OPEN POSITION

Production Manager

Department: PRODUCTION

Location: SEATTLE, WA

FLSA Status: HOURLY, NON-EXEMPT

Position Status: REGULAR, FULL TIME

Position Location: 100% ONSITE, UNLESS OTHERWISE APPROVED BY SUPERVISOR

Wage: $33.65 PER HOUR, plus approximately 120-150 hours per year paid at 1.5 overtime rate

Reports to: DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

Start Date: October 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Production Manager is responsible for supporting all technical and production aspects of Seattle Opera programming and events. The employee is responsible for the scheduling and resourcing of internal and external events at the Seattle Opera Center, providing administrative support throughout the production process, and coordinating the financial deliverables for the department. This position will coordinate payroll and scheduling for I.AT.S.E. crew members. The Production Manager will also coordinate safety protocols and equipment with stagehands, costumes & wardrobe, hair & make-up, and stage management employees as outlined in their CBAs. This position has a focus on professional courtesy, collaboration, timeliness, innovation, and respect for the creative process and its participants while maintaining the highest standard of excellence throughout all phases of production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual should be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

· Serve as primary financial coordinator for the department, collect and process timesheets for I.A.T.S.E. crews, and coordinating with the finance department regarding AP/AR, credit card reconciliation, petty cash, and budget tracking.

· Coordinate with McCaw Hall staff and other Opera staff in generating the Event Service Order (ESO) for mainstage productions at McCaw Hall.

· Attend technical rehearsals and performances, and conduct walk throughs as scheduled. Ensures spaces are ready for cast and crew, and that needs are accurate to the ESO request. As needed, writes, distributes, and files production notes. Serves as the lead production representative on site when scheduled.

· Mainstage Productions: Coordinate with internal and external parties regarding questions, requirements, logistics, and timelines for all related events and performances.

· Work with Seattle Opera colleagues cross departmentally to properly document, assign, and inform all pertinent constituents regarding resource moves in the Opera Center.

· Coordinate, plan and book all production department travel and accommodations.

· Serves as the key liaison with Programs & Partnerships department to plan and execute production needs for all programs and events. Attend planning meetings and rehearsals as scheduled.

· Serve as the lead production department member on the Shared Events team and 3rd Party Events team. 3rd Party Events Team duties can include serving as the on-site venue representative for events at the Opera Center and functioning as a supervisor for all Union represented employees working such events.

· Opera Center Events: Coordinate with internal and external parties regarding questions, requirements, logistics, and timelines for all Opera Center events and performances. Coordinate with outside venues and vendors regarding production requirements and logistics.

· Assist Technical Director with the safety and PPE protocols within the production department; including respirator fittings, SDS program maintenance, and attending quarterly safety meetings.

· Perform shared Production Management duties, including building and updating the company calendars, master calendar, and show calendars, and distributing them to staff.

· Other production-related duties as assigned

Education:

· A four-year degree, technical apprenticeship, or other equivalent work experience.

Related experience:

· At least 3 years experience working in stage management and/or production management.

· Bookkeeping and/or accounting experience preferred

· Knowledge of or willingness to learn State and Federal safety regulations

· Knowledge of opera repertoire is helpful

Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations:

· First Aid/CPR certification is required. Training is provided by Seattle Opera.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

· Strong analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

· Knowledge of and comfort with technical theater needs and terminology

· Excellent collaboration and cooperation skills

· High level of experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.

· Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with all staff, management, artists, and the public in a professional and tactful manner.

· Ability to coordinate many tasks, setting appropriate priorities and completing work on schedule with attention to detail.

· Ability to work independently, exercise judgment and initiative.

· Knowledge of, and sensitivity to, issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Technical Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of:

· Microsoft Office Suite

· Scheduling software

· Familiarity with Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or other drafting software is a bonus

· Willingness to learn other production related software programs.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and include: The ability to lift 50 lbs or more with or without assistance. The ability to walk and stand on complex stage settings throughout day-to-day activities. The ability to see clearly in low-light. The ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Typical Work Schedule and Required Attendance:

While the majority of this positions work will be done within a typical work week of Monday through Friday, the daily scheduling of this position will be dependent upon the event needs and scheduling of the day. Night and weekend work will be required, as will occasional six- or seven-day workweeks and extended days during peak production times. The position is expected to work approximately 120-150 hours of overtime throughout the calendar year.

Background Check

Seattle Opera engages a third-party vendor to conduct background checks for all employees. Offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate successfully passing the background check. Any information unrelated to job duties will not be evaluated or have an adverse impact on employment.

Seattle Opera provides a generous benefits package which currently includes:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life, Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance
• Employee-funded 403(b) Savings Plan
• 80 hours of vacation time (first year accrual)
• Paid holidays plus 3 personal days per year
• Sick time per the Seattle Safe and Sick Time Ordinance
• Choice of fully funded transit pass, or 50% funded, special rate parking pass
• Staff ticket comps and class discounts

Seattle Opera is committed to racial equity and to dismantling historic barriers of oppression by creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe that having staff, interns, and volunteers with diverse backgrounds enables us to better meet our mission. Seattle Opera is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal access and opportunity to anyone who qualifies, regardless of sex, race, age, color, religion, mental or physical disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and/or military status.

Learn more about our commitment to Equity and our Racial Equity and Social Impact Plan: Seattle Opera Equity Plan

To Apply: All applications must be submitted using the UKG portal.

Your application should include both a resume and a cover letter.

The application deadline is September 18, 2026.

When you submit your application, you will receive an automated message noting your materials have been received. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to all applicants due to the high volume of resumes submitted. No phone calls, please.