Production Manager

Position Title: Production Manager
Department: Performing Arts
Reports to: Director of Production
Position Status: Full Time; Salaried; Exempt; At Will

Overview: The Production Manager (PM) works collaboratively in a team environment to support the seamless execution of multi-day performances and co-productions held in the ICA’s Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theatre. The PM is primarily responsible for ensuring successful pre-production, load-in, show run, and strike for all ICA multi-day performances, co-productions, and select music and educational events, as assigned. The PM coordinates technical resources between events; maintains and operates equipment and equipment databases; works directly with artists to problem-solve and troubleshoot; serves as crew chief for selected events; and oversees the maintenance of the physical theater and support spaces. The PM is the primary knowledge base for the theater’s lighting systems and equipment and collaborates closely with a wide range of internal departments. Working hours require flexibility to meet production demands; nights and weekends are required. This position requires an onsite presence.

While this position currently includes a meaningful emphasis on theatrical lighting systems, the ICA recognizes that strong Production Managers may bring primary expertise from a range of technical or production disciplines. Candidates with substantial experience in areas such as audio, video, staging, projection, or production management are encouraged to apply, provided they are comfortable working in a production environment where lighting is a regular and integral component of the role.

The Production Manager contributes to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect, embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centering Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work.

WORKING AT THE ICA:

1. All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the advancement, production management, and supervision of ICA-programmed or co-produced multi-day performances.
• Assist with pre-production and production management of recurrent programs and events such as Harborwalk Sounds and First Fridays and other one-off performances and events as assigned.
• Serve as the primary technical knowledge base for the theater’s lighting systems and infrastructure; create and maintain drawings, symbol libraries, and production paperwork using Vectorworks and Lightwright to ensure accuracy, consistency, and institutional continuity across productions.
• Serve as a technical resource to Lighting Designers and Master Electricians, providing system-specific expertise and ensuring safe, efficient integration of visiting designs into the ICA’s lighting infrastructure.
• Oversee all technical components (lighting, audio, video, staging, projection) and associated labor for ICA theatrical and multi-day performances, as assigned.
• Work with the Director of Production on crew hiring, scheduling, paperwork to include onboarding, bookings, and confirmations.
• Oversee the House Manager and Usher staff for theater performances and programs, always being mindful of an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming guest experience.
• In collaboration with other Production Managers, monitor the condition of theater spaces and production equipment and report updates during departmental meetings to support proactive maintenance and operational readiness.
• Oversee annual Maintenance Week, including the cleaning, reorganization, inspection, and inventory of all theater equipment and infrastructure.
• Along with other Production Managers, manage rental equipment and consumable orders as well as vendor relationships.
• Work collaboratively across all museum departments.
• Advise on equipment purchases to maintain the highest production standards.
• Attend weekly Production Department and Operations meetings and organize and lead production meetings for incoming performances.
• Assist with the creation and upkeep of budgetary and logistical tracking tools.
• Work with the Director of Production on policy and procedure documentation.
• Coordinate and administer the volunteer usher program.
• Work with Brighter Boston interns to support a successful internship experience.
• Ensure all events meet accessibility standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3–5 years of prior technical management experience with progressively increasing responsibility; strong working knowledge of production principles and best practices.
• B.A., B.S., or BFA in technical theatre or theatrical design preferred, or commensurate professional experience in production management or live performance environments.
• Strong foundation in theatrical and event lighting design and systems implementation, or equivalent experience working closely with lighting systems in a production management context.
• Ability to oversee simultaneous production disciplines while delegating tasks and providing clear direction.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to remain calm in live-event environments.
• Flexible, collaborative approach when working with artists, audiences, crew, vendors, and colleagues.
• Proficiency with Vectorworks and Lightwright.
• Working knowledge of ETC Eos and Paradigm lighting control systems.
• Working knowledge of audio systems, including signal flow and digital consoles.
• General understanding of theatrical carpentry, projection, and rigging.
• Knowledge of and ability to enforce safety protocols; OSHA 10 certification is a plus.
• The Theater Production Manager must obtain and maintain a valid Crowd Manager certification as required by the State.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Mac OS.
• General understanding of computer networking.
• Working knowledge of Keynote, PowerPoint, QLab, and Excel; Microsoft 365 experience is a plus.
• Ability to work long hours, including evenings and weekends.
• A professional appearance and demeanor appropriate to a public-facing cultural institution is required.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility to work in an office setting and throughout the museum, including offsite locations.
• Ability to see, hear, speak, and understand printed and digital materials for extended periods.
• Visual acuity including color perception, close vision, depth perception, and distance vision.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds; push, pull, climb, grip, and operate lifts.
• Comfort working at heights using ladders, scaffolding, and lifts.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

The ICA offers an excellent benefit package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, disability/life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off.

Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 annually

The wage range for this role accounts for a variety of factors used to make compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and professional training, and to the organization’s internal compensation structure. It is typical for a new hire to enter their role at the lower end of the stated range based on meeting the minimum qualifications of the position. At the ICA, compensation decisions are dependent on facts and circumstances of each case.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@icaboston.org. When applying, please include “Production Manager” in the subject line.