The College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University is searching for a full-time Facilities and Operations Manager to join in the leadership and oversight of its new Performance Research Center.
The College of Fine Arts is developing an interdisciplinary research and production center, focused on technology and performance. This initiative is housed in the former Pittsburgh Filmmakers building at 477 Melwood Avenue, where faculty and students of the School of Drama’s Video & Media Design program (VMD) and the School of Arts Electronic & Time-Based Media program (ETB), have been conducting select courses over the last several years.
Ultimately, this exciting collaboration between Art and Drama will serve as an incubator for a larger performance and technology research center, engaging many schools and outside partners that are actively exploring how new technologies, networked systems, and experimental artistic practices bridge previously separate disciplines and open up new possibilities for storytelling, performance, and art.
We are searching for a full-time Operations Manager to help make this ambitious “program of programs” a reality. This position requires the ability to work in an autonomous manner, bringing in stakeholders from different academic units, and working across existing institutional boundaries to support new and generative forms of interaction. This position is principally responsible for managing all aspects of curricular, operational, and event support and working with relevant faculty, the CFA Dean's office and outside experts in the planning of the future facility. This position will work closely with faculty from the School of Drama and School of Art and will report directly to the Senior Manager of Resource Operations in the CFA Dean’s Office.
Renovations on the 477 Melwood building are scheduled to begin in earnest in early May 2026, and are planned for specific spaces not the whole building. The manager will work closely with the construction manager, contractors, and Campus Design & Facilities Development personnel, to prepare the building and generally keep the renovation process on track. Once renovations on the new facility are complete, the manager will manage filling out the new spaces, and then engage in programming, scheduling, and policy-related activities in support of the new building, curriculum and faculty.
Core responsibilities will include:
Curricular Support
Scheduling of courses and spaces in collaboration with faculty
Supporting day-to-day course work: setting up and striking equipment with student employees, in consultation with Faculty.
Production Studio Scheduling & Management
Planning for growth and budgeting equipment purchases
Working with stakeholders and outside experts on matching curricular plans with well designed facilities and systems.
Operational Support
Equipment Management, Maintenance & Repair Coordination
Student Labor Management
Operational and Technological Improvements
Management of Equipment Lending system and staff.
Event Support
Scheduling and management of public events in coordination with hosts.
Managing multiple theatrical processes and performance spaces in an educational environment
Facilities Operations
Oversight of building maintenance including cleaning, security and access control
Regular inspection of the building (interior and exterior grounds, ensuring proper functionality of HVAC, electrical/lighting systems, plumbing, etc.) and submitting work orders when necessary.
Planning and coordinating with FMS and other campus department staff (laborers/custodians/technicians) for all necessary maintenance–general and specialized; minor and major rehab or major construction projects–for those areas listed above along with waste removal, landscaping, parking, CS/IT (network, WiFi, contracted Melwood Screening Room technology support), and other related tasks.
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Computing Services. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
Education: BFA or MFA
Years of experience: 3-5
Experience managing people and facilities in a theater arts/media live-event context.
Experience managing theatrical performance spaces, shops, equipment, in the service of curriculum and production goals.
Familiarity working with media technology and general knowledge of media equipment, systems and processes.
Experience working in media-production and comfort navigating live-studio environments.
Experience working in an educational environment.
Must be able to climb ladders and lift 50lbs
Training for specific equipment will be available on an as-needed basis and upon request.
Requirements:
Successful Background Check
Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Facilities OperationsPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.