Director of Production

Cincinnati Opera is seeking a Director of Production who will advance the company’s commitment to artistic excellence, uphold safety standards, and maintain careful stewardship of production resources in support of the company’s long-term financial health. The Director of Production will be a key member of the senior leadership team and will direct all production activities associated with the company’s summer festival, a large‑scale annual gala, and various other events throughout the year.

• Participate in the season-planning process, advising on production feasibility, scheduling, and budgetary implications.
• Work with the Artistic Director, engage, coordinate, and supervise teams of designers responsible for scenic, lighting, costumes, wigs & makeup, and projection/video.
• Investigate and acquire physical productions, managing all logistical, financial, and legal elements of incoming and outgoing production transfers.
• Develop and manage rehearsal and performance schedules in coordination with stage management, artistic, and technical teams.
• Engage and supervise a team of stage management professionals across all rehearsal and performance activity.
• Serve as a senior organizational resource on production, technical, and safety matters for all departments.

• Oversee all technical, design, and logistical elements of opera production from initial planning through final performance.
• Engage and supervise lead positions across all stage unions, including Technical Director, Head Carpenter, Production Electrician, Construction Carpenter, Flyman, Head of Properties, Head Costumer, and Head Sound Technician, among others.
• Lead a year‑round department that includes the Stage Operations Director, Lighting Director, Costume Director, and Production Finance Coordinator, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Coordinate and manage venue rental and usage, including scheduling, technical requirements, and production logistics.
• Oversee the rental and loan of the company’s sets, costumes, props, and equipment to outside organizations, negotiating agreements and enforcing condition, insurance, and return standards that protect company assets.

• Develop production budgets that support the planned season and align with the company’s overall financial goals.
• Monitor expenditures across all production areas throughout the production cycle, identifying variances early and adjusting as needed.
• Provide regular financial reporting to senior leadership.

• Serve as the organization’s primary resource on stage safety, technical standards, and regulatory compliance across all production operations.
• Remain current on industry standards, OSHA regulations, and emerging guidelines related to stage operations, rigging, machinery, and theatrical production environments.
• Develop and implement safety protocols and training programs for all production staff and contracted personnel.
• Ensure all production activities, facilities, and equipment meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

• Manage all production facilities, including the paint shop, scenic shop, and costume shop, ensuring each operates efficiently and is maintained to a high standard.
• Oversee the company’s warehouse and shop operations, including the scenic, paint, and costume shops, maintaining clear storage protocols and ensuring all production assets are well‑organized, properly maintained, and accounted for.
• Manage company vehicles and all production‑related transportation assets, including maintenance schedules, insurance compliance, and usage policies.
• In consultation with senior leadership, plan and prioritize capital improvements and ongoing maintenance across production facilities and equipment.

• Negotiate and maintain collective bargaining agreements, with particular focus on IATSE and AGMA.
• Serve as the organization’s primary management representative in ongoing labor relations with all production union groups.
• Foster a collaborative,…