Head of Performance

Sharjah Art Foundation; Sharjah; On-site; AED 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharjah Art Foundation seeks a senior leader to oversee the Performance Department, guiding its programmes, strategy, operations, and finances from Sharjah, UAE. You will work with senior leadership to shape ambitious performing arts initiatives and collaborations.

The role requires extensive leadership experience in multidisciplinary teams, strategic thinking, and strong Arabic and English communication. Full-time position with standard working hours in Sharjah.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Performing Arts or Fine Arts or related field with a minimum of 9 years’ experience or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years’ experience.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale projects.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead planning and development of dynamic performance programmes, festivals, and events.
• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the department and guide its direction in line with the foundation’s vision.
• Manage the department’s annual budget and ensure financial resources are used within approved limits.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Bilingual Arabic/English

Education

Master’s degree in Performing Arts or Fine Arts

Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts or Fine Arts

Job description

Reporting to: Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation
Job Location: Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Expected starting date:As soon as possible
Application Deadline: The job is open until filled

Leads and develops the Sharjah Art Foundation Performance Department, overseeing its programmes, strategy, operations, content, and financial matters in collaboration with senior leadership.

Roles and Responsibilities

• To initiate and lead the planning and development of dynamic performance programmes, festivals, and events.
• To develop and execute long-term strategic plans and conduct research to guide the department’s direction in alignment with the foundation’s vision.
• To manage the preparations of the department's annual budget and ensure the effective use of financial resources by tracking expenditures, monitoring spending, and ensuring all costs remain within the approved budget limits.
• To supervise and manage the team's performance by setting clear goals, conducting performance reviews, providing feedback, and supporting team development and training to build capabilities and achieve objectives.
• To advocate and build a strategic network with other institutions/festivals, artists and professionals in the creative industries, both regionally and internationally.
• To participate in talks, panel discussions, and workshops, aimed at fostering dialogue around performing arts while reaching diverse audiences.
• To commission /co-produce performances for the foundation in collaboration with other institutions/collaborators.

Required Experience, Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Performing Arts, Fine Arts or a related field, with a minimum of 9 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in the same field, with at least 10 years of experience.
• Proven leadership experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale projects.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English.

Conditions of Work

The role is a full-time position based in Sharjah, with working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, and occasional evening or weekend work as needed.