Head of Properties

Job Title: Head of Properties
Department: Production
Reports To: Production Director
Classification: Regular Full-Time Exempt Position, Union Position - Local 16 IATSE
Compensation: $159,000 - $185,000 Annually

Purpose: Reporting to the Production Director, the Head of Properties provides leadership, oversees and ensures the successful operations of the Props Department. The Head of Properties is responsible for the oversight of maintenance and installations for the props department in performance venues. The incumbent ensures good relationships and personnel supervision of all props related matters that will contribute towards the successful production of SF Ballets Repertoire.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Hire and supervise props department personnel. Make all daily calls based on production calendar and weekly technical schedule, in consultation with Production Director and Technical Manager. Work closely with management and advise Ballet management on best practices of props construction and operations, and to find solutions and efficiencies in the operation of the Props Department
• Supervise and assist in the set up and strike of productions at the War Memorial Opera House and touring venues. Provide support for SFBs extra-performance activities, which include - Meet the Artists (MTA) Points of View (POV) and other SFB sponsored events as required
• Organize and provide delegation of all work in the props department for each performance. Supervise and participate in the running of performances. Supervise, assist and delegate in the loading and unloading of trailers during home season and on tours. Consult with Technical Manager, Lighting Director, Stage Managers and Production Director on ground plans and props tracking. Provide sound guidance and solutions as required.
• Manage all transportation of Wardrobe and H&MU needs with the respective Department Heads.
• Manage and set up all Dressing Rooms and Quick-Change Needs.
• Maintain First Aid needs for the stage.
• Manage transportation and setting up the Orchestra for performances, rehearsals, and auditions through coordination with the Orchestra Manager, Percussion Head, and conductor.
• Manage, track, document and archive all new creations and remounts of props production elements, for performances, in a digital and hard copy format. Track, document and submit weekly payrolls to Production Director. Precure rentals and equipment costs as required for performances during the season. Provide quotes, bids, invoices and purchase order requests to Production Director. Coordinate all trucking requirements during home season for warehouse and War Memorial Opera House in conjunction with Technical Manager.
• Work in conjunction with visiting Scenic, Lighting, Props, Projection Designers, and Choreographers, as required.
• Work with all stage departments and Stage Managers to assure a smooth running of rehearsals and performances. This includes War Memorial personnel.
• Organize and staff annual War Memorial Opera House maintenance. This includes working with the San Francisco Ballet, Opera Heads and the City Electrician. All equipment, controls and backstage areas will be cleaned and repaired as seen fit by all parties mentioned above.
• Maintain a clean and organized warehouse area. Maintain all tools, equipment and supplies owned by the Company that are stored in our warehouse. Keep up to date inventories of all tools and equipment. Supervise and assist in the preparation and loading of production rentals to other dance companies
• Assure that all work is done in a safe and methodical manner and comply with OSHA regulations as required. Use sound judgement and ensure workers are compliant with the necessary fall protection equipment in designated areas. In the event of accident or injury, see that injured personnel are taken to a medical center and all paperwork is complete. File accident reports with San Francisco Ballet management.
• Plan equipment and props needed for touring shows. Assemble equipment at our warehouse and load in trucks for shipment to cities on tour schedule. Contact local personnel at the theaters to be visited and coordinate with them to make the visit a success.
• Work in conjunction with the Production Director to monitor the props budget for materials and labor. Actively finds cost savings, ensuring the most effective usage of financial resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Positions Supervised:

• IATSE Local 16 (San Francisco) Prop Department House Head, Keys, Extras and touring venue Props crew personnel.

Internal Contacts:

• Technical Manager, Stage Managers, Heads of Departments.

External Contacts:

• Vendors and suppliers of equipment and services, IATSE Local 16 Business Agent, Teamsters and personnel from other major performing arts organizations

Education Level and Focus:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience
• Education and/or experience should illustrate proficiency in Theatrical Scenery set up and Construction

Years and Type of Related Experience Required:

• 10+ years experience with theatrical, dance or opera production in a major performing arts organization (dance preferred).
• 5+ years of Staff Supervision
• Must be a full member of IATSE Local 16 Stage Employees union required
• Minimum of 5 years touring experience
• Must be Pink Card eligible
• Advanced knowledge of current industry practices and standards

Technical Competencies:

• Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills in managing all props production elements and personnel for San Francisco Ballet performances and rehearsals, and diligently maintains the highest possible production values for SFB performances.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a large-scale repertory ballet or theater organization
• Demonstrated leadership ability and initiative
• Supervises props department in a manner that motivates, supports, and challenges them, and provides objective feedback.
• Ensures timely and accurate payroll submission for carpentry crew.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with all staff in a professional, confidential and tactful manner.
• Ability to read and understand Ground Plans and props tracking
• Computer, Printer, Microsoft Office proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ensure personnel safety. Effectively follow all established SF Ballet protocols in the event of accidents or injuries.
• Effectively coordinate with all SFB Department Heads in matters related to touring.
• Valid Passport and available for international/national travel as required
• Ability to work on weekends and evenings
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Director in a timely manner and with a creative and positive attitude.
• Reliable daily attendance and punctuality
• Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities successfully
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment

Physical Demands:

• While performing duties of this job, the incumbent must have the ability to walk and stand on stage for long periods of time. Must have the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Special Equipment Used:

• Forklifts, personnel lifts, ladders, hand and power tools

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

As America's oldest professional ballet company and one of the three largest ballet companies in the United States, San Francisco Ballet has enjoyed a long and rich tradition of artistic "firsts" since it was founded in 1933. SF Ballet performed the first American productions of Swan Lake and Nutcracker, as well as the first production of Coppelia, choreographed by an American choreographer. Guided in its early years by American dance pioneers and brothers Lew, Willam, and Harold Christensen, San Francisco Ballet currently presents more than 100 performances a year locally, nationally, and abroad. Under the direction of Helgi Tomasson, the Company has achieved an international reputation as one of the preeminent ballet companies in the world.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

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San Francisco Ballet Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse staff.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).