FestiFools Studio Production Manager

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Job Summary

The FestiFools Studio Production Manager is an essential member of the technical/ administrative/creative team that brings two major community-wide public art events, FestiFools and FoolMoon - and their related programming -  to Ann Arbor each year.  The Studio Production Manager works both in conjunction with the Creative Director and independently, performing advanced and diverse duties that are best realized by a flexible, curious, creative, and proactive mindset. Frequent evening and weekend work required.

Responsibilities*

Administrative: 20%

• Work closely with the FestiFools/FoolMoon Creative Director to develop and implement FestiFools and FoolMoon events, including ideation and visualization across all project aspects, such as: production; marketing and press releases; communications; sales; and day-of support and execution. 
• Establish a working mission and direct programming (community collaborations, coordination, and facilitation)  to support the character and ethos of both events. 
• Act as a liaison with LSWA's Budget Manager and Business Administrator to manage finances, including expenses, revenues, sponsorships, and donations, and to ensure timely payment to vendors, contractors, organizations, and artists.
• Adhere to U-M policies and procedures regarding finances, fundraising, on-street production, and publicity 
• Oversee sales of merchandise in accordance with UM guidelines for cash handling,  storage, and delivery of proceeds, assisted by the support and guidance of UGED Financial Operations. 

Event Services Management: 10%

• Manage all aspects of FestiFools and FoolMoon on-street production, ensuring thoughtful set-up, safety and direction of volunteers, and acting as on-site coordinator for all vendors and contractors 
• Work with city of Ann Arbor to complete proper event, street-closure, and meter bagging permits, communicating street closures to affected businesses through the Main Street Area Association, guaranteeing electric hookup accessibility, ensuring participant safety, and to abide by city's street-event regulations
• Implement and oversee on-street set up, including placement of barriers and signage, decorations, emergency management, & clean up. 
• Manage talent acquisition, researching and hiring artists/performers. 

Course Support: 5% 

• Assist and prepare students and studio volunteers for the kinetic sculpture-making process, from conception to implementation, including ideation, design, puppet construction, internal structural design, oversight of papier-mache process, and assistance with painting, fabric construction and miscellaneous finishing work
• Oversee Student studio hours
• Co-Manage FestiFools Student Employee Projects, including Studio Assistants, Media Assistant, and High School Interns.

Marketing, PR, & Graphic Design: 22%

• Manage and implement all Social Media accounts, write promotional posts, facilitate sponsorships, share featured articles, photograph and share artistic processes, and create events that encourage connection, engagement, and elicit excitement.
• Produce all graphic design work for print and online promotional materials including:  all marking products, flyers, business cards, thank you letters, sponsor banner, and press releases
• Identify and explore marketing avenues for event promotion 
• Oversee production of event products including manufacturing, graphics, marketing, and sales of luminary kits and souvenir t-shirts 
• Project Lead for FestiFools 20th Anniversary book project, including community crowdsourcing of images and stories, designing/editing/publishing, plus co-managing student employee writers.

Development and Fundraising: 13%

• Develop and maintain accurate budgets, cost effective sourcing, timely purchasing, and financial planning 
• Work with U-M Development staff to oversee fundraising initiatives, including UM donor initiative participation, sponsor and donor identification and connection, sponsor product facilitation, and donor follow-up 
• Maintain relationships with recurring donors
• Grant research and writing grant applications 
• Identify possible sponsorships and conducting outreach to facilitate them 

Communications: 18%

• Manage community volunteer database and outreach, including detailed  information-sharing related to future workshops, additional volunteer opportunities, (also culminating events and corresponding trainings)
• Identify local community and business partners, initiate communications, liaise, oversee collaborations, and maintain relationships with all involved parties
• Maintain a database of community project partners, student volunteers, community volunteers, business affiliates, and U-M partners.
• Develop promotional opportunities and partnerships with local businesses and media organizations 

Community Outreach: 12%

• Coordinate staffing and facilitation of the FestiFools/FoolMoon community luminary-building workshops, including space scouting, reserving, preparing, and maintaining the spaces. 
• Coordinate staffing and facilitation of FestiFools Studio work days, guiding student volunteers through various processes, including luminary kit construction, papier-mache, bucket drum, and gobo creation. Maintain a friendly and collaborative atmosphere for volunteers, identifying best fit for volunteer involvement.
• Garner new volunteers through outreach with local schools, groups, and nonprofit organizations. 

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in an arts-related field from an accredited college or university required. Minimum of 2 years of student arts programming experience or equivalent.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is necessary.
• Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at LSWA; we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact and sensitively communicate with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage large volumes of work (including planning and managing complex projects).
• Fluent in Microsoft applications and Google Suites 
• Experience building social media brands, including using social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram for community building and event promotion.
• Experience working with and managing students and student programming at the University level 
• Working knowledge of Adobe products and Graphic Design tools, demonstrated experience in producing effective marketing materials 
• Experience working with partners from various departments in an organization. 
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and operating common office equipment. 
• Experience working with faculty and nonprofit leaders.
• Comfort working in an unstructured environment.
• Experience managing volunteer databases and community outreach tools.

Desired Qualifications*

• An understanding and appreciation of higher education and the diverse cultures of the schools and colleges within the University.
• Intimate knowledge of the Luminary making process, kinetic sculpture building, and papier-mache creation.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

As one of the worlds great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as scheduled. This position involves a willingness and ability to travel by car and public transit. This position requires the ability to move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

This is a term-limited position starting approximately September 1, 2026, to August 30, 2028

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.