Performance Manager

Saugatuck Center for the Arts•Saugatuck, MI

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Performance Manager serves as the primary operational lead for performances and an emerging talent buyer, working in close partnership with the Producing Director of Theater & Performance to expand SCA’s year-round concert programming while ensuring seamless execution of mainstage and theatrical productions, and special events. This role supports all live performance activity, including concerts, interdisciplinary events, and theater productions. This highly relational employee is a live-performance lover who facilitates strong communication, collaborates with teams, and supports the SCA’s brand as West Michigan’s premier Art Center. The position blends artist relations, project management, and booking support, and is essential to scaling SCA’s performance offerings while maintaining a high level of professionalism and care.

Requirements

Deep interest in / curiosity about music and performance genres.
Highly relational - must enjoy meeting and working with a wide variety of people.
Exemplary organizational skills and a deadline-oriented work ethic.
Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
Strong problem solver; embraces change and flexibility; crisis management.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
Strong attention to detail (familiarity with contracts a plus).
Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently.
Desire to work in a busy, fast-paced environment.
Professional demeanor and appearance.
Fluency in G Suite and Excel.
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs.
Must have a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Technical skills in lighting, sound, stage management and/or scenic production
Hospitality experience

Responsibilities

Research and identify artists aligned with SCA’s programming goals including expansion of year-round performances with the guidance of the Producing Director
Maintain a pipeline of prospective artists and track booking opportunities
Coordinate artist confirmations and contracting logistics
Grow capacity to own the following after year one: Building and maintaining relationships with agents, managers, and touring artists
Initiating booking inquiries and manage artist availability, holds, and routing
Supporting negotiation of artist fees and contract terms
Tracking and payment to ASCAP and BMI
Track and facilitate all performance programming payments and contracts
Serve as lead for advancing all performances, including: Technical riders and production requirements, Performance schedules and day-of-show timelines
Attend or delegate the day-of show coordination for all performance events
Coordinate closely with: Technical Director and production staff on technical needs, Company manager with hospitality riders and backstage needs, Hospitality, rentals, and facilities teams for day-of coordination, Marketing team for show-specific needs
Ensure all mainstage details are communicated clearly and executed smoothly
Ensure that events are staffed with necessary technical personnel (sound/lights/stage management)
Collaborate with team members and vendors to plan and execute programs and special events
Maintain and manage a master performance calendar across theater, concerts, and interdisciplinary events and coordinate as last-minute request for spaces comes up
Coordinate timelines and communication across departments
Attend pre-production and production meetings for theatrical productions
Support rehearsal and production coordination for theater productions
Partner with Director of Program Management to align performance timelines with broader organizational planning
Serve as backup as Company Manager needs