Director of Theatre Production, Department of Music & Theatre

Title: Director of Theatre Production
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Music & Theatre
Position Compensation: $2000 contract
Location: Main Campus

Who We Are: 
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Temporary Director of Theatre Production provides overall leadership and coordination for a single production, ensuring successful execution from planning through performance. This role integrates artistic vision with operational delivery, guiding teams to produce a high-quality, performance-ready show. 

This position is hired per show and is not considered a ongoing employment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Production Leadership: Provide overall leadership for the production, ensuring alignment between artistic vision and execution from pre-production through closing.
• Strategic Planning & Delivery: Establish and guide production timelines, resource planning, and key milestones to deliver a successful, performance-ready show.
• Team Leadership & Integration: Lead and coordinate creative, technical, and production teams to ensure cohesive collaboration and effective execution.
• Operational & Technical Oversight: Direct all production operations, including design realization, technical integration, and staging logistics.
• Risk, Safety & Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to safety standards, venue requirements, and applicable labor or union guidelines.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community.

Nice to have:

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experiences including workshops, or other professionally relevant experiences

KEY SKILLS

• Independence & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision. 
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately. 
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. 
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software. 
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills. Ability to interact with a variety of individuals in a professional, kind, and tactful manner. Strong skill in organizing and clearly directing groups of people.
• Flexibility: Ability to maintain a flexible schedule with some evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS & DEMANDS 

The following working conditions reflect the typical demands associated with this position and are subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law: 

• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties in a typical office setting.  
• Clear and professional verbal communication for instruction, collaboration, and customer service.  
• Manual dexterity and motor coordination for typing, writing, and using equipment/tools.  
• Physical mobility to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally bend, reach, or lift as required.  
• Cognitive abilities such as focus, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptability.  
• Professional appearance and hygiene appropriate to the role.  
• Ability to read, write, and understand instructions and technical information.  
• Lift up to 50 lbs.; stoop, kneel, crouch, and handle materials, occasionally.  
• Ability to operate vehicles or machinery, occasionally.  
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, and hazardous materials, occasionally.  
• Proximity to electrical equipment, energized systems, moving mechanical parts, and the use of heavy machinery, tools, or equipment that pose injury risks, occasionally  
• Work may include tasks at heights in confined spaces or on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces with potential for slips, trips, or falls, occasionally.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies. 

Northwestern's Benefits Overview