Director of Production

Department: Artistic

Position Title: Director of Production

Reports to: Artistic Director

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $105,000 - $110,000

Location: 100% In-Person, Washington, DC

Application Review: Preference will be given to applicants submitted by December 12, 2025

Position Description:

The Director of Production is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the technical and artistic operations that bring The Washington Ballet's performances and programs to life. This position provides strategic and operational leadership across all production functions: technical production, stage operations, touring logistics, and artistic administration; ensuring the highest level of artistic and technical excellence.

Working closely with the Artistic Director, the Director of Production serves as the bridge between artistic vision and practical execution. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in ballet and dance production, deep technical knowledge, and the ability to manage people, budgets, and complex projects with collaboration, creativity, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and oversee all production and artistic operations, providing supervision and mentorship to production staff and artistic operations personnel.
• Partner with executive and artistic leadership to align production goals with organizational priorities.
• Develop and manage annual production budgets; ensure fiscal accountability and cost-effective planning.
• Evaluate and strengthen departmental systems and workflows to improve efficiency and collaboration.
• Represent the Production Department in strategic planning, operational meetings, and board or committee discussions as needed.

Production Oversight

• Oversee planning and execution of all TWB performances, rehearsals, and special events across multiple venues.
• Manage technical and logistical coordination, including stage operations, scenery, lighting, audio, and video.
• Collaborate with production managers, technical directors, and venue partners to ensure smooth operations and adherence to safety and union regulations.
• Supervise production schedules, contracts, and timelines to meet artistic standards and budget goals.
• Oversee maintenance, storage, and rental of production assets (sets, costumes, props, and equipment).

Artistic Operations

• Supervise company management functions, including dancer contracts, payroll coordination, health and safety, and visa management.
• Support the Artistic Director and rehearsal directors in scheduling, calendar management, and rehearsal coordination.
• Oversee relationships with musicians, orchestras, and conductors; ensure compliance with AGMA, AFM, and IATSE agreements.
• Manage artistic budgets, rights, royalties, and licenses for choreography, music, and designs.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Partner with the School, Community Engagement, and Development teams to support performances, events, and special projects.
• Serve as a liaison between artistic and administrative departments to ensure seamless coordination.
• Foster an inclusive and respectful work environment grounded in TWB's core values.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in production and artistic operations within professional ballet or dance organizations.
• Proven success managing multi-venue productions, budgets, and technical teams.
• Strong working knowledge of union agreements (IATSE, AGMA, AFM) and performing arts production processes.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience collaborating with choreographers, designers, and musicians to achieve artistic excellence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, and technical drafting tools (Vectorworks or similar).
• Touring experience preferred.
• Commitment to TWB's core values: Creativity, Commitment, Communication, Collaboration, Compassion, and Community.

Additional Information

The scope of this position may evolve over time to best support The Washington Ballet's ongoing artistic and organizational priorities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Washington Ballet is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment in all aspects of its work, from artistic performances and ballet education to community engagement and workplace culture. We prioritize presenting artists and perspectives that reflect the dynamism of DC. Through our community partnerships and campus locations, we intentionally bring opportunities to communities throughout the DMV, ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health, vision, and dental insurance
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance fully paid by TWB
• 403b Retirement Plan Option for Employee's Pre-tax & Roth Contributions
• Two weeks annual leave +10 holidays + 2 personal days+ floating holiday
• Six sick days annually
• Free adult ballet classes
• Access to discounted tickets to performances

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references. We encourage all interested applicants to apply even if they do not feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are dedicated to considering a wide array of candidates including those with non-traditional background and experience in the performing arts. Please use your cover letter to elaborate on what you hope to bring to this role and how your prior experience has prepared you for this opportunity.

About The Washington Ballet

Founded more than 80 years ago, The Washington Ballet grew out of the success of The Washington School of Ballet, founded and directed for years by legendary dance pioneer Mary Day. Today, The Washington Ballet's mission is threefold: To bring the joy and artistry of dance to the nation's capital and the world's stage through the professional presentation of the best in classic and contemporary ballet; To provide the highest caliber of dance training through a preeminent school of ballet; and To serve and involve the entire community through extensive dance education and community engagement programs.

• Employer-paid health, vision, and dental insurance
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance fully paid by TWB
• 403b Retirement Plan Option for Employee's Pre-tax & Roth Contributions
• Two weeks annual leave +10 holidays + 2 personal days+ floating holiday
• Six sick days annually
• Free adult ballet classes
• Access to discounted tickets to performances