Senior Director, Programming & Producing

Arts House Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural organization in Singapore seeks a Programme Director to lead impactful programmes and festivals across its venues. This role requires 10+ years of relevant leadership experience in arts programming and event management. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, organizational capabilities, and a passion for the arts. Key responsibilities include overseeing flagship festivals, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing educational outreach initiatives. The position demands flexibility to work outside regular hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant leadership experience in arts programming, production, and event management.
• Track record in curating or leading successful artistic initiatives and events in the public or private arts sector.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of impactful, high-quality programmes and festivals.
• Direct the planning and execution of flagship festivals like SIFA and SWF.
• Collaborate with the venue programming team to align overall programming/production.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organizational and project management skills

Proficiency in an additional Asian language

Passionate about the arts

Knowledge of Singapore’s arts ecosystem

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Degree in Arts or Social Sciences

Job description

Job Purpose

• Lead the development and delivery of impactful, high-quality programmes and festivals across Arts House Group’s (AHG) venues and platforms.
• Play a key role in fostering strategic partnerships, advancing AHG’s artistic direction, and contributing to the vibrancy and development of Singapore’s arts sector.

The role includes:

• (a) Flagship Festival Oversight: Direct the planning and execution of AHG’s flagship festival; i.e. Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), and Singapore Writers Festival (SWF); to achieve defined outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs) in alignment with strategic objectives.
• (b) Venue Programming Leadership: Conceive, manage, and oversee year-round programming for all AHG centres; i.e. The Arts House, Aliwal Arts Centre, Goodman Arts Centre, and Stamford Arts Centre. This includes spearheading place‑making initiatives and AHG’s education and literary outreach initiatives.
• (c) Cultural Medallion Showcase Oversight: Oversee and expand the Cultural Medallion Showcase offerings.
• (d) Championing Partnership and Growth Strategy: Develop and implement strategies, partnerships, and operational processes that enhance programme quality, increase impact, and support AHG’s long‑term growth and sustainability within the local and regional arts scene.

Duties and responsibilities

Festivals

• Lead the team in the development and execution of signature programmes and projects in line with the programming strategies of AHG to reach out to targeted audiences
• Overall responsibility for festival operations and monitors progress which include budgets, timelines and governance, reporting to Executive Director and in line with the programme vision and direction of the respective Festival Directors
• Lead coordination of collaboration with Marketing team as well as Partnership Development & Communications team in the promotion of festival programmes, as well as cultivating and maintaining stakeholder relationship to build towards AHG’s brand identity
• Supports Partnership Development to canvas and secure sponsorships for arts events and works with the Executive Director to build a network of AHG advocates.
• Collaborate with the venue programming team to align overall programming/production and maximise the impact of AHG programmes.
• Lead execution as needed and designated, other AHG festivals, projects and events
• Lead stakeholder management efforts, including liaising with key partners such as the National Arts Council (NAC) to ensure strategic alignment with national arts strategies and funding frameworks.

Venue Programmes

• Lead the team to develop strategies and plans for AHG centre programmes including developing synergies with SIFA and SWF.
• Lead the organization of signature programmes of AHG centres.
• Work closely with the Management to articulate the direction of centres and their signature programmes and provide leadership and expertise to the team
• Develop and manage the relationships with artists (especially artist tenants), partnering arts institutions and stakeholders to constantly seek opportunities for partnership and audience growth.
• Works closely with the other departments to build customer/stakeholder relationships and contribute to the brand identity of AHG.
• Works closely with the Partnership Team to seek out and obtain support including making recommendations for arts grants and facilitating content development for AHG events.
• Lead the development of education and outreach initiatives for AHG which includes extending programmes for events and Cultural Medallion showcase.

Administration and Budget Management

• Manage the overall performance, output, key objectives and health of the department.
• Manage the annual budget and other resources.
• Ensure sound contracting and budgeting processes, adhering to AHG’s procurement guidelines.
• Mentor and develop staff, fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth.

Others

• Any other duties and responsibilities as and when assigned by AHG Management

Education

• Degree in Arts, Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience with deep artistic knowledge and contextual understanding of the arts in Singapore and the region.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant leadership experience in arts programming, production, and event management.
• Track record in curating or leading successful artistic initiatives and events in the public or private arts sector.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in an additional Asian language is advantageous.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Passionate about the arts and sensitive to cultural and social dynamics.
• Knowledge of Singapore’s arts ecosystem and familiarity with regional and international trends.
  

Working conditions

Due to the nature of arts festivals, it is crucial to be able to work outside of regular office hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays