Description
The Arts Barn, a program venue of the Cultural Events & Services Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture, is seeking a part-time Theater Program Coordinator to plan, organize, implement, and manage a comprehensive season of theatrical performances at the Arts Barn and other City facilities. The Arts Barn has a 99-seat theater which is open for arts programming, rentals, and for special events.
The Theater Program Coordinator ensures professionally run theatrical programs that properly use resources, follow policies and procedures, provide the highest quality entertainment for patrons, and meet all contract requirements and expectations of performers and participants. The successful candidate will oversee programs, work directly with performers, professionals, and community theatre groups, as well as volunteers and patrons, advise on Arts Barn technical production sound and light resources, and ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
The position requires expertise and previous experience in theater operations, performing arts, or related field, as well as strong organizational and marketing skills and outstanding abilities in customer service and public relations. Theater/arts-related college level course work or degree is preferred. You must be an effective verbal and written communicator, be able to multi-task and meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a dedicated, innovative, and collaborative team.
Starting hourly rate is negotiable within the range ($18 to $25 per hour) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees. Hours per week varies based on operational needs but will not exceed an average of 27.5 hours per week. Occasional 40+ hour weeks and evening, weekend, and/or holiday work will be required to support and manage/monitor programs and productions.
Job Functions
What you will do with us:
- Design, conduct, and manage annual open application process for theater companies to apply to participate in season; review material and assist in selecting productions; negotiate contracts.
- Monitor theater companies’ compliance with contracts terms and City/facility policies.
- Provide on-site supervision of productions; coordinate/schedule rehearsals and performances; coordinate sound and lighting requirements; ensure technical and logistical needs are met including inspecting, testing, and modifying equipment prior to performance to ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety codes.
- Develop and coordinate marketing plans and prepare marketing and promotional materials.
- Manage collateral materials (programs, signage, brochures).
- Schedule facility use using applicable software; provide notice of schedule changes.
- Respond to theater companies and customer emails and phone calls regarding programs.
- Provide expertise and training to facility staff and volunteers as needed.
- Analyze attendance or program participation; produce periodic reports of this data.
- Evaluate programs and implement improvements within scope of authority or provide recommendations for improvements to management.
- Make purchases, create requisitions, monitor expenditures and revenue of programs to stay within budget parameters; create financial reports; support development of the divisional budget.
- Provide ticket reports to performers and request timely performer payments.
- May assist with other administrative support activities as needed.
- Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.
Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please click here to view the complete classification specification for the Theater Program Coordinator position.
Qualifications
What you will need to be considered:
- At least two years of college level course work in Theater, Recreation, Education, Art, Music, Arts Administration, Leisure Services, or related field; Associate’s Degree or higher is preferred.
- Previous experience in theater operations, performing arts, or related field required.
- Previous arts/events programming and box office management experience preferred.
- Previous experience with backstage management, including sound and light technical production requirements, preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational, time management, communication (verbal and written), and customer service skills.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
- Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office applications); experience with ActiveNet or similar recreation management software a plus.
- An understanding of the needs of an ethnically and economically diverse community.
- Valid driver's license.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification (may be obtained through the City upon hire).
- Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information
Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:
- A complete online application
- Current Resume (attached to the online application)
- Letter of interest (attached to the online application)
Your cover letter should highlight why you are interested in the position, and your resume and letter should discuss past relevant experience and convey how that experience, in addition to your other special skills and abilities, make you uniquely qualified to serve in this position.
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applicants are identified or all hiring decisions have been made.
The successful candidate will be subject to a background check and drug/alcohol screening. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.
The City of Gaithersburg supports principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.
For more information about the position, contact Arts Administrator Linda Bloom at Linda.Bloom@gaithersburgmd.gov or 240.805.1287. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at hr@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301.258.6327.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 6 months.
