Create unforgettable experiences
Every day, the Hult Center is relentless in pursuing its mission to lead with excellence, elevating the human spirit, strengthening our communities and supporting economic vitality through the power and possibilities of the performing arts.
We are looking for the next Director of Programming for our world-class performing arts center.
Wanted:
a strategic and visionary leader responsible for developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the Hult Center for the Performing Arts
About the opportunity:
The Hult Center Director of Programming oversees the major decisions about the ongoing growth of Hult’s mission to present a wide variety of Arts and Culture including a successful Broadway season while generating multi-millions in revenue through presenting, rentals, and partnerships with Resident Companies and local arts orgs.
Photo: Ólafur Arnalds performs on the Soreng Theatre stage
The Hult Center holds a unique place in the cultural life of the Pacific Northwest. The largest performing arts center between San Francisco and Portland, the Hult offers arts and culture experiences that draw audiences from throughout the region.
The Director of Programming will join a leadership team invested in providing unforgettable experiences to all audiences. The Hult welcomes people from throughout the community to explore a wide range of cultural offerings, from our four resident companies, the city’s leading dance and music companies, to national tours of Broadway shows, to international performing artists and exemplary children’s programming!
Photo: M83 onstage in the Silva Concert Hall
The Hult Center is truly the artistic heart of the city, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead the team in deepening and strengthening the foundation of an already irreplaceable community asset.
In addition to programming and education presented by the Hult, the center is proud to be home to Eugene’s Resident Companies, which include the Eugene Symphony, Eugene Ballet, Eugene Concert Choir and Ballet Fantastique. Beginning in 1982, the long and rich history between these organizations has served as a beacon signaling the community's values towards the arts and a fundamental identity for the Eugene area.
Resident Companies play a crucial role in Eugene’s arts and economic ecosystem by presenting performance-based art, conceived locally by Eugene's own and reflecting the unique spirit of our shared region. They contribute to local employment, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life by fostering a sense of community. Eugene’s Resident Companies engage in philanthropy, support local initiatives, conduct arts education, and contribute directly to the future viability of the cultural sector. Their ongoing success is vital to attract talent, encourage innovation, and create a diverse business landscape, making Eugene a resilient, vibrant, and desirable city for current and future residents and visitors.
The Director of Programming serves as the leader of the Hult Center programming team and receives general direction from the venues Managing Director.
The Director of Programming leads a team who independently negotiates all rental contractual fees, terms, and accompanying requirements for these events at the Center. The position is an integral member of the Hult’s leadership team and is key to all relationships both inside and outside of the Hult Center
Photo: Audience members get in on the fun at resident company Eugene Symphony's May the Fourth concert
Job Description
Here's what we'll be trusting you with
- Directs, prioritizes, assigns, and reviews work of staff and temporary workers involved in Programming/Booking work for the center.
- Directs program staff in curation of a wide variety of revenue generating events including programming a robust Broadway season.
- Creates and oversees department budgets for presented events.
- Manages bookings from negotiation to settlement for all presented performances including overseeing the contract process.
- Develops and executes programming strategy to complement existing arts programming in the market and leverage gaps in audience experience.
- Oversee venue rental program to maximize space utilization, while balancing revenue goals with the usage of facility by local and Resident companies.
- Resolves conflicts between the Center and users/promoters/agents, including re-negotiation of contract items.
Photo: Ira Glass presents a workshop to University of Oregon journalism students.
- Works closely with the Managing Director in the development of long and short-term goals and strategies for the Center;
- Maintains a collaborative relationship with the Managing Director, Director of Marketing, & Director of Education & Engagement allowing space for differing opinions and analysis to be heard and considered in overall programming and marketing strategies.
- Establishes and meets annual performance goals including revenue and attendance objectives.
- Evaluates current programming objectives and recommends long-range programming initiatives to Hult Center Managing Director.
- Expands the Hult Center’s role as a presenter outside of Center venues.
Photo: "Performing Frogs" (1982), by David Gilhooly, is one of many public art installations in the Hult Center
- Develops and maintain key industry relationships regionally and nationally in the touring performing arts and entertainment industry.
- Ensures strong fiscal stewardship and financial sustainability of overall venue utilization.
- Provides leadership and oversight of master venue calendar management.
- Works closely with the marketing and box offices teams to develop sales strategies for presented events.
- Works with Education and Engagement Manager to leverage existing programs, build educational and access programs with touring artists, and develop new opportunities and initiatives.
- Works with the Director of Operations to manage show budgets and mitigate overages.
- Serves on the Center’s Executive Team, attends other meetings as assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Photo: Penn & Teller wow audiences with their magic
Your areas of expertise and knowledge
(that matter the most for this role)
Before we get into that... Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will need knowledge of:
- Contract negotiations; touring promoter/agent negotiating practices and strategies.
- Performing arts contracting terminology.
- Performing arts management practices, policies, and operational needs.
- Performing arts/entertainment industry standards, developments, and trends.
- Procedures, methods and techniques of marketing and sales.
- Event Management Software.
- Basic accounting principles.
- Research, data collection and analysis.
- Meeting facilitation.
- Project management.
Photo: Pamyua performs Inuit-soul fusion at the Hult Center
Skills and Abilities:
- Interpret and explain booking and scheduling policies and procedures; recognize and evaluate various options and opportunities and determine the most effective course of action.
- Successfully negotiate contractual terms with performing arts promoters, agents, artists, and other users of the facility.
- Analyze, interpret, and apply policies and guidelines of facility operations and performing arts management.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with other managers and staff, touring promoters/agents, local arts managers and boards, other agencies and City staff and general public; gain cooperation through discussion, facilitation and persuasion.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community organizations and institutions and other City staff.
- Supervise and manage staff and resources in an effective and efficient manner.
- Effectively manage projects and coordinate the work of staff, vendors and contractors.
- Work effectively with information management systems, and adapt quickly to system changes and updates.
- Ability to work various hours, including evening, weekends and holidays.
- Fulfill Hult Center’s employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.
Photo: Buddy Guy performs with the Experience Hendrix Project
Education and experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the assigned program area. Additional qualifying professional level experience may be substituted for the educational requirement..
Experience:
Four and a half years of related professional experience, preferably in the public sector, including at least one year of supervisory or program management experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate, valid Oregon driver's license.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment. Daily standing and sitting for prolonged periods and regular focus on a computer screen. Attendance at meetings or activities outside normal working hours and including weekends is expected. The position requires operation of a motor vehicle on public roads.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
Photo: Drum Tao brings its incredible performance to the Silva stage
Other details
Compensation
Salary Range $90,792.00 - $122,574.40 annually
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).
Benefits
The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more info, click below to visit the summary page as well as the benefits package page.
Photo: Manual Cinema wowed audiences with their production of "Frankenstein"
How to apply:
The search for the Hult Center Director of Programming is being conducted with the support of Cynthia Fuhrman of The Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries, with an office in Portland, Ore.
To apply:
Visit the online application and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include relevant experience, including any direct experience you've had with similar roles and institutions. No phone calls, please.
The priority application deadline for the position is October 4, 2024.
Applications received by this date will be given priority consideration. While we will still accept and consider applications received after this date, we encourage you to apply as early as possible for the best chance at being considered for the position. Please note meeting the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview.
Read on for more information about the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.
Photo: University of Oregon Students take a dance intensive from Red Sky Performances
But wait... there's more!
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is operated by the City of Eugene and is part of the City of Eugene's Library, Recreation & Cultural Services department, which takes belonging and quality of life seriously.
You can check out just a few of the reasons Eugene is a great place to call home in the video below.
The work of the Library, Recreation & Cultural Services department is beloved throughout the community and is considered an essential component to the community’s quality of life. The wealth of recreation opportunities, thriving cultural sector, welcoming community centers and libraries help make Eugene one of the most livable cities in the country.
Photo: Queens of the Stone Age perform to a packed house
About the Hult Center for the Performing Arts
Built by the people of Eugene, the Hult Center has quite an impressive history.
"Within These Walls: 40 years of the Hult Center for the Performing Arts" (Documentary)
Since its grand opening in 1982, the Hult Center has been charming audiences and popular performers alike with its stunning architectural and acoustical features.
From the towering glass lobby, to the grand Silva Concert Hall with its basket weave ceiling and the intimate Soreng Theater with its intriguing asymmetrical design, the Hult Center is truly a great arts facility.
Mission: The Hult Center is relentless in leading with excellence, elevating the human spirit, strengthening our communities, and supporting economic vitality through the power and possibilities of the performing arts.
Vision: To be a cultural force that creates shared experiences that transform, engage and unite.
More from the Hult Center:
Ron Artis: Live at the Hult Center
Marja Harmon (Angelica Schuyler) - Hamilton Interview
Imaad Wasif - Echoing - Hult Center Exclusive Performance
Photo: Meow Meow at the Hult Center