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Director of Production

Epacenter
Full-time
On-site
East Palo Alto, California, United States
AI Product Manager

EPACENTER

Job Posting

Director of Production


Organizational Overview


EPACENTER is a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural engagement headquartered in East Palo Alto, dedicated to inspiring imagination and activating the creative potential of all who seek greater access to artistic opportunities in San Mateo County. EPACENTER unites individuals of every age through artistic expression, supports career pathways in creative fields, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community.


EPACENTER presents a dynamic range of public programs, including captivating live performances, thought‑provoking exhibitions and installations, stimulating lectures, curated film screenings, and spirited community events. Our comprehensive array of classes in digital, visual, culinary, and performing arts offers abundant opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Additionally, training programs open doors to rewarding, high‑wage careers within the creative industries.


Designed as an inviting and accessible 25,000‑square‑foot space, the EPACENTER building is a welcoming gathering spot where people of all abilities explore their talents, engage with inspiring ideas, and flourish creatively.


Position Overview


Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Production is EPACENTER’s technical and front‑of‑house leader, turning artistic concepts, career training for emerging creatives, and educational programs into safe, spectacular live experiences for the community to enjoy. The role oversees the planning, budgeting, and execution of concerts, performances, screenings, festivals, exhibitions, educational activities, and one‑off activations. The Director of Production ensures every class, public program, and event meets the highest standards of quality, safety, audience engagement, and fiscal stewardship in partnership with Artistic, Advancement, Educational, Facilities, and Operations leaders within the institution.


Key Responsibilities


  • Produce an annual slate of concerts, performances, screenings, talks, festivals, exhibitions, one-off activations, and community events from concept through load‑out, managing production timelines, technical riders, permits, and vendor contracts.
  • Develop and manage detailed production budgets, track expenditures, revenue, and in‑kind contributions, and deliver monthly variance reports to the Executive Director.
  • Coordinate with facilities, security, sales, concessions, and visitor services to deliver smooth front‑of‑house operations and superior audience experiences, including post‑event reconciliation.
  • Oversee box‑office set‑up, ticketing platforms, and onsite merchandise points in collaboration with the Advancement team.
  • Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise production crews, stage managers, A/V technicians, and volunteers, and establish clear deliverables and adherence to
  • Establish EPACENTER technical standards for productions.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with production vendors, rental providers, and touring entities.
  • Maintain compliance with OSHA, ADA, fire, insurance, copyright, and performance‑rights requirements, and implement risk‑management protocols for all events.
  • Generate dashboards analyzing event attendance, earned‑revenue contribution, and production cost ratios, and recommend strategic adjustments to meet KPIs.
  • Serve as EPACENTER’s representative in securing permits, while also attending industry conferences and local coalition meetings focused on event safety and technical productions.
  • Oversee usage and maintain organizational calendar of studios, kitchen, gallery, and event spaces.


Qualifications


  • Minimum ten years of progressive experience in live event and theatrical production management, backstage operations, or technical direction within a cultural institution, with at least 3-5 years at a department‑head or senior management level.
  • Proven expertise in staging, audio, lighting, and video technologies, plus deep familiarity with California safety, fire, and accessibility codes.
  • Demonstrated ability to build production budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and manage multi-site scheduling.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience supervising stage crews and front‑of‑house teams in high‑pressure environments.
  • Experience with ticketing systems, CRM, and data analytics tools.
  • Excellent organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills with an ability to juggle multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced setting.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Production Management, Event Management, or related field required; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.


Position Details Status:


  • Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week.
  • Frequent evening, weekend, and holiday work required during rehearsals, load‑ins, and events


Reports to:


  • Executive Director


Work Environment & Physical Requirements


Role operates primarily at one location across offices, studios, stages, a gallery, and an amphitheater. Duties require standing and walking for extended periods, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, operating audio‑visual and lighting equipment, climbing ladders, and working in high‑noise environments during load‑ins and shows. EPACENTER provides appropriate safety training and will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


Equal Opportunity Employer


EPACENTER is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories covered by EPACENTER’s nondiscrimination policy.