Job Summary:

The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking an experienced Senior Production Manager to direct production operations for our concerts and special events. This role oversees performances in our 430-seat Maurer Hall, handles the annual Square Roots Festival, and coordinates off-site presentations across the city, including larger theaters and Chicago parks.

In this role, the Senior Concert Production Manager will advance all assigned events, ensuring that the technical and hospitality requirements of artists are met. While keeping budgets on track, you will play an essential role in fostering outstanding experiences for both performers and audiences.

Become part of one of Chicago’s leading nonprofit music organizations and help bring over 150 vibrant annual events and concerts to life.

Essential Functions:

Advance concerts and events by communicating with artists, managers, agents, and tour personnel to coordinate all production details.
Review and negotiate artist riders, ensuring production and hospitality requirements align with budget parameters and venue capabilities.
Arrange rentals, backline, piano tuning, catering, ground transportation, hotels, and other event logistics as needed.
Plan and coordinate technical requirements including audio, lighting, staging, and other production elements.
Procure and coordinate backline and technical equipment rentals for performances and special events.
Serve as the primary on-site technical contact, overseeing load-ins, production activities, and vendor coordination.
Anticipate and resolve production issues before, during, and after performances.
Prepare production schedules, call times, and show rundowns; request artist payment checks and review post-show paperwork.
Manage and schedule freelance sound engineers.
Lead production operations for the Square Roots Festival, including artist advancing, backline rentals, and coordination with the festival's PA provider.

Technical & Administrative Functions

Develop and manage production budgets for concerts and equipment needs.
Maintain and oversee the operation of audio, lighting, and backline systems in Maurer Hall, Szold Hall, Armitage Hall, and Gallagher Way.
Troubleshoot, repair, and coordinate maintenance of production equipment. Recommend equipment purchases and system upgrades, and oversee the installation and integration of new production equipment as needed.
Provide occasional technical support for classroom equipment in collaboration with the Operations and Equipment Manager.
Expected to work sound engineer shifts when needed.
Must be able to anticipate problems, plan ahead, and solve issues effectively.

Qualifications Required

Five or more years of experience producing concerts and events at a professional performing arts venue or similar facility presenting regular public performances.
Demonstrated experience interpreting artist riders, stage plots, and technical drawings, and developing accurate production budgets.
Strong working knowledge of concert production, including professional audio systems and stage lighting.
Professional live sound engineering experience required, including the ability to independently mix concerts in a professional performance venue.
Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with a collaborative, service-oriented approach to working with artists, colleagues, and vendors.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
Appreciation for and knowledge of a wide variety of musical genres.
Simple soldering experience is a plus.

Qualifications Preferred

Experience producing festivals or other large-scale events.
Some experience with concert lighting systems and lighting.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

Valid U.S. driver's license and proof of insurance.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as event schedules require.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Range:

$75,000 - $85,000 annually

Other Duties:

Old Town School of Folk Music jobs

Senior Production Manager - Concerts