Connecticut College · 4 months ago
Director of Arts Programmming
Connecticut College is a small private, highly selective college with a strong commitment to the liberal arts tradition. They are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Arts Programming and Theater Services to oversee the College’s OnStage Performance series and support arts initiatives across campus. The role involves leadership, collaboration with arts faculty, budget management, grant writing, and community engagement.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of 3–4 staff members: Technical Director for Theater Services, Associate Technical Director, On-Call Sound Technician, Arts Programming Assistant / Box Office Manager
Plan, direct, and supervise all aspects of the onStage at Connecticut College Guest Artist Series, Box Office operations, and Theater Services, including content, format, and event scheduling
Negotiate contracts and act as liaison with artists, independent contractors, and service providers
Coordinate logistics for all performances and events in the College’s four performing arts venues
Collaborates with all arts departments and interdisciplinary centers (Dance, Theater, Music, Art, Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology) on performances and symposia
Manage multiple budgets including onStage, Theater Services, Box Office, and Dayton Artist-in-Residence
Ensure proper usage of restricted and endowed funds (e.g., Julie Hovey Slimmon Endowed Fund), following College policies such as the 'first dollar rule.'
Grant writing to support funding for OnStage series
Oversee the promotion of all programs and events through press releases, advertising, posters, flyers, media interviews and social media
Work closely with the Communications Department and other college departments as needed
Develop audience development strategies in collaboration with colleagues
Analyze fundraising data and develop strategies to increase donor support
Support fundraising initiatives across the arts and collaborate with Advancement to prepare grant proposals for local, state, regional, and federal sources
Assist with major College events including Commencement, Convocation, Reunion, and Fall Weekend
Provide guidance and liaise with departments, student organizations, and external groups using performance venues
Estimate labor and equipment costs in collaboration with Theater Services
Negotiate rental agreements for external groups using campus performance facilities
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of 6–7 years of experience in arts programming or a related field
Demonstrated excellence in budget and personnel management
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Strong understanding of stage operations: production schedules, lighting, sound, projection, rigging, and carpentry
Ability to balance and support diverse programmatic needs across academic and performance departments
Proven experience in contract negotiation and vendor management
Ability to cultivate relationships with donors, artists, service providers, colleagues, and community members
Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and under pressure
Innovative thinker with a strategic and creative approach to arts programming
Diplomacy, discretion, and professional presence
Willingness to travel and work some evenings/weekends as required
Valid driver's license and ability to drive a vehicle
Preferred
Master of Arts Administration or related field
Benefits
Full Benefits
Relocation Reimbursement
Company
Connecticut College
Connecticut College is a school in New London.
H1B Sponsorship
Connecticut College has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2)
2024 (3)
2023 (4)
2022 (3)
2020 (6)
Funding
Current Stage
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