Director, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

2d

About The Position

James Madison University: Director, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at James Madison University
(JMU) enthusiastically invites applications for the position of Director of the
Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. This 12-month administrative appointment
offers an exciting opportunity to lead one of the region’s premier performing
arts venues and to contribute to the vibrant cultural life of the university and
the Shenandoah Valley.
At JMU, you’ll join a community committed to artistic integrity, scholarly
inquiry, and creative engagement. The Forbes Center serves as a dynamic hub for
world-class performances, student and faculty productions, and community
outreach, ensuring that the arts remain vital, relevant, and accessible to all.
About the Forbes Center
Opened in 2010, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art
facility that hosts hundreds of performances annually, including internationally
acclaimed artists, faculty and student productions, and educational programs. In
2025, the Forbes Center celebrated its 15th Anniversary Masterpiece Season,
marking a decade and a half of artistic excellence and cultural leadership in
the Shenandoah Valley. The Center features five performance venues and serves as
a bridge between the university and the community, fostering cultural enrichment
and engagement through diverse programming, masterclasses, and outreach
initiatives such as Any Given Child and Forbes Family Fun.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, performing arts, or a related field.
• Significant professional experience in performing arts programming, including artist booking and contract negotiation
• Demonstrated experience managing performing arts operations, including budgeting and technical production
• Proven leadership skills with experience supervising staff and fostering collaboration.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to accessibility in programming and outreach
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by performance schedules

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in arts administration, performing arts, or a related field
• Experience with fundraising, sponsorship development, and grant writing
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and audience development, including digital and social media outreach
• Familiarity with facility management and long-term maintenance planning
• Experience developing educational and community engagement programs

Responsibilities

• The Director provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the Forbes Center, ensuring excellence in programming, audience development, and facility management.
• The successful candidate will curate diverse and compelling seasons, manage budgets and staff, and collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners to advance the Center’s mission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director