Director of Production

Job Title: Director of Production
Department: Production
Reports To: Artistic Director
Compensation: Pay Grade 6 - $157,900 - $185,700 Annually
Classification: Full-time, exempt
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Purpose: As a member of the Leadership Team with minimal supervision, works closely with the Artistic Director and Artistic Department, to present high quality performances, prioritizing a high-quality experience for the artists and guest designers. Oversee and direct the successful operations of the Production Department, while overseeing budgeting, and financial management of all production departments and touring engagements and facilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages Technical Coordinator, Stage Managers, Lighting Supervisor, Manager of Wardrobe and Costume Construction, Department Crew Heads, Stage Crew, Wardrobe Department Heads, Scenic Construction, Scenic Artists, and Hair and Makeup Stylists.
• Alongside Artistic Director and Artistic Department, provides complete personal oversight and direction of all stage activity, with a presence onstage or in the auditorium, during work light, technical, orchestra, dress rehearsal and performance. Plans/Oversees the technical aspect of all load in/out, rehearsals and performances. Organize and lead all Production/Artistic meetings to ensure efficient use of stage time.
• Oversees all technical operations and backstage equipment at the War Memorial Opera House. Acts as the primary liaison with the San Francisco Opera and the War Memorial around all co-owned equipment, systems, as well as lead on capital projects, maintenance, and calendar scheduling. Assists in the development and coordination of health and safety programs.
• Prepares and manage detailed annual Production Department, New Ballet, Full Length, Media and Touring budgets. Accountable for the implementation, execution, and outcomes of budgets. In conjunction with Operations Manager track budget expenses and labor.
• Develops and maintains the annual Production Calendar of all program activities and weekly production schedules, incorporating dancer, orchestra, and stage personnel schedules around prevailing union rules.
• Prepares budgets, technical riders and production schedules for all touring engagements or other Ballet presentations or special events. Communicates such information with the Artistic Staff and the Company Manager in a timely manner and executes all relevant production work.
• Negotiates and contracts all set, costume, lighting, projection designers, and costume construction houses. Secures all designer rights, licensing, and royalties.
• Provides oversight and has final authority of the construction build of all scenic elements and costumes for new works.
• Oversees the development of all technical drawings and supporting documents. Including the creations and maintenance of repertory files, audiovisual materials, and production SharePoint Point Page. Oversees the rentals of SFB sets and costumes.
• In conjunction with General Manager participates in negotiation of labor contracts for Local 16, Local 800, Local 706 and Local 784. Act as the primary liaison with IATSE representatives for CBA implementation, compliance, and administration. Review and approve weekly stage assignments and payroll for accuracy and budget compliance. Performs other duties as required or assigned by the Artistic Director and/or General Manager.
• Provides leadership to the Association, School and Leadership Team. Provides support and liaise with Development Department, Special Events, Marketing, IT, Facilities, Training and Education

Positions Supervised: Technical Coordinator, (1), Production Stage Manager (1), Stage Manager (1), Lighting Supervisor (1), Wardrobe Head (2), Costume Manager of Wardrobe and Costume Construction (1), Salaried Department Heads (4), Hair and Make-up Stylists (2) Scenic Construction Head (1) Head Scenic Painter (1)

Internal Contacts: Artistic Director, General Manager, Company Manager, Orchestra Personnel Manager, Facilities Manager, Artistic Logistics Manager, other Leadership and Management Staff.

External Contacts: Designers, Choreographers, theatrical vendors, freight forwarders, peer staff from other ballet companies, scenic and costume construction houses.

Education/Experience: BA/MA- emphasis on Technical Theater and Production

Years and Type of Related Experience Required: 5 - 7 years related experience with major arts organization of comparable size.

Professional/Technical Competencies:

• Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills in managing all technical production elements and personnel for San Francisco Ballet performances and rehearsals, and diligently maintains the highest possible production values for SFB performances.
• Provides objective feedback that motivates, supports, and challenges Production Staff and Stage personnel.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with the artistic staff, stage employees and artists, other departments, union leadership, and outside vendors by building rapport, listening to their needs, and responding in a positive and timely manager.
• Maximizes the productivity of artists and other personnel when working onstage by consolidating and coordinating various schedules and agreements into an efficient annual Production Calendar.
• Effectively acts as managements primary contact for all production matters related to touring.
• Provides general support and offers effective advice to the Artistic Director, and Leadership Team on matters related to theatrical production, artistic and technical employee health and safety, and performances and rehearsal facilities.
• Fully participates in Board, Leadership Team, and Full Staff Meetings, supporting colleagues by offering information and assisting with appropriate projects and initiatives. Provides leadership to the Association on the Leadership team.
• Effectively performs other duties as assigned by the Artistic Director in a timely manner and with a creative and positive attitude.
• Develop and implement policies, plans and execution strategies for all SFB production practices.
• Understand the operations of artistic personnel and facilities departments as they relate to the production department, contributing to role clarity and cross department functionality.
• Dedicated to San Francisco Ballets Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives and ensure those values are reflected in the Production Department.
• Project manage concurrent complex projects over multiple timelines, pivoting between big picture planning and detailed circumstance based problem-solving

Physical Demands and Other Requirements: Cyclical physical and scheduling demands, depending upon the season. Evening and weekend work required during the Ballet performance season. Travel required for domestic and international touring engagements. Requires valid drivers license (with acceptable DMV record). Valid Passport

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Detailed-oriented, highly organized team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Impeccable critical thinking skills, discrete negotiation, and integrity during high stakes moments across productions
• Outstanding oral communication, written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Able to perform effectively under significant pressure in a fast -paced environment while maintaining a high level of efficiency, patience, and tactical problem-solving.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiar with stage lighting, audio, rigging and video equipment and systems.
• Familiar with COVID-19 compliance and safety procedures for backstage and FOH production positions
• Able to accommodate a demanding and flexible schedule with long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• PC and MAC computer platforms, standard office equipment, CAD and other drafting software.

Application Procedure

We prefer you apply online

NO CALLS, PLEASE

San Francisco Ballet Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse staff.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).

Organizational Profile

As America's oldest professional ballet company and one of the three largest ballet companies in the United States, San Francisco Ballet has enjoyed a long and rich tradition of artistic firsts since it was founded in 1933. SF Ballet performed the first American productions of Swan Lake and Nutcracker, as well as the first production of Coppelia, choreographed by an American choreographer. Guided in its early years by American dance pioneers and brothers Lew, Willam, and Harold Christensen, San Francisco Ballet currently presents more than 100 performances a year locally, nationally, and abroad. Under the direction of Tamara Rojo, the Company upholds and drives an international reputation as one of the preeminent ballet companies in the world.