Production Coordinator

Overview

Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa is hiring a Production Coordinator to help plan and deliver performances, artist residencies, and engagement activities successfully. In this role, you will act as a bridge between the Production team and the Programming & Engagement team, supporting clear communication, organized resource coordination, and a smooth experience for artists, students, staff, and audiences.

You will play an important part in moving events forward, managing detailed schedules, and supporting on-site execution for performances, residencies, and special projects. This can include multi-day festivals and programs across multiple venues. The work involves keeping artist advance materials current, arranging logistics such as travel, hospitality, and production support, and assisting with run-of-show planning and delivery for selected events.

This position is well suited to someone who enjoys live events or performing arts work, can stay organized in a fast-moving environment, and is comfortable balancing long-range preparation with quick problem-solving. You will work closely with visiting artists and campus partners while contributing to a presenting organization that stages more than 80 events each year across many disciplines.

This is a three-year specified term appointment.

Key duties

• Prepare and keep the artist advance sheet updated for residencies and special events.
• Assist with planning and delivering visiting artist programs and residency activities, including resolving conflicts between residency schedules and performance or production timelines.
• Enter engagement details into the organization’s software systems so the wider team has visibility into artist commitments in Iowa City.
• Oversee run-of-show operations for selected Club Hancher performances, Hancher programming at Voxman Music Building, Performing Arts at Iowa events, and other Hancher-presented special events.
• Support special events and festivals, including multi-day and multi-venue productions.
• Carry out related responsibilities as assigned.

About the department

Hancher is a university arts presenter with more than 50 years of history and operates from a facility that opened in 2016. It presents over 80 events each year in dance, music, theater, comedy, and multidisciplinary work, serving both the University of Iowa campus and the wider Eastern Iowa community. Hancher sits within the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement in the Office of the Provost, which oversees Hancher, supports collaboration across the university’s performing arts community, and contributes to the growth of the university’s creative campus.

Required qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree in arts administration, music, theater, dance, communications, or a related area is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The equivalency noted is an AA degree plus 2 additional years of experience, or 4 additional years of experience.

Experience: At least 6 months to 1 year of experience in arts programming, residency coordination, community engagement, or a closely related position is required.

Competencies: You should have experience helping deliver live performance events, including logistics and scheduling; be comfortable keeping detailed records while coordinating with multiple stakeholders; understand stage management or live event operations well enough to support or lead on-site execution; and be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed by event schedules.

Preferred qualifications

Additional experience of more than 1 year in arts programming, residency coordination, community engagement, or a similar role is preferred. Also valued is experience in a presenting organization, higher education setting, or with artist residencies, festivals, or events that span multiple days and venues. Familiarity with scheduling, event management, or project management tools, along with a proactive approach to planning, troubleshooting, and managing competing priorities, will be an advantage.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit both a current resume and a cover letter and mark each as a relevant file in the application system. The role will remain open for at least 7 calendar days and may be filled at any time after that posting window closes. Final candidates must disclose any conviction history, complete a criminal background check, and verify credentials and education. Up to 5 professional references may be requested later in the process.

Additional details

This is an on-site position at Hancher Auditorium. The appointment type is Professional and Scientific, with a full-time schedule. The role is classified at Pay Level 2A. The starting salary minimum is $45,000, and the anticipated salary range is $45,000 to $50,000, along with competitive benefits.

Benefit highlights include health coverage, university-paid life insurance, retirement plans, generous leave, 24/7 support services, well-being resources, access to UI Health Care specialists, professional development opportunities, leadership training, and tuition assistance. Iowa City is also noted for its strong quality of life, major performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, highly regarded public schools, and outdoor recreation.

For more information about benefits, compensation practices, and career development, contact Tracey Pritchard. The recruiting organization is the Office of the Provost.

Contact

Tracey Pritchard, Office of the Provost
Email: [email protected]