Job Details

Show Runner (Limited Appt)

Position Number: 6468104
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Conference and Events Administration

Show Runner (Limited Appt)

University of California Santa Barbara

Job Posting Details

Benefits of Belonging

There is a reason UCSB has been named the Best Place to Work by our local media for several years running. Whether our employees are on our stunning campus, or working remotely or hybrid they tell us they value the flexibility, stability and rich benefits we offer. Come join us as we support the mission of one of the finest public institutions in the nation. UC Santa Barbara is consistently recognized for excellence across broad fields of study. Set alongside the glorious California coast, our dynamic environment inspires scholarly ambition and creativity. Information Technology Services (ITS), the Campus' central IT unit, contributes to UC Santa Barbara's mission of research, teaching, and community service by partnering with the Campus community to efficiently deliver IT infrastructure and enterprise application services to faculty, students, staff, and affiliates.

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. . Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Departmental Overview

Arts and Lectures (A&L) is a large, robust, complex, primarily self-supporting, nonacademic unit that supports the academic mission of the university. A&L is the largest presenting organization between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and is one of the most visible, public-facing departments at UCSB. Through more than 150 events annually, A&L partners with faculty and academic departments, community organizations and leaders, university administrators, philanthropists and funders to create opportunities that integrate with and complement university curricula and create community connections.

Brief Summary of Duties

Under the direction of the Production Manager, the Show Runner is responsible for the on-site production logistics management of all Arts & Lectures public events including films, lectures, performing arts and special events. Job functions include: planning and organizing of event activities, including managing logistics such as facilities, audience management activities, concessionaires, caterers, and vendors, and facilitation of communication and services with speakers and facility maintenance staff; or provides technical support of these activities.

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.
Willingness and ability to work frequent evenings and weekends.
1-3 years of professional experience in large-scale public event management and production.
1-3 years of demonstrated ability to establish, build and maintain relationships with venue, vendor staff/management, artists, agents, touring managers, lecturers, handlers, patrons and community partners.
Ability to successfully provide support in the coordination of a high volume of catering, hospitality, and travel/logistics.
Ability to represent the University professionally and positively in the community, often under significant pressure.
Knowledge of or experience in some area of performing arts, such as familiarity with theater backstage protocols, performing arts language, technical terminology.

Preferred Qualifications

Proven ability to manage complex projects, timeline and deadlines.
Professional experience with and technical understanding of complex technical riders and hospitality riders.
Demonstrated ability to remain poised/calm and respond to unprecedented situations professionally and expeditiously.
Ability to creatively supervise and motivate numerous (~15) student employees.
Experience with building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse constituencies across a community.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and/or training.

Special Conditions of Employment

Satisfactory conviction history background check.
CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter.
Driver's License (U08): Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment
Ability and willingness to work frequent evenings and weekends.
This is a 100% time Limited appointment working less than 1000 hours for up to 6 months.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegation or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Duties - Percent Time

Mgmt. of Public Event Logistics for Performing Arts & Lectures Program - 90%

Under the direction of the Production Manager, the Show Runner is responsible and accountable for the planning and successful implementation of moderately-complex public events, with the ability to carefully assess and manage risk with a high consequence of error. Responsibilities include fulfilling moderately complex contractual obligations on behalf of the Regents; reviewing technical riders for feasibility and logistical details, and recommending modifications of riders when necessary. Inputs event budgets, secures needed technical and hospitality provisions, equipment and supplies, and reports on expenditures. Working with a moderate degree of autonomy, the Show Runner leads the on-site event logistics and interfaces with artists' managers, technical staff, hospitality and other event staff. Serves as a central point of contact and liaison with contracted venue/theatre technical staff and management. Assists the Production Manager in creating detailed and complex residency schedules ensuring coverage of all essential event responsibilities and timelines. The Show Runner ensures smooth-running, effective events, including successfully recognizing and resolving potential and real problems in a timely manner using tact, sensitivity, discretion and political acumen. Maintains an awareness of the production requirements as well as any limitations, requirements, budget and spatial constraints of the venue and UC policies and procedures. Upholds applicable union, collective bargaining, and Venue Master Services agreement as well as industry standards and best practices. Assists the Production Manager in initiating vendor contracts for the provision of sound, lights, catering, transportation and accommodation; and represents the University with decision-making authority at all times throughout the artists' residency. Coordinates all activities related to the public event, including managing the public and press and coordinating with ticketing personnel and Development officers. Holds a high level of accountability in ensuring that safety standards are upheld at each venue and that event management staff is appropriately trained. Works collaboratively and proactively with the Arts & Lectures Senior Directors, Development Officers, managers and staff. In partnership with the Production Manager, the Show Runner is responsible for accounting for all expenses relating to the performing arts and lectures events (approximately $850K annually). As a member of the A&L management team, the Show Runner may advise senior management on matters of critical importance.

Supervision - 10%

The Show Runner supervises the full-time Production Coordinator and oversees approximately 25 student employees. Responsible for on-site management and supervision during events.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information:

University of California Policy on Vaccinations https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/

* Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations

The University of California endeavors to make the UCSB Job site (https://jobs.ucsb.edu) accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Privacy Notification Statement

Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security & Fire Safety Report Disclosures

Position Number: 41193781

Payroll Title: Events Specialist 3

Job Code: 006292

Job Open Date: August 12, 2025

Application Review Begins: August 27, 2025: open until filled

Department Code (Name): ALEC- Arts & Lectures Department

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): 99 (Non-Represented)

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff (Limited)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: 21

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is: $71,600 to $99,500/yr. Salary offers are based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $71,600 to $127,400/yr.

Work Location: 110 Castilian Drive & Bldg. 402

Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8:00am - 5:00 pm with frequent weekends and evenings required

Benefits Eligibility: Mid-Level Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: N/A

Special Instructions: For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Application Status: If you would like to check the status of your application, please log into the Candidate Gateway where you applied and click on 'my activities'.

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucsb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=80451&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=31&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant