Programming Manager

Zeiterion Theatre•New Bedford, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Programming Manager manages the business side of bringing artists to The Zeiterion’s stages. Reporting to the VP of Programs, this role is a day-to-day contact for agents, artist managers, and booking representatives. The manager vets incoming leads and advances approved engagements from offer through signed contract and settlement, ensuring agreements work for the organization’s budget, venue, and production team. Serving as a liaison between artists and staff, the Programming Manager documents and communicates requirements in offers, contracts, and riders; coordinates with departments so engagements are delivered in accordance with those terms; and provides timely notice of changes. Mainstage programming is central to the role, with additional collaboration across Education and Community Programs, Rentals, and other departments on programming throughout the building and the organization’s overall strategy. Depending on experience, the role may grow to include partnership with the VP on curatorial vision and a more proactive role in relationship management and procurement.

Requirements

3–6 years of experience in performing arts presenting, booking, artist management, or venue programming, including direct responsibility for managing artist contracts.
Working knowledge of standard artist agreements, deal structures, and settlements.
Ability to read and assess technical riders and communicate effectively with production staff.
Excellent negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills.
Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deals concurrently.
Comfort with spreadsheets, budgets, and contract or calendar tracking tools.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances and industry events, and to travel occasionally.
Commitment to The Zeiterion’s mission and to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Nice To Haves

Established relationships with agents and booking representatives.
Experience supervising or directing the work of others.
Experience leading show settlements.
Experience with booking or event management software, such as PatronManager.
Familiarity with the touring market in New England or the Northeast.
Experience at a nonprofit or multi-use presenting venue.
Multilingual ability in Spanish, Portuguese, Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole), Haitian Creole, or K’iche, in addition to English.

Responsibilities

Monitor, respond to, and triage inquiries from agents and artist representatives; vet opportunities and advance promising leads to the VP of Programs.
Serve as a primary contact for booking agents, artist managers, and representatives, supporting relationships that improve access to talent and deal terms.
Pursue holds, routing opportunities, and availabilities with the VP of Programs to support season planning.
Represent The Zeiterion in the presenting field, including at industry and booking conferences as appropriate.
Schedule and coordinate meetings between the VP of Programs and artists, managers, and agents, and follow up to keep opportunities moving.
Research programming leads and agent connections, and hold preliminary conversations about artist availability and logistics.
Prepare offers and deal terms for approval, including guarantees, splits, ticket pricing, radius clauses, hospitality, and merchandise terms; coordinate with internal stakeholders to develop budgets and terms as needed.
Manage the contract lifecycle, including drafting and reviewing agreements and riders, redlining, routing for approval and signature, tracking deadlines and deposits, and maintaining organized records.
Identify contractual, financial, and operational risks and escalate matters outside the role’s authority.
Maintain accurate contract documentation, compliance materials such as certificates of insurance and tax forms, and payment schedules.
Lead or support show settlements with artist representatives in partnership with Finance, Box Office, and other stakeholders.
Review technical and hospitality riders, solicit internal feedback on feasibility, and suggest changes to artist representatives when needed.
Collaborate with Production on readiness, conflict resolution, and a smooth experience for visiting artists.
Maintain clear, current documentation for programs.
Contribute to season planning, programming budgets, and calendar management.
Coordinate with Marketing, Box Office, and Finance so announcements, on-sale dates, and financial terms align with contract commitments.
Track program results and agent and artist feedback to inform future booking decisions.
Partner with Education and Community Programs, Rentals, and other departments on programming across the building, including collaborations with local artists and organizations, and help integrate programming streams into the organization’s strategy.
Communicate confirmed engagements, holds, schedule changes, and artist needs to relevant staff in a timely manner.
Track programming deadlines, including holds, offer expirations, conference registrations, and internal planning milestones.
Perform other duties as assigned.