University Theatre Designer / Production Coordinator and Venue Manager (10 months)

Position Title :

University Theatre Designer / Production Coordinator and Venue Manager (10 months)

Location :

Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department :

33507 - Williams Auditorium

Advertised Salary :

$50,000 to $55,000; Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements.

Benefits :

Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans

FLSA : Exempt

Temporary / Continuing :

Continuing

Part-Time / Full-Time :

Full-Time

Union Group : N / A

Term of Position : 10 Month

At Will / Just Cause :

Just Cause

Summary of Position :

Ferris State University invites applications for a full-time 10-month University Theatre Designer / Production Coordinator & Venue Manager to join our team in supporting University Theatre productions and Williams Auditorium operations. This dual-role position offers a unique opportunity for a theatre professional to engage in scenic, lighting, and sound design for University Theatre productions and management of the daily operations, including technical and front-of-house aspects of a busy campus venue. This position includes venue scheduling, budget management, and supervision of part-time technical staff and student employees.

We seek a candidate with hands-on experience in theatre design and venue operations who thrives in collaborative environments and is committed to supporting diverse student populations through the arts.

The anticipated start date of this position is December 2025 at the earliest. However, this is estimated and can be revised if needed.

Position Type : Staff

Required Education :

Bachelor's degree in theatre design, technical theatre, performing arts management, or related field.

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Equivalency for education is two years of full-time related work experience equals one year of education.

Required Work Experience :

Experience in the theatrical arts of creating sets, originating the production lighting, and / or sound design, technical direction, and scene shop management at the college or professional level.

Required Licenses and Certifications :

Physical Demands :

• Office Environment
• Bending
• Carrying
• Electrical Hazards
• Moving
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Twisting
• Balancing
• Climbing
• Driving
• Heights
• Lifting
• Pulling / Pushing
• Repetitive movement
• Standing

Additional Education / Experiences to be Considered :

Master's degree in theatre design, technical theatre, arts administration, or related field.

Experience with venue management and operations.

Experience with budgets, ushering, box office, and other front-of-house duties.

Experience managing direct reports.

Experience working with students.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities :

Theatre Designer :

Venue Manager

Marginal Duties / Responsibilities :

Skills and Abilities :

Required Documents :

Optional Documents :

Unofficial Transcript 2

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED) : Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree in theatre design, technical theatre, performing arts management, or related field if applicable. If you do not have a transcript, please write a justification explaining how your work experience is equivalent to the required education and attach that justification in lieu of the transcript. Transcript must include : Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript (if applicable).

Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL) : Attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Master's degree in theatre design, technical theatre, arts administration, or related field if applicable as described in Required Education section. Transcript must include : Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.

Initial Application Review Date :

October 14, 2025

Open Until Position is Filled? :

Yes

Posting Close Date : EEO Statement :

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu . The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit : Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement .

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