The Senior Venue Manager reports to the Director of Operations and provides senior-level leadership for venue-based technical operations supporting academic, presenting, university, and external events. This role is accountable for the overall readiness, safety, and execution of technical operations across assigned venues, exercising independent judgment and advanced expertise in managing complex productions. The Senior Venue Manager provides direct supervision of the full-time Lighting Manager and Audio Supervisor and oversees production crews, systems, and processes to ensure consistently high professional standards while supporting the instructional, artistic, and presenting missions of the School of the Arts and the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts. The Senior Venue Manager reports to the Director of Operations and provides senior-level leadership for venue-based technical operations supporting academic, presenting, university, and external events. This role is accountable for the overall readiness, safety, and execution of technical operations across assigned venues, exercising independent judgment and advanced expertise in managing complex productions. The Senior Venue Manager provides direct supervision of the full-time Lighting Manager and Audio Supervisor and oversees production crews, systems, and processes to ensure consistently high professional standards while supporting the instructional,artistic, and presenting missions of the School of the Arts and the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts. 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. 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 Qualifications:

A combination of education and experience in fields related to the Summary of Responsibilities, equaling 8 years of experience. Experience managing a multiple-venue facility. Knowledge Thorough knowledge of theatrical and event production systems and infrastructure, including lighting, sound, projection, theatre communications, rigging, motors, and stage facilities. Thorough knowledge of chain motor/hoist systems, counterweight rigging systems, and applicable safety standards and regulations. Working knowledge of theatrical construction methods, materials, and standard power tools used in performing arts environments. Comprehensive knowledge of technical and operational requirements for a broad range of performing arts, academic, and special events. Demonstrated knowledge of event and production management practices from planning through execution and post-event evaluation. Working knowledge of labor-related practices applicable to event and production operations, including scheduling and payroll processes. Knowledge of industry standards related to crowd management, event safety, risk mitigation, and emergency response. Knowledge of office and production-related software applications, including Microsoft Office and systems used for scheduling, payroll, and production management. Knowledge of organizational workflows and coordination processes for performing arts venues. Working knowledge of safe work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety systems applicable to theatrical and event production environments. Skills Skill in providing technical and operational leadership for complex theatrical and event productions. Advanced skill in theatrical and event rigging, including counterweight systems and motorized hoists. Skill in troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, and repair of theatrical and production equipment. Skill in the use of industry-standard production software such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, LightWright, QLab, or comparable applications. Skill in planning, scheduling, and time estimation for concurrent productions and instructional activities. Skill in effective communication and coordination with staff, faculty, visiting artists, and institutional partners. Abilities Ability to provide senior-level leadership and oversight across multiple technical disciplines. Ability to supervise, direct, and mentor full-time, part-time, and student employees. Ability to exercise independent judgment and sound decision-making in complex and time-sensitive environments. Ability to analyze technical and operational needs, identify risks, and implement effective solutions. Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines. Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical riders, plots, drawings, schedules, contracts, and production documentation. Ability to enforce and uphold strict safety standards for staff, performers, and audiences. Ability to learn and implement new systems, technologies, and institutional processes. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.