Director of Programming

Greater Austin Performing Arts Center, Inc. DBA Long Center•Austin, TX

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Programming leads the Long Center’s year-round programmatic work, building a cohesive body of performing arts programming, partnerships, education and outreach that advances the organization’s mission and attracts support from donors, sponsors and funders. Because the Long Center’s presenting inventory is limited, the role relies on creative programming and collaboration with local and national partners. The Director programs the Michael and Susan Dell Hall and develops non-traditional programming in spaces such as the Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre, City Terrace and HEB Stage, including community events, family and educational programs, and other formats that reach new audiences. The Director works closely with the President & CEO on artistic vision and strategy, and partners with Advancement, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Production and Finance to ensure programs are funded, attended and executed effectively. The Director also serves on the senior management team, leads and develops the Programming team, and helps shape a collaborative, accountable and caring organizational culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 7 years of programming or presenting experience in a performing arts center or comparable organization, with increasing leadership responsibility.
Broad knowledge of the national and international performing arts field, artists, agents and new works.
Strong negotiation skills.
Demonstrated success managing and developing a team, including setting goals, coaching, conducting performance evaluations, hiring and addressing performance issues.
Experience serving on or working closely with a senior management team, building collaborative relationships with peer department heads and contributing to a positive organizational culture.
Microsoft Office skills, including Word and Excel.
The position is based onsite at the Long Center in Austin, Texas, and regularly requires evening and weekend event attendance.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Austin’s cultural landscape.
Experience working in a unionized (IATSE) environment.
Experience with event scheduling and ticketing software.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a cohesive, year-round programming plan that reflects the Long Center’s mission and engages Austin’s communities.
Research, evaluate risk, select and negotiate terms for performances presented by the Long Center, including Long Center Presents programming in Dell Hall.
Build an annual calendar balancing presented shows, co-promotions, community programs, education and special events.
Cultivate relationships with agents, managers, producers and artists, and stay current on performing arts trends.
Develop and manage co-promotion partnerships with local and national partners.
Serve as a primary contact for promoters, ticketed rentals and community partners.
Build partnerships with cultural, civic, educational, health and community organizations.
Establish relationships with programming departments at comparable venues in Texas and the Southwest to create opportunities to book tours as a block.
Design, launch and grow education and outreach programs for students, families, artists and lifelong learners.
Connect presented and partner programming to workshops, residencies, talkbacks, school performances and other community engagement opportunities.
Set goals and measure the reach and impact of education and outreach programs.
Identify new programming formats and growth areas beyond traditional presenting, including community events, festivals, family programs, outdoor and seasonal events, and cross-sector programs.
Use Long Center spaces creatively, including stages, conference rooms and outdoor spaces.
Research opportunities and build business plans for new initiatives; pilot programs, evaluate results and scale successful ones.
Partner with the VP of Advancement to shape programs that attract individual donors, corporate partners, foundations and government funders.
Provide program content, impact data and stories for grant applications, sponsorship proposals, donor cultivation and reports.
Identify sponsorship and underwriting opportunities tied to programs, series and initiatives, and participate in donor and sponsor cultivation and stewardship events as needed.
Develop programming budgets with the CFO, monitor revenue and expenses, and provide regular forecasts.
Manage risk across the programming portfolio, balancing presented, co-promoted and partner-funded work.
Oversee contracts from negotiation through settlement in coordination with Box Office, Finance, Operations and other departments.
Oversee the programming portion of the organization’s calendar and work with Sales, Operations and Production to resolve conflicts and use inventory effectively.
Work with Marketing and Sales on audience development and ticket sales goals.
Work with Operations and Production to ensure programs are well executed and serve patrons and artists effectively.
Lead, manage and develop the Programming team; set annual goals and priorities, track progress, coach staff, delegate ownership and hold staff accountable.
Conduct performance evaluations, recognize strong work, address performance or behavior issues, and identify training and professional development opportunities.
Foster a team culture of collaboration, creativity, open communication and trust.
Contribute to organization-wide decisions, priorities and the Long Center’s strategic plan as an active member of the senior management team.
Build strong working relationships with department heads and bring an organization-wide perspective to leadership discussions.
Champion internal communication about programming plans, goals and successes.
Represent the Long Center onsite and in the community.