Stage Manager Jobs in California
Stage Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in live theater, film and television production, theme parks, and large-scale live events, with openings at every level from production assistant stepping into the role through senior stage manager overseeing major venues. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers like the Ahmanson Theatre, American Conservatory Theater, and Universal Studios maintain ongoing stage management needs. The most in-demand specialties are theatrical stage management, live entertainment operations, and broadcast production coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 134+ Stage Manager jobs
Remote/Field: To be considered candidates must live in Northern California be open to travel within the area up to 75%
About us
CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud‑based technology solutions for dealerships and OEMs across automotive and related industries. Our software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) platform empowers dealerships to streamline complex workflows across sales, financing, service, and operations. By automating critical processes, we help dealers improve efficiency, deliver better customer experiences, and drive stronger business performance.
Position Summary
The State Manager, Northern California leads a team of Account Executives responsible for delivering exceptional customer service, product adoption, and operational excellence across the region. This role manages high‑level relationships with state agencies, dealer associations, and strategic partners while ensuring the Automated Vehicle Registration System (AVRS) meets all state compliance requirements and contractual obligations. The State Manager is accountable for team performance, customer satisfaction, install and support execution, and identifying process or product opportunities that drive AVRS growth. This is a highly visible, customer‑facing leadership role requiring strong business acumen, communication skills, and the ability to execute in a fast‑moving environment.
Position Responsibilities
- Provide clear leadership, coaching, and support to the Account Executive team.
- Build a high‑performance culture focused on customer satisfaction, responsiveness, and process excellence.
- Manage team workload, backlog, prioritization, and resource allocation across the territory.
- Serve as the first point of escalation for customer, technical, or state‑related concerns.
- Lead AVRS’s ongoing relationship with state organizations and regulatory agencies.
- Maintain deep understanding of state requirements, legislative changes, and compliance expectations.
- Partner with dealer associations and industry groups to strengthen relationships and uncover new business opportunities.
- Support the identification of state‑level product enhancements or service opportunities.
- Ensure an exceptional customer experience throughout the full lifecycle—from implementation through ongoing support.
- Oversee the installation project plan to ensure every new account is assigned, installed, and supported with consistency and professionalism.
- Regularly meet with key customers to assess performance, identify improvement opportunities, and reinforce AVRS value.
- Drive customer adoption and increased utilization of AVRS solutions.
- Provide performance metrics, business reviews, and strategic insights to both internal leadership and external stakeholders.
- Develop and present resource needs or business cases that support regional growth initiatives.
Required Skills & Abilities
- Minimum 5 years of account management and 3+ years of management experience in a customer‑facing environment.
- Ability to travel up to 75% of the time within the Northern California territory.
- Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, presentation, and relationship‑building abilities.
- Ability to present confidently to groups both virtually and in person.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate a field‑based team.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a focus on process excellence.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence without direct authority.
- Comfortable navigating a fast‑paced, evolving technology and regulatory environment.
- Proficiency with PC hardware/software, Microsoft Office, and basic troubleshooting.
- Strong customer relationship skills with the ability to identify needs, remove barriers, and drive adoption.
- Ability to create and present business cases when requesting team or resource changes.
Compensation: $120,000 - $135,000 + bonus
CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location. The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans. We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401K Matching Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact. CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law. Applicants for employment in the US must be authorized to work in the US. CDK may offer employer visa sponsorship to applicants. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. CDK retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.
Remote/Field: To be considered candidates must live in Northern California be open to travel within the area up to 75%
About us
CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud‑based technology solutions for dealerships and OEMs across automotive and related industries. Our software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) platform empowers dealerships to streamline complex workflows across sales, financing, service, and operations. By automating critical processes, we help dealers improve efficiency, deliver better customer experiences, and drive stronger business performance.
Position Summary
The State Manager, Northern California leads a team of Account Executives responsible for delivering exceptional customer service, product adoption, and operational excellence across the region. This role manages high‑level relationships with state agencies, dealer associations, and strategic partners while ensuring the Automated Vehicle Registration System (AVRS) meets all state compliance requirements and contractual obligations. The State Manager is accountable for team performance, customer satisfaction, install and support execution, and identifying process or product opportunities that drive AVRS growth. This is a highly visible, customer‑facing leadership role requiring strong business acumen, communication skills, and the ability to execute in a fast‑moving environment.
Position Responsibilities
- Provide clear leadership, coaching, and support to the Account Executive team.
- Build a high‑performance culture focused on customer satisfaction, responsiveness, and process excellence.
- Manage team workload, backlog, prioritization, and resource allocation across the territory.
- Serve as the first point of escalation for customer, technical, or state‑related concerns.
- Lead AVRS’s ongoing relationship with state organizations and regulatory agencies.
- Maintain deep understanding of state requirements, legislative changes, and compliance expectations.
- Partner with dealer associations and industry groups to strengthen relationships and uncover new business opportunities.
- Support the identification of state‑level product enhancements or service opportunities.
- Ensure an exceptional customer experience throughout the full lifecycle—from implementation through ongoing support.
- Oversee the installation project plan to ensure every new account is assigned, installed, and supported with consistency and professionalism.
- Regularly meet with key customers to assess performance, identify improvement opportunities, and reinforce AVRS value.
- Drive customer adoption and increased utilization of AVRS solutions.
- Provide performance metrics, business reviews, and strategic insights to both internal leadership and external stakeholders.
- Develop and present resource needs or business cases that support regional growth initiatives.
Required Skills & Abilities
- Minimum 5 years of account management and 3+ years of management experience in a customer‑facing environment.
- Ability to travel up to 75% of the time within the Northern California territory.
- Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, presentation, and relationship‑building abilities.
- Ability to present confidently to groups both virtually and in person.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate a field‑based team.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a focus on process excellence.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence without direct authority.
- Comfortable navigating a fast‑paced, evolving technology and regulatory environment.
- Proficiency with PC hardware/software, Microsoft Office, and basic troubleshooting.
- Strong customer relationship skills with the ability to identify needs, remove barriers, and drive adoption.
- Ability to create and present business cases when requesting team or resource changes.
Compensation: $120,000 - $135,000 + bonus
CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location. The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans. We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401K Matching Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact. CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law. Applicants for employment in the US must be authorized to work in the US. CDK may offer employer visa sponsorship to applicants. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. CDK retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.
See All 134+ Stage Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Stage Manager JobsStage Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Stage Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- State Farm93
- California State University7
- State Street7
- Golden State6
- KPMG6
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance93
- Banking & Financial Services19
- Education13
- Accounting & Auditing9
- Sports & Recreation7
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in stage manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in theater, stage management, or a closely related field preferred
- Professional experience with Equity or equivalent production stage management in California
- Proficiency in scheduling software, prompt books, and production management tools
- Strong communication skills coordinating directors, crew, and cast on tight timelines
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours across production schedules
- Experience with union protocols and California labor regulations for live production
Stage Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a stage manager in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a stage manager, so the path runs through education and professional credentials. Most employers expect at minimum a bachelor's degree in theater arts or stage management from a California conservatory or university program. Working toward membership in Actors' Equity Association as a stage manager is the standard professional credential for theatrical work, and many California theaters prioritize Equity-affiliated candidates for mid-level and senior roles.
How much do stage managers make in California?
Stage managers in California earn a median of about $129,790 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,570 for the lowest 10% to over $306,850 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire stage managers in California?
Employers hiring stage managers in California right now include State Farm, California State University, and State Street, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of major regional theaters, theme parks, and entertainment studios means hiring tends to be more consistent here than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most stage manager jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Irvine have the most stage manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its dense concentration of film studios, television production companies, and major performing arts venues, while San Francisco and San Diego sustain steady demand through their established regional theater scenes and large live events industries.
Are there remote stage manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Stage management is fundamentally an on-site role requiring physical presence during rehearsals, technical runs, and performances. About 1% of stage manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be pre-production coordination, scheduling, or production management desk work rather than active calling positions.
How can I get hired as a stage manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a production assistant or assistant stage manager at a California regional theater or theme park. Large employers like the La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and theme park operations in Anaheim and Los Angeles regularly bring on entry-level candidates. Completing an Actors' Equity Association Membership Candidate program, building a detailed prompt book portfolio, and accumulating Equity points through smaller California theater productions are the credentials that move candidates from no experience to first hire.
Where can I find and apply to stage manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to stage manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across theaters, studios, theme parks, and live event companies. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 134+ Stage Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Stage Manager Jobs