University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL, USA
Communications Director - Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is accepting applications for a Communications Director. Krannert Center is looking for an organized and collaborative communicator to lead a team of diversely skilled communications professionals in creating, implementing, and evaluating communications strategies and plans. The Communications Director manages the Communications team's workflow, fostering and empowering a collaborative work environment, positive team dynamic, efficient work processes, and creative, effective problem-solving in order to deepen and increase engagement with Krannert Center and the Performing Arts at Illinois.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core values of the University of Illinois and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty. We believe every member on our team enriches our efforts to fulfill our goals by demonstrating the broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.
Duties and Responsibilities-
Communications Leadership
• Working with Krannert Center's Communications team and other stakeholders, collaboratively and proactively brainstorm, develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate integrated online/offline external communications strategies and plans that support business goals for Krannert Center and the performance related areas of Illinois Theatre, Lyric Theatre mailto:@ Illinois, and Dance at Illinois.
◦ Oversee and contribute to the Communications team's areas of responsibility, which include direct communications (digital and print), on-site environmental design and communications, paid advertising (digital, print, radio, TV, outdoor, other), publicity and media relations, social media, website content, photography, videography, performance program booklets, and other aspects of the student, customer, and employee journey. ◦ Lead the Communications team in collaboratively identifying and pursuing strategic promotional and paid advertisement opportunities. ◦ Provide creative briefs when appropriate. ◦ Keep clients up-to-date on the progress of their communications projects. ◦ Oversee the ongoing development and enhancement of the Center's website, developing and maintaining a roadmap for the Center's web initiatives, based on input from relevant stakeholders and working in collaboration with a partner web development company. ◦ Working with the Ticket Services Director, manage the relationship between the Center's website and its ticketing software, identifying and pursuing opportunities for enhanced communications and increased ticket sales. ◦ Oversee the management and enhancement of photography and videography resources.
• Build and maintain Krannert Center's brand through communications work.
• Develop and implement standards to measure the success of communications work in order to make wise decisions about opportunities and the use of resources. Seek, research, and collaboratively implement best practices in external and internal communications.
• Lead the communications team's budget management process.
• Build relationships with staff, students, and faculty involved with Krannert Center and the Performing Arts at Illinois and stay well informed about the Center's creative processes and performances.
• Stay informed about campus life, campus policies and procedures, and community life in order to create current, relevant, and responsive communications.
• Maintain knowledge of Krannert Center's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts and actively apply DEIA principles to the work.
• Across Krannert Center communications, ensure visual unity and consistency in messaging along with adherence to Krannert Center, College of Fine and Applied Arts, and University of Illinois writing and identity standards.
• Lead management and maintenance of Krannert Center's physical and digital communications archives.
• Contribute to crisis communications planning and management, both external and internal.
Staff Management
• Supervise, guide, and empower the members of the Communications team: Assistant Communications Director, Program and Web Editor, Art Director, and freelance partners. This work includes but is not limited to,
◦ Assign projects and ensure deadlines are met, projects are routed to appropriate stakeholders, work is completed in a satisfactory manner, and solutions stay within budget. ◦ Identify crossover between projects to streamline work processes as well as create opportunities for collaboration. ◦ As appropriate, use technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Krannert Center's communications work and collaborations. ◦ Facilitate resource-gathering for the team; provide coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluation as appropriate. ◦ Facilitate learning experiences as part of the team's work to stay up to date in the industry. ◦ Determine need for and budget available for freelance specialists to complete necessary work; areas could include but are not limited to graphic design, photography, and videography.
Other Collaborative, Administrative, and Committee work
• As appropriate, participate in various committees and initiatives at Krannert Center, in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and at the campus level.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
Work requires some evening and weekend shifts at Krannert Center events.
Position Qualifications-
Required
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years (36 months)of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Preferred
• Master's degree
• Experience working or volunteering directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience with communications analytics, market research, competitive analysis, content management systems, and graphic design production (digital and print).
• Experience with collaborative software such as Microsoft Teams, project management software, and proofing management programs.
Successful candidates will have the following-
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts at Krannert Center.
• Must possess and be able to put into action a passion for connecting people with arts experiences.
• Excellent collaboration, planning, organizational, time management, public relations, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and manage team-based projects across a complex organization, usually in a deadline-based context.
• Good independent judgment; ability to creatively resolve issues as they arise, adjust priorities as needed, and thrive in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to work professionally, flexibly, respectfully, and effectively with colleagues and the public, with sensitivity to the diverse perspectives of stakeholders.
• Understanding of the principles of effective written communication and graphic design.
• Ability to find and implement technology to improve working conditions, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Ability to solve communications, work flow, and managerial issues imaginatively and create support for those solutions.
• Ability to use analytical and organizational skills to both perform day-to-day operations and to be proactive concerning larger picture issues and trends.
• Knowledge, experience, and/or skills in an artistic discipline. Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx. Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 5, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at mailto:steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations https://illinois-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing mailto:accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1021680 Job Category: Administrative
To apply, visit .
Requisition ID: 1021680 Job Category: Administrative
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/4856431
Full Time
Communications Director - Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is accepting applications for a Communications Director. Krannert Center is looking for an organized and collaborative communicator to lead a team of diversely skilled communications professionals in creating, implementing, and evaluating communications strategies and plans. The Communications Director manages the Communications team's workflow, fostering and empowering a collaborative work environment, positive team dynamic, efficient work processes, and creative, effective problem-solving in order to deepen and increase engagement with Krannert Center and the Performing Arts at Illinois.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core values of the University of Illinois and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty. We believe every member on our team enriches our efforts to fulfill our goals by demonstrating the broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.
Duties and Responsibilities-
Communications Leadership
• Working with Krannert Center's Communications team and other stakeholders, collaboratively and proactively brainstorm, develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate integrated online/offline external communications strategies and plans that support business goals for Krannert Center and the performance related areas of Illinois Theatre, Lyric Theatre mailto:@ Illinois, and Dance at Illinois.
◦ Oversee and contribute to the Communications team's areas of responsibility, which include direct communications (digital and print), on-site environmental design and communications, paid advertising (digital, print, radio, TV, outdoor, other), publicity and media relations, social media, website content, photography, videography, performance program booklets, and other aspects of the student, customer, and employee journey. ◦ Lead the Communications team in collaboratively identifying and pursuing strategic promotional and paid advertisement opportunities. ◦ Provide creative briefs when appropriate. ◦ Keep clients up-to-date on the progress of their communications projects. ◦ Oversee the ongoing development and enhancement of the Center's website, developing and maintaining a roadmap for the Center's web initiatives, based on input from relevant stakeholders and working in collaboration with a partner web development company. ◦ Working with the Ticket Services Director, manage the relationship between the Center's website and its ticketing software, identifying and pursuing opportunities for enhanced communications and increased ticket sales. ◦ Oversee the management and enhancement of photography and videography resources.
• Build and maintain Krannert Center's brand through communications work.
• Develop and implement standards to measure the success of communications work in order to make wise decisions about opportunities and the use of resources. Seek, research, and collaboratively implement best practices in external and internal communications.
• Lead the communications team's budget management process.
• Build relationships with staff, students, and faculty involved with Krannert Center and the Performing Arts at Illinois and stay well informed about the Center's creative processes and performances.
• Stay informed about campus life, campus policies and procedures, and community life in order to create current, relevant, and responsive communications.
• Maintain knowledge of Krannert Center's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts and actively apply DEIA principles to the work.
• Across Krannert Center communications, ensure visual unity and consistency in messaging along with adherence to Krannert Center, College of Fine and Applied Arts, and University of Illinois writing and identity standards.
• Lead management and maintenance of Krannert Center's physical and digital communications archives.
• Contribute to crisis communications planning and management, both external and internal.
Staff Management
• Supervise, guide, and empower the members of the Communications team: Assistant Communications Director, Program and Web Editor, Art Director, and freelance partners. This work includes but is not limited to,
◦ Assign projects and ensure deadlines are met, projects are routed to appropriate stakeholders, work is completed in a satisfactory manner, and solutions stay within budget. ◦ Identify crossover between projects to streamline work processes as well as create opportunities for collaboration. ◦ As appropriate, use technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Krannert Center's communications work and collaborations. ◦ Facilitate resource-gathering for the team; provide coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluation as appropriate. ◦ Facilitate learning experiences as part of the team's work to stay up to date in the industry. ◦ Determine need for and budget available for freelance specialists to complete necessary work; areas could include but are not limited to graphic design, photography, and videography.
Other Collaborative, Administrative, and Committee work
• As appropriate, participate in various committees and initiatives at Krannert Center, in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and at the campus level.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
Work requires some evening and weekend shifts at Krannert Center events.
Position Qualifications-
Required
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years (36 months)of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Preferred
• Master's degree
• Experience working or volunteering directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience with communications analytics, market research, competitive analysis, content management systems, and graphic design production (digital and print).
• Experience with collaborative software such as Microsoft Teams, project management software, and proofing management programs.
Successful candidates will have the following-
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts at Krannert Center.
• Must possess and be able to put into action a passion for connecting people with arts experiences.
• Excellent collaboration, planning, organizational, time management, public relations, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and manage team-based projects across a complex organization, usually in a deadline-based context.
• Good independent judgment; ability to creatively resolve issues as they arise, adjust priorities as needed, and thrive in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to work professionally, flexibly, respectfully, and effectively with colleagues and the public, with sensitivity to the diverse perspectives of stakeholders.
• Understanding of the principles of effective written communication and graphic design.
• Ability to find and implement technology to improve working conditions, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Ability to solve communications, work flow, and managerial issues imaginatively and create support for those solutions.
• Ability to use analytical and organizational skills to both perform day-to-day operations and to be proactive concerning larger picture issues and trends.
• Knowledge, experience, and/or skills in an artistic discipline. Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx. Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 5, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at mailto:steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations https://illinois-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing mailto:accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1021680 Job Category: Administrative
To apply, visit .
Requisition ID: 1021680 Job Category: Administrative
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/4856431
The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Washington DC
About The Kennedy Center “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. Why Join Us We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: Staff offers for discount tickets Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment) Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA) Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire 11 paid holidays per year Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA Flexible work arrangements We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video! Job Description The Producing Director, Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) leads the TYA team in the Education Division at the Kennedy Center. The position leads all aspects of commissioning, development, and overall producing of the TYA season of in-house and touring productions. Playing a key role in TYA programmatic decisions, the position leads the new work development process, taking selected projects from inception to onstage delivery, moving newly-written plays and musicals through multiple drafts and workshops towards their public season announcement, rehearsal, tech, and ultimately their world premieres. The position oversees creative team selection and casting for each TYA project. The Producing Director is someone who can understand what an artist is trying to achieve, and help them realize it practically, balancing the big picture with the tactical day-to-day tasks at hand. The Producing Director, TYA is responsible for not only the development of each commissioned show, but also the logistical coordination, artist management, marketing, budgeting, evaluation, resource management, and oversight of all TYA activities. The position has up to 3 direct reports, and also hires and manages 150+ artists throughout the course of any given season. (2-4 commissioned productions, 2-5 booked-in presentations, 4-7 development workshops, and 1 remount and national tour per season, in addition to a biennial New Visions/New Voices festival and ongoing creative commissioning work). The Producing Director, TYA serves as the primary contact with Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and conducts all Equity and non-Equity auditions and casting; negotiates and hires nearly all artists for TYA commissions, workshops, productions, and tours from directors to designers to actors; oversees weekly AEA payroll and union benefits; and supervises the TYA team’s overall processing and executing of contracts. Key Responsibilities Plans and implements an artistic season of TYA for multiple age groups. Line produces all TYA productions. Handles artist logistics throughout the production process; maintains relationships with artists before, during and after a production; and provides direct supervision and oversight of 150+ contracted and part-time artists and production personnel each season. Negotiates and hires playwright, composer, director, designer, and other creative team members’ contracts related to the commissioned and produced shows, oversees the drafting and execution of creative team and actor contracts, and acts as a proactive and positive liaison between TYA and all other departments of the Center including Marketing, Advertising, Press and Production. Produces the developmental workshops needed prior to the commissioned productions’ world premieres. Produces all aspects of the annual Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour production including: artistically managing the remount process of the production with the creative team; casting, hiring and supervising the performers of each touring company; being the “on call” liaison with touring companies (~12 on-the-road actors and technicians) to solve problems, make decisions, and help maintain the company’s professionalism and welfare while on the road; overseeing the tour routing, as well as the external Agent who is selling and routing the tours. Works in partnership with the Production and Operations Manager, TYA to manage every element of the Center’s only annual national touring initiative. Provides artistic leadership for the TYA program, providing input and insight to commissions, productions, and tours through every step of their developmental and production process; plays a central role in long-range season planning efforts curated with Director, Education Programs and Production, Director of Activation and Engagement and the Theater Education department; participates in ongoing anti-racism work across Theater Education; plans, coordinates and implements the development of new work; provides dramaturgical feedback for plays in development; aligns work with the Education Artist-in-Residence initiative, managing and incorporating their TYA-related projects into the season as appropriate; works closely with the Director Education Programs and Productions and the Assistant Manager, Theater Education to help select and manage Performances for Young Audiences bookings/presentations to round out each season of TYA programming; assists in creating mutually beneficial collaborations/connections with other Education Division programs. Serves as TYA’s primary casting contact and manages all aspects of auditions, casting and hiring of principals and understudies for all touring and produced shows, as well as developmental workshops; collaborates with show directors, casting directors, and the Director of Education Programs and Productions to determine creative team selection for productions in alignment with TYA’s anti-racism commitments; serves as General Manager to coordinate actor contracts and terms of employment; develops and maintains a deep knowledge of the agreements for AEA, SDC and USA. Supervises the Production and Operations Manager, TYA in budget creation and management for TYA budget areas; oversees all TYA-related expenditures and establishes methods of maintaining budget control through each projections period; serves as the department’s primary contact with Kennedy Center Finance and Human Resources personnel on matters such as contracts, payroll, purchase orders, and account reconciliations; supervises the preparation and executing of financial contracts related to TYA workshops, productions, and tours, including Independent and Employee Contracts, as well as serving as the department’s primary liaison with AEA (and at times, SDC and USA); oversees weekly AEA payroll and union benefits; in coordination with the Production and Operations Manager, TYA, oversees the processing of all other artist weekly payroll, as well as the processing of subsequent and applicable and related union benefits (health and welfare, pension, and dues). Manages nimble cross-functional team (up to 3 direct reports), including goal setting and regular meetings; contributes to short-mid-long term strategic planning efforts for TYA and EdPP; mentors intern and Program Assistant in commissioning, casting, and producing process; as appropriate, serves as a key spokesperson, representative, and ambassador of the Kennedy Center at national and international conferences, taking an active role in cultivating key relationships and associations with organizations such as: Theatre for Young Audiences/USA, International Performing Arts for Youth, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, American Alliance for Theatre and Education, Theatre Communications Group, and others; represents the Kennedy Center on national and international boards, committees, and panels; maintains contact and communications with local, national, and international artists and managers in the TYA field; watches for trends and movements in TYA and brings that insight to the Theater Education team; supports divisional and departmental activities, conferences, events, projects, and programs, as needed; serves as a resource in creativity and innovation for the Education Division. Other duties as assigned. Key Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree in the performing arts, arts management, Theater for Young Audiences, or other related field, or equivalent professional performing arts experience as an Artistic or Producing Director of theater. 6 - 8 years of producing and managerial experience is a must, preferably with some of that experience in a producing theater that commissions and develops new onstage work. Strong managerial and administrative abilities are required. Experience working with artists and creative teams is required. Prior producing experience is required. Qualified candidates must possess dramaturgical skills and demonstrate an awareness of the national and international trends of work for young audiences. Experience in strategic planning, project management, developing and managing budgets, marketing, and staff supervision is preferred. An affinity for numbers and organization is essential. Aptitude to oversee and maintain budgets is preferred, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word). Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. The Producing Director must make the Kennedy Theater their full-time professional focus. The position requires flexible work hours and days reflective of the dynamic schedule of a theater.
Full Time Regular
About The Kennedy Center “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. Why Join Us We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: Staff offers for discount tickets Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment) Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA) Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire 11 paid holidays per year Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA Flexible work arrangements We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video! Job Description The Producing Director, Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) leads the TYA team in the Education Division at the Kennedy Center. The position leads all aspects of commissioning, development, and overall producing of the TYA season of in-house and touring productions. Playing a key role in TYA programmatic decisions, the position leads the new work development process, taking selected projects from inception to onstage delivery, moving newly-written plays and musicals through multiple drafts and workshops towards their public season announcement, rehearsal, tech, and ultimately their world premieres. The position oversees creative team selection and casting for each TYA project. The Producing Director is someone who can understand what an artist is trying to achieve, and help them realize it practically, balancing the big picture with the tactical day-to-day tasks at hand. The Producing Director, TYA is responsible for not only the development of each commissioned show, but also the logistical coordination, artist management, marketing, budgeting, evaluation, resource management, and oversight of all TYA activities. The position has up to 3 direct reports, and also hires and manages 150+ artists throughout the course of any given season. (2-4 commissioned productions, 2-5 booked-in presentations, 4-7 development workshops, and 1 remount and national tour per season, in addition to a biennial New Visions/New Voices festival and ongoing creative commissioning work). The Producing Director, TYA serves as the primary contact with Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and conducts all Equity and non-Equity auditions and casting; negotiates and hires nearly all artists for TYA commissions, workshops, productions, and tours from directors to designers to actors; oversees weekly AEA payroll and union benefits; and supervises the TYA team’s overall processing and executing of contracts. Key Responsibilities Plans and implements an artistic season of TYA for multiple age groups. Line produces all TYA productions. Handles artist logistics throughout the production process; maintains relationships with artists before, during and after a production; and provides direct supervision and oversight of 150+ contracted and part-time artists and production personnel each season. Negotiates and hires playwright, composer, director, designer, and other creative team members’ contracts related to the commissioned and produced shows, oversees the drafting and execution of creative team and actor contracts, and acts as a proactive and positive liaison between TYA and all other departments of the Center including Marketing, Advertising, Press and Production. Produces the developmental workshops needed prior to the commissioned productions’ world premieres. Produces all aspects of the annual Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour production including: artistically managing the remount process of the production with the creative team; casting, hiring and supervising the performers of each touring company; being the “on call” liaison with touring companies (~12 on-the-road actors and technicians) to solve problems, make decisions, and help maintain the company’s professionalism and welfare while on the road; overseeing the tour routing, as well as the external Agent who is selling and routing the tours. Works in partnership with the Production and Operations Manager, TYA to manage every element of the Center’s only annual national touring initiative. Provides artistic leadership for the TYA program, providing input and insight to commissions, productions, and tours through every step of their developmental and production process; plays a central role in long-range season planning efforts curated with Director, Education Programs and Production, Director of Activation and Engagement and the Theater Education department; participates in ongoing anti-racism work across Theater Education; plans, coordinates and implements the development of new work; provides dramaturgical feedback for plays in development; aligns work with the Education Artist-in-Residence initiative, managing and incorporating their TYA-related projects into the season as appropriate; works closely with the Director Education Programs and Productions and the Assistant Manager, Theater Education to help select and manage Performances for Young Audiences bookings/presentations to round out each season of TYA programming; assists in creating mutually beneficial collaborations/connections with other Education Division programs. Serves as TYA’s primary casting contact and manages all aspects of auditions, casting and hiring of principals and understudies for all touring and produced shows, as well as developmental workshops; collaborates with show directors, casting directors, and the Director of Education Programs and Productions to determine creative team selection for productions in alignment with TYA’s anti-racism commitments; serves as General Manager to coordinate actor contracts and terms of employment; develops and maintains a deep knowledge of the agreements for AEA, SDC and USA. Supervises the Production and Operations Manager, TYA in budget creation and management for TYA budget areas; oversees all TYA-related expenditures and establishes methods of maintaining budget control through each projections period; serves as the department’s primary contact with Kennedy Center Finance and Human Resources personnel on matters such as contracts, payroll, purchase orders, and account reconciliations; supervises the preparation and executing of financial contracts related to TYA workshops, productions, and tours, including Independent and Employee Contracts, as well as serving as the department’s primary liaison with AEA (and at times, SDC and USA); oversees weekly AEA payroll and union benefits; in coordination with the Production and Operations Manager, TYA, oversees the processing of all other artist weekly payroll, as well as the processing of subsequent and applicable and related union benefits (health and welfare, pension, and dues). Manages nimble cross-functional team (up to 3 direct reports), including goal setting and regular meetings; contributes to short-mid-long term strategic planning efforts for TYA and EdPP; mentors intern and Program Assistant in commissioning, casting, and producing process; as appropriate, serves as a key spokesperson, representative, and ambassador of the Kennedy Center at national and international conferences, taking an active role in cultivating key relationships and associations with organizations such as: Theatre for Young Audiences/USA, International Performing Arts for Youth, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, American Alliance for Theatre and Education, Theatre Communications Group, and others; represents the Kennedy Center on national and international boards, committees, and panels; maintains contact and communications with local, national, and international artists and managers in the TYA field; watches for trends and movements in TYA and brings that insight to the Theater Education team; supports divisional and departmental activities, conferences, events, projects, and programs, as needed; serves as a resource in creativity and innovation for the Education Division. Other duties as assigned. Key Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree in the performing arts, arts management, Theater for Young Audiences, or other related field, or equivalent professional performing arts experience as an Artistic or Producing Director of theater. 6 - 8 years of producing and managerial experience is a must, preferably with some of that experience in a producing theater that commissions and develops new onstage work. Strong managerial and administrative abilities are required. Experience working with artists and creative teams is required. Prior producing experience is required. Qualified candidates must possess dramaturgical skills and demonstrate an awareness of the national and international trends of work for young audiences. Experience in strategic planning, project management, developing and managing budgets, marketing, and staff supervision is preferred. An affinity for numbers and organization is essential. Aptitude to oversee and maintain budgets is preferred, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word). Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. The Producing Director must make the Kennedy Theater their full-time professional focus. The position requires flexible work hours and days reflective of the dynamic schedule of a theater.