledge of ArtsVision software for production and programming calendars a plus.
• Excellent organizational, communication and financial management skills as well as supervisory experience is necessary in order to successfully and efficiently facilitate the duties of a manager in this department. Department projects and productions span from small to very large inter-department festivals, attractions, and events.
• The ability to work well under pressure, and prioritize in a multi-task environment is essential. Must be able to translate the artistic and financial concerns of the Kennedy Center while ensuring the safe and successful mounting of productions or presentations.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.

Additional Information

• This position requires frequent travel to/from office to other parts of the building. Not unusual to walk 5-6 miles, including climbing stairs. Must be able to work odd hours including evenings, nights, weekends, and will have a frequent work load beyond 40 hours/week.
• This is a very busy, fast-paced environment which requires flexibility in adjusting to changing priorities and demands. Safety, guest service and teamwork are primary values in this Department.
• The sound and light levels in the work environment, particularly for theatrical events, can vary greatly