Senior Director of Artistic and Production (SDAP)

ADMIN MGR 1 (000547)

UCPath Position ID: 40062146

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1102181

Approved Date:

1/28/2026 1:31:45 PM

Date Last Edited:

1/28/2026 1:31:41 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

7/1/2016

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1210O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

Division Code:

1211D

Division:

PUBLIC ARTS UNIT

Department:

370000 - UCLA PERFORMING ARTS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40062146

Position Description ID

170467

UC Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 1 (000547)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 25

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

C: Supervisor - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40187786

Reports to Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40047093

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

004263

ADMIN OFCR 2 CX

1

005834

CMTY EDUC SPEC 4

1

006144

THEATER PROD SPEC 2

1

004722

BLANK AST 3

1

007735

GEN ACCOUNTANT 3

1

006144

THEATER PROD SPEC 2

2

004767

FINANCIAL ANL 2 CX

2

POSITION SUMMARY

As a key member of the organization's leadership, the Senior Director of Artistic and Production (SDAP) reports to the Executive and Artistic Director (EAD) of UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance (CAP UCLA). The Senior Director of Artistic and Production (SDAP) is responsible for:

1. In close collaboration with the EAD, The SDAP is responsible for development and implementation of CAP UCLA's artistic vision and strategy, and acts on behalf of the EAD as required.

2. The SDAP is the principal lead for continuous management of the multiple-year planning, development and implementation requirements of all CAP UCLA programs across multiple venues.

3. Utilizing creative and detailed financial analysis of the artistic and accompanying educational programming, the SDAP will have detailed management oversight for each project (being planned and /or implemented), in alignment to the mission and goals of the annual program overall.

The position carries with it and held accountable for:

1. Delivering an ambitious and industry-leading artistic program for CAP UCLA's presenting program through research, development and robust curatorial practice.

2. The SDAP provides curatorial oversight of CAP UCLA's public offerings and leads the Artistic and Production Department, which designs and executes artistic planning and operations, project management production and technical operations, academic and community engagement and artist residencies, which include collaborations with faculty and student research across campus. This position is also responsible for developing and managing CAP UCLA's programming budget, informing the artistic and production operating budget, and supervising the artistic and production teams.

3. The SDAP also works in close partnership with CAP UCLA's Director of External Affairs and Executive Director of Development for UCLA Arts creating and driving major fundraising initiatives, including grant proposals and individual donor requests, that support CAP UCLA's artistic vision and advance the reputation of CAP UCLA as a major arts presenter.

4. Smooth daily operational flow in the absence of the EAD.

5. The successful development and management of program planning and all projects associated within it.

6. The sound financial standing of each project utilizing creative and detailed financial planning and cost benefit analysis in alignment with the overall program.

7. Managing and developing the parameters of each project from planning to completion detailing cost associated with the program, potential risk and proposed solutions, timelines associated, staffing needs and requirements (production, labor, etc.), artists' needs and requirements, and all other overall needs for the successful completion of the program.

8. Developing annual fiscal projections detailing areas of improvement and implementation plans for improvement across the program.

9. Strengthening existing resources and building new possibilities.

10. Creating and outlining measures to timely and accurately comply with University policies, guidelines and procedures.

11. Setting goals and milestones to continuously strengthen the overall programming aspects of CAP UCLA in accordance with its mission and purpose as defined by the EAD.

The SDAP should have the capability to assess, evaluate and plan each program to represent and uphold CAP UCLA standing in the field of performing arts. The SDAP should ensure professionally run programs properly use University resources and adhere to policies and procedures. The SDAP while contributing to delivering the highest quality of performances representing CAP UCLA will ensure and meet the expectations of performers and contractors and must have a comprehensive working knowledge of all projects in order to progress program details for all departments.

Incumbent independently performs daily operations and routine tasks in accordance with department and University policies and procedures. Duties are completed under the supervision and with general review by the Executive and Artistic Director of UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance (EAD).

UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance (CAP UCLA) is an internationally recognized public arts organization dedicated to the advancement of contemporary performing arts by leading artists from around the world in all disciplines: dance, music, spoken word, and theater; as well as emerging digital, collaborative, and cross-art platforms. CAP UCLA supports the creation, presentation, and critical dialogues vital to the innovation and expressive potential of artists who inform the dynamic and evolving heritage of contemporary performance. Through an annual season of performing arts and extensive community-engagement initiatives and events, CAP UCLA advances the importance of art in society by celebrating and deepening the connection between artist and audience.

Program Administration

Curatorial Oversight and Program Strategy

1. Act as deputy artistic director in developing and implementing the artistic vision and strategy for the organization in collaboration with the EAD. Establish annual and long-range programmatic goals and priorities. Oversee planning and execution in support of that strategy.

2. In close collaboration with EAD, assess artists and projects, curate CAP UCLA’s season and festivals, and provide curatorial oversight of all of CAP UCLA’s artistic offerings, ensuring alignment with CAP UCLA’s mission, vision, and values; oversee calendaring and booking of all artistic engagements. Ensure a desired balance across CAP UCLA’s programming regarding variety of artistic offerings, artist representation, audience experiences, venues and more.

3. Cultivate relationships with global, national, regional and local arts partners and be knowledgeable of and invested in their interests, mission, and goals, and act as a catalyst and novel resource to them in realizing their potential through their presence on and collaboration across UCLA campus. Lead the development and management of a pipeline of artistic partners through the strategic multi-year expansion of major artistic relationships, and identification of and engagement with compelling new and emerging artists, producers, and presenters.

4. Devise and direct programmatic initiatives that speak to the strategic priorities and prevailing issues impacting our campus and community, position us as a leader and force for change in our industry while also considering the giving interests of individual, corporate, and foundation funders with whom CAP UCLA has existing relationships and those with whom we don't yet have a relationship but are of strategic interest to the organization and the University.

5. Serve as deputy to the Executive and Artistic Director of UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance (EAD) as an international public spokesperson for the organization, enhancing CAP UCLA’s relationships with external constituencies and developing and delivering messaging around CAP UCLA’s mission and impact, in order to excite and encourage a pipeline of powerful global artistic, cultural, and philanthropic stakeholders and deepen their support and engagement across campus and in the community.

6. Serve as deputy to the Executive and Artistic Director of UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance (EAD) as a spokesperson for the organization across campus, enhancing CAP UCLA’s relationships with UCLA partners and stakeholders to ensure CAP UCLA’s work aligns with and helps deliver the University's wider strategic goals.

7. Build awareness and appreciation of CAP UCLA as a coveted destination for artists and cultural collaborators to engage in performance, research, teaching, and creation of new works.

8. Enhance CAP UCLA’s relationships with external constituencies as well as partners across campus and within the UC system and develop and deliver messaging around CAP UCLA’s mission, offerings, and impact, in order to excite and encourage a pipeline of powerful global artistic, cultural, and philanthropic stakeholders and deepen their support and engagement.

9. Partner with Development to build clear and powerful messaging and contextualization around CAP UCLA’s public programming for external stakeholders and the campus community.

10. Represent CAP UCLA with various national and international professional industry groups, including the Major University Presenters (MUPs), Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA).

40%

OPERATIONAL & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

1. Under direction from the EAD, analyzes goals and objectives in regard to program development, particularly as it relates to budgetary plans, setting fiscal priorities and restrictions.

2. Represents the organization as required through local, national and international conferences, platforms and leadership meetings associated with CAP UCLA standing in the profession at large.

3. In the absence of the EAD, SDAP is the primary liaison for all departments regarding program changes/adjustments throughout the planning phases. SDAP is responsible for maintaining up to date information dissemination to all parties involved in the program.

4. Negotiate all CAP UCLA performance agreements and Deal Memos ensuring performances adhere to university policies and guidelines and the EAD's imperatives.

5. Project-manage up to 50 CAP UCLA events per year, working closely with Marketing, Development, Education, Production, and Artist Services- serving in a partial supervisory capacity for Production and Artist Services staff with respect to all contractual matters, ensuring various departmental needs are established into the contractual arrangements. SDAP takes into account the respectful recognition of artistic imperatives pertaining to successful presentation of each project.

6. Investigate alternative avenues that could be developed to help optimize program development of CAP UCLA, exploring new programming aspects, modifications to existing program practices and in turn make comprehensive recommendations to EAD.

7. Along with ongoing tracking for future project planning and for programming cultivation of CAP UCLA, SDAP is responsible for continuous research to seek out or learn collaborative opportunities with other departments on campus to bring to the EAD.

20%

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

1. Responsible for monitoring program related expenditures and revenue by producing and providing the budget allocations, audit expenditure reports, reconciliation of ledgers and program evaluations. Expected to provide recommendations and proposals to enhance the program management of the department.

2. Along with ongoing tracking for future project planning develop both short and long term fiscal projection pertaining to program planning cycles over multiple years.

3. Develop executive fiscal plan detailing cost (production, labor, etc.), optimizing resources, outlining timelines, outlining program needs (i.e. staffing, artists, etc.) and all program requirements for each program and generate working budgets detailing all aspects pertaining to the successful implementation of the program.

4. As part of fiscal responsibility of the position, responsible for supporting resource development and fundraising in close collaboration with the Director of Development and the Council.

5. Prepare and represent the annual programming budget with the assistance of the Manager of Accounts and Finance for review and approval by the EAD and the Dean's Office.

30%

SUPERVISION

1. As part of the organization’s ongoing operations and to ensure its smooth and effective functioning, this position provides both direct and indirect supervisory oversight. The role directly supervises four (4) career full-time employees, including the Artist Liaison, Community Projects & Operations Manager, Production Manager, and Assistant to the Executive and Artistic Director of UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance (EAD). In addition, the position indirectly supervises four (4) additional career full-time employees through subordinate managers, resulting in a total supervisory scope of eight (8) career employees.

2. Oversee that all technology equipment, software, hardware, and files are protected and secured in compliance with university standard and guidelines.

3. Serves as backup in the absence of Artist Liaison and Community Projects and Operations Manager.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

Broad and in-depth knowledge of the performing arts across all genres, with an understanding of both national and international performing arts landscapes and their distinct operational requirements.

Required

Strong understanding of business law, contractual frameworks, and industry legalities, including the accurate preparation and interpretation of deal memos, technical riders, and contracts.

Required

Demonstrated financial acumen, including the ability to interpret financial data and reports, exercise sound judgment, and make informed recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making.

Required

Proven expertise in budget development and financial planning, including accurate projections based on historical data and future needs, tracking complex programming information, and preparing detailed budgetary analyses.

Required

Advanced analytical and technical proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Access, Word), databases, and the ability to synthesize complex data into clear observations and actionable recommendations.

Required

Skill in designing and implementing effective administrative and operational systems, including long-range planning tools, operating schedules, and concise reporting mechanisms accessible to diverse audiences and leadership levels.

Required

Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to organize, conceptualize, and direct multiple projects simultaneously within a dynamic, complex work environment.

Required

Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities, frequent interruptions, conflicting deadlines, and simultaneous large-scale and detail-oriented tasks.

Required

Ability to build and sustain positive, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including artists, agents, managers, producers, vendors, sponsors, donors, and staff.

Required

Highly effective communication skills, including the ability to facilitate complex negotiations and arrangements among artists, managers, promoters, and agents in support of both short- and long-term programming objectives.

Required

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare analytical reports, business correspondence, and memos; deliver presentations to varied constituencies; and communicate clearly and professionally in both group and one-on-one settings.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Royce Hall

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.