Head of Performing Arts
Mission Statement
The Wexner Center for the Arts is The Ohio State University’s multidisciplinary laboratory for contemporary art and culture. Through exhibitions, performances, screenings, educational programs, artist residencies, and publications the Wex serves as a vital forum where artists test ideas and where diverse audiences engage the art and issues of our time. In its programs, the Wex balances a commitment to experimentation with a critical appreciation of the past. Our work affirms the university’s pursuit of civic participation, freedom of expression, and robust dialogue.
DEI Statement
The Wexner Center values diversity and offers a supportive, open, and inclusive community. We encourage candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Position Overview
Under the artistic direction of the Executive Director, the Head of Performing Arts is a member of the WCA’s Executive Management Team, actively participating in shaping the organization’s vision and mission while managing and leading the Performing Arts and Technical Services Departments and all aspects of their operations: production of new works featuring contemporary artists in all phases of their careers, spanning all performing arts (music, dance, theatre, and others) disciplines, conception, research initiatives, planning, residencies, and collaboration with other institutions in the United States and abroad. Working in a collegial manner to build trust and respect in a team-centric department and throughout the WCA, the Head of Performing Arts is responsible for the support and content of all performing arts and related efforts including the following: Provide strategic programmatic leadership of the Wexner Center’s performing arts program to reflect its contemporary, international mission; design, plan, and execute the center’s performing arts program, including dance, theater, music, and “hybrid” performances and live programs; ensure each season features notable commissions and creative residency projects that engage significant innovators in their respective fields, whether emerging, established, or illustrious artists; initiate and collaborate on projects designed for national/international touring that sustain and advance the center’s reputation as a leading producer/co-producer; further build, engage, and sustain diverse audiences from across campus and throughout the Columbus and regional communities for all programs; design special opportunities to engage The Ohio State University faculty and students in their classrooms and studios, as well as at the center for workshops, rehearsals, and finished performances; maintain close ties with like-minded peer organizations in conceiving and/or participating in collaborative projects and provide expertise and support to WCA colleagues for funding, outreach, and promotion of the Performing Arts program. The Head of Performing Arts leads and manages the Performing Arts and Technical Services departments and mentors and supervises staff.
Duties Description
35% Programming and outreach: design, plan, and execute each season’s performing arts events including dance, theater, and music; develop strategic plans and programs to achieve the objectives of the performing arts program at WCA; maintain the highest standards of quality in all aspects of the performing arts program – honoring artists’ intentions and needs as well as enhancing positive experiences for audiences; continuously scout/cultivate new talent and reflect important new trends in the field; ensure “dynamic balance” across the following vectors: performance disciplines, genres, and practices; artists’ nationality, race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender/identity; artists’ professional stature, from emerging to established to renowned; degree of audience familiarity/affinity/accessibility; inclusion of newly evolving forms that redefine contemporary performance and the ways in which it’s presented; notable commissions and creative residency projects engaging significant innovators; cross-departmental collaborations with Wex colleagues in exhibitions, film/video, and learning and public practice that amplify impact and reach; manage and oversee the operations of the performing arts program both on and off the university campus to ensure its success; conduct research to identify potential projects and artists including attending performances, industry conferences, and convenings; collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and initiate philanthropic activities to support programing; implement collaborative marketing and promotional initiatives within the university and across the national and international performing arts community; serve as a resource on performing arts-related matters, providing expertise and guidance to university stakeholders as required; represent WCA’s performing arts program at meetings and events within the university and in the broader community, both nationally and internationally; pursue meaningful campus collaborations, conceiving projects that provide opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and support of academic priorities; consistently seek to engage and sustain diverse student and faculty audiences, not only those in allied arts departments but across the full academic spectrum as well as professional schools; pursue projects that demonstrate the WCA’s commitment to ever greater civic vitality and stature, partnering as appropriate with other performing arts presenters in the community; provide expertise and support to the WCA’s Advancement initiatives – fundraising, outreach, and promotion – as they relate to the performing arts program; cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, and international performing arts funders, whether governmental, foundation, corporate, or individual; take direct part in shaping/drafting grant proposals and preparing interim and final reports; draft program “narrative” to be utilized in promoting all performance events; oversee all aspects of guest curation and curatorial committee for jazz programming including identifying clear deliverables, timelines and budgets.
25% Producing: facilitate all aspects of program development including scheduling, budgeting, contracting, logistical planning, and travel arrangements while abiding by university policies and processes; coordinate all aspects of technical production of performances with technical services department personnel including analyzing technical riders, project budget forecasting, and negotiations with artists; support project development by providing commissioning support residencies, dramaturgy, and field-wide advocacy for artists; liaise with internal departments such as Technical Services, Visitor Experience, Ticketing, Accessibility, Learning & Public Practice, Communications and Marketing, and Advancement to ensure high-quality engagements for patrons; personally attend and oversee all Wex-produced performances, whether on-site or off-site.
15% Technical Services: Supervise the Director of Technical Services and lead the Technical Services team in establishing and executing organizational priorities and strategically deploying team resources to achieve those priorities on a daily, weekly, monthly, and longer-term basis. The Head of Performing Arts works with the Director of Technical Services in strategizing, planning, creating, and executing high quality, smooth-functioning support for all programs, performances, and events throughout the institution including those from across all WCA programmatic areas, advancement events, rentals, and collaborative performances and events.
15% Administration: Oversee all aspects of departmental fiscal management with assistance from Senior Producers including annual budget planning, monitoring, reconciliation, and reporting, using accurate accounting practices and following university policies; achieve balanced budgets each season, making mid-year adjustments as necessary; ensure timely attention to visa applications, tax matters, and similar requirements related to visiting international artists; recruit, hire, and supervise staff members, providing ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support as needed and delegating appropriate duties commensurate with their job descriptions; determine program objectives and participate in data collection, evaluation of programs and attendance, and reporting processes to ensure performance outcomes are achieved within budget; lead department staff through regular meetings, assigned responsibilities and tasks, and annual reviews; attend meetings with staff, working groups, and other committees including regular participation in the Executive Management Team; and generate departmental communication tools including correspondence, presentations, board reports, project descriptions, and reports.
10% Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Supervises
- Director of Technical Services
- Senior Producers (2)
Minimum Education Required
Master’s degree, or commensurate amount of combined experience and education
Required Qualifications
Required:
Seven years professional experience in performing arts specialization with direct experience in programming, producing, and successfully administering a contemporary performing arts program of distinction. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to problem-solve. Demonstrable knowledge of and experience with performing arts-related fundraising and revenue generation.
Additional Information
Hours vary and include evenings, weekends, and possible holidays. The successful completion of a background check prior to the start date is required.
Career Roadmap
Function: Performing Arts
Sub-Function: Performing Arts Programs
Career Band: People Leader – Managerial
Career Level: Senior – M3
Proposed salary range: $92,000-$123,000
Location: Wexner Center for the Arts (0386)
Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40