Arts Center Director — Lead Programming & Community Engagement

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University seeks a Director of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts to lead one of the region’s premier performing arts venues. The role shapes seasons, cultivates audiences, and oversees operations, staff, and partnerships with faculty and community partners.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in arts administration or related field and a minimum of two years in performing arts programming, with strong leadership and fundraising abilities. Evening/weekend work is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration or related field.
• At least two years of experience in performing arts programming or arts administration, with some exposure to season planning, artist booking, or contracting.
• Familiarity with audience development strategies and ability to grow audiences.
• Familiarity with fundraising, sponsorship development, and grant writing.
• Working knowledge of performing arts operations, such as budgeting, box office, or production.
• Emerging leadership abilities, with the capacity to collaborate effectively.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to accessibility in programming and outreach.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Programming & curation: curate engaging seasons and contracts in collaboration with the Dean.
• Community & Educational Engagement: expand outreach and educational programs with faculty.
• Fundraising & Sponsorship: assist in sponsorship opportunities and grant proposals.
• Operational Management: oversee budgeting, box office, production, and facilities operations.
• Leadership & Staff Development: recruit, train, and support Forbes Center staff.
• Marketing & Public Relations: collaborate on advertising strategies and season launches.
• Engagement: champion programming initiatives and audience engagement.
• Collaborate with School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance and other stakeholders.

Skills

Arts administration

Program planning

Budgeting

Fundraising

Audience development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, performing arts, or related field

Job description

James Madison University seeks a Director of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts to lead one of the region’s premier performing arts venues. The role shapes seasons, cultivates audiences, and oversees operations, staff, and partnerships with faculty and community partners.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in arts administration or related field and a minimum of two years in performing arts programming, with strong leadership and fundraising abilities. Evening/weekend work is required.