Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Performing Arts Operations

The Performing Arts Center Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for a performing arts center; oversees venue operations, audience services, production management, partnerships, and long-range planning to achieve excellence in visitor experience, artistic quality, and operational effectiveness; collaborates with community and campus stakeholders to advance the mission of the center.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for a performing arts center; evaluate and align projects and initiatives with institutional priorities; develop systems and processes that promote artistic excellence, audience engagement, and long-term financial sustainability
• Direct comprehensive venue and event operations; oversee the master calendar, event scheduling, production logistics, technical operations, and equipment lifecycle management; establish a production environment that enhances production quality and capabilities
• Lead front-of-house and audience experience operations and functions, including staffing, security, ticket sales, concessions, merchandise sales, and accessibility
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships across departments, including finance, safety, transportation, facilities, and technology units to ensure seamless event execution and operational excellence
• Lead long-range operational and facility planning initiatives to support future growth, capital improvements, and evolving program needs
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with artistic partners, community organizations, vendors, donors, and cultural stakeholders to expand engagement, strengthen partnerships, and advance the center's visibility, impact, and reputation
• Lead financial planning and resource allocation processes, including budget development, forecasting, revenue analysis, and expense management; oversee contract development, review, negotiation, and administration for artists, vendors, and rental clients
• Develop and implement business initiatives and revenue opportunities to enhance financial performance; collaborate with the development and advancement team to support fundraising, sponsorship cultivation, membership growth, and donor engagement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with University policies, industry regulations, and accessibility standards; establish an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, staff, audiences, and visitors
• Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in performing arts management, venue operations, and audience engagement; recommend changes that promote innovation, operational excellence, and high production standards
• Provide direct management of Performing Arts Center staff, including all hiring, training, evaluation, and professional development activities

Level:

– Manager

Base Description:

– Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient ability in work design, project management, financial planning and development of goals for accomplishing unit assignments. Reviews and guides work to ensure conformity to policy and effective approaches. Evaluates employee performance and recommend development opportunities. Demonstrates ability to coach employees. Presents and communicates key university indicatives and connects it to unit contributions. Provides broad guidelines. Develops, evaluates, enhances, and/or implements quality improvement practices. Recommends innovative solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Oversees a team (typically 4 or more; no fewer than 2) full
– time direct reports of individual contributors and/or first level supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Monitors and tracks department/area budget
– May plan, forecast, and/or assist in developing budgets
– May have final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

– Encounters varied and complex problems
– Helps to develop creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature but within limited scope
– Modifies, adapts, or refines guidelines if necessary to resolve issues or problems

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices and advanced working knowledge to determine appropriate work methods for the team
– Reviews completed work of others for conformity to policy, and effectiveness of approach
– Delegates advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Communicates key university initiatives and how unit’s work contributes to their achievement
– Presents ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and uses persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $81,312.00
• MidPoint – $101,664.00
• Maximum – $122,016.00

• Community engagement
• Contract management
• Facilities management
• Fundraising
• Marketing
• Operations management
• Policy implementation
• Presentation Skills
• Program management
• Prospect research
• Scheduling
• Strategic Planning