Sr. Director of Programming - Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

The Sr. Director of Programming is responsible for both long- and short- range programming with specific focus on event acquisitions and event management. The Sr Director of Programming is responsible for continuously developing avenues for new programming through relationships nationally and within the industry. This Sr Director manages all aspects of event fulfillment from artistic decision making, negotiating fees and deal structures, creating estimates, contracting, processing payments, and relaying inter-departmental information. The position functions as the conduit for contract execution with agents and internal staff. Responsibilities include but are not limited to booking shows, creating estimates, budgets, and settlements.

Located in downtown Tampa, not-for-profit Straz Center offers a team-based on-site work environment and a full package of benefits for full-time staff including options for health/dental, vision, etc., plus a generous 403(b) plan.

Essential Functions:

Programming

• Assists COO with both Straz-wide and Programming department initiatives and long-range planning.
• Researches and identifies shows that align with the Straz Center's strategic plans.
• Oversees the development of pre-show entertainment programming ideas to enhance the entire entertainment experience for Straz Center patrons.
• Selects and books entertainment for opening acts, as required.
• Responsible for all programming strands including but not limited to all bookings for pop/commercial shows directly with agents or promoters, co-pros, presented and Straz-produced programming, all free community programming, and rentals.
• Directly books all Broadway shows, managing multi-year calendar holds through regular communications with major agencies.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for Straz-produced, Straz-presented and co-presented shows.

Administrative

• Tracks contract and payment status as well as collects show expenses and invoices from internal departments.
• Develops estimates for each presented, co-presented, and produced events in conjunction with the COO and programming management team.
• Manages both active and archival online event book for each show presented at the Straz Center.
• Works with Finance in providing insurance certificates for artists.
• Sends available dates in halls to promoters or agents who request them.
• Creates settlements for presented, co-produced, and produced events including night of settlement events as, needed.
• Utilizes analytical skills to interpret contract language to best execute contracts for Straz-presented events.
• Assists in editing the annual season marketing materials.
• Assists in developing set up sheets for the next season.
• Reviews monthly department financials and p-card statements for approval.
• Provides leadership, coaching and performance evaluations to the programming staff.
• Assesses weekly Flash report to ensure event financials are consistently on-target.
• Participates as a business partner with the Finance department to create forecasts and budgets.
• Attends the following meetings:
• Weekly Production meetings.
• Bi-weekly Producing/Programming meetings.
• Bi-weekly Marketing/Programming meetings.

Relationships

• Cultivates and realizes strategic partnerships with outside commercial presenters.
• Effectively establishes and maintains relationships nationally with agents and promoters.
• Liaises with appropriate departments such as Marketing, through Production Services, for event execution and Finance for settlements as well as the annual budgeting process. Also works with Education to ensure the execution of the outreach and master classes attached to any performance.
• Works with Marketing extensively in providing information of marketing materials for the upcoming season.
• Attends industry conferences to select artists for upcoming seasons.
• Works with Programming Operations Manager in maintaining the accuracy of the Straz Center's master performance calendar.
• Develops contacts with local CVB, Chamber of Commerce, and Tourist Development as well as Tampa Bay businesses and community groups.
• Maintains ongoing relationships with Tampa Bay Sports Commission as it relates to planning and execution of community-wide national and international events (WrestleMania, Super Bowl, NCAA Women's Final Four, NFL Honors, etc.)

Other:

• The job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Straz Center management reserves the right to amend or change duties, responsibilities, or activities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary at any time, with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Leadership and team building skills and experience to effectively supervise professional and non-professional staff and interact with all levels of management.
• Strong interpersonal skills including professional verbal and written communication.
• Creative and innovative with ability to seek out new methods and principles and incorporate them into existing practices.
• Solution driven with well-developed problem-solving skills and ability to develop conceptual alternatives.
• Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to travel as well as work nights and/or weekends as needed.

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Theater Management preferred.
• 5+ years' experience in similar position working in a fast paced, multi-venue environment with some supervisory experience.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time and use a computer and the telephone.
• Working regularly requires traversing the facility, positioning oneself to move, and effectively communicating.
• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel: Little travel is required for this position.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at www.StrazCenter.org to learn more about the Straz Center.