Director of Arts Presenting and Public Venue Operations

Ball State University • Muncie, IN

7d • $105,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Arts Presenting and Public Venue Operations provides strategic leadership for the programming, operations, financial management, facility planning, and public-facing use of Emens Auditorium, Pruis Hall, and the Brown Family Amphitheater. With an annual operating budget of $980,000, this position advances a cohesive artistic vision for the university’s public venues while ensuring that programming is relevant, market-driven, operationally feasible, financially sustainable, and aligned with the mission of Ball State University and the curricular priorities of the College of Fine Arts. Working closely with college leadership, faculty, staff, artists, agents, promoters, vendors, and campus partners, the Director oversees venue operations, event selection, contract coordination, budget administration, facility maintenance, security, capital improvement planning, and audience engagement. The role supports student success and artistic development by creating experiential learning opportunities, performance platforms, and interdisciplinary collaborations that connect academic programs with contemporary artistic practice and community relevance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in performing arts, arts administration, business, higher education, non-profit management, communications, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in venue or event operations, programming, arts administration, or related fields.
• Demonstrated responsibility for planning, coordination, and decision making.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Prioritization and organizational skills.
• Collaborative approach to fostering campus and community partnerships.
• Familiarity and appreciation of the breadth of arts industries and their audiences.
• Experience with financial reporting and budget processes.
• Supervisory experience overseeing staff and operations.
• Current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in an industry-related field.
• Strong negotiation skills, particularly in talent procurement or similar negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee event scheduling that is relevant, market-driven, operationally feasible, and financially viable and sustainable, while advancing a cohesive artistic vision for the university’s public-facing venues that aligns with the mission of the College of Fine Arts and supports its curricular priorities and creates experiential learning opportunities, performance platforms, and interdisciplinary collaborations that enhance student success and artistic development. This includes the intentional curation, selection, confirmation, and presentation of events that complement academic programs, create meaningful engagement opportunities for students and faculty, and reflect both contemporary artistic practice and community relevance, while ensuring compliance with relevant policies and guidelines, including participation on any relevant committees.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate all operations/management functions related to Emens Auditorium, Pruis Hall, and the Brown Family Amphitheater, including responsibility for the administration of the facilities' operating/programming budgets. In collaboration with college leadership and faculty, ensure that programming decisions and resource allocations support the artistic, educational, and community engagement goals of the College of Fine Arts. Track all revenues and expenses for facilities and provide regular updates to both the college Dean and the college Budget Director.
• Oversee and monitor all programs and policies related to the maintenance and security of the facilities and equipment; conduct periodic review of policies and procedures; ensure mandatory training compliance, e.g., OSHA and other organizations, and implement approved changes as necessary; maintain liaison with vendors of equipment, materials and services; maintain information of current trends and product availability, and industry standards.
• Coordinate and confirm activities with booking agents, promoters, artist management, and related groups/individuals in the attraction, to provide necessary support and promotion of Auditorium/Hall/Amphitheater events.
• Consult, advise the college Dean and the college Budget Director regarding planning and implementation of capital projects for Emens Auditorium, Pruis Hall, and the Brown Family Amphitheater, and coordinate all operations/management functions related to these projects.
• Review, discuss, interpret, and confirm contracts for the use of facilities and associated equipment and staff; involves providing advice and counsel to clients and prospects in conjunction with the college Dean, Budget Director, and General Counsel.
• Assign and review work, orient and train staff, and make recommendations in all areas related to supervision, including performance appraisal, training, and career development of personnel.
• Convene regular staff meetings and monitor staff scheduling to ensure coverage and security of the facilities for all programming and related usage.
• Attend and/or delegate attendance and oversight responsibilities during scheduled events, including welcoming visiting artists, lecturers, and performers, attending to patron and performer needs, as well as production and technical matters.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners to support programs and facilities, including fundraising and possible grant proposal submissions.
• Maintain a timely, professional, and ongoing line of communication with staff and any parties relevant to prospective and confirmed programming, including prompt and accurate payment of all service contracts and timely facilitation of promotional materials.
• Attend essential conferences and meetings to keep current with the field and relevant programming, including local, regional, and national arts opportunities and trends.
• Lead a team consisting of the following: Auditorium Stage Manager; Assistant Director for Operations; Manager of Ticket and Business Operations; PT Office Assistant.
• Perform other related administrative duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid 24 vacation days
• 12 sick days
• 10 holidays
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks)
• Affordable health and dental insurance
• Robust long-term disability and life insurance plans
• Range of retirement benefits
• 90 percent of child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State
• 100 percent of tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree at Ball State
• 80 percent of your graduate tuition at Ball State
• Health Savings Account (with employer contribution)
• Wellness programs

What This Job Offers

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