Talent Buyer

Colorado Chautauqua Association; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Chautauqua Association in Boulder, CO is seeking an experienced on-site, full-time Talent Buyer to lead year-round programming and artist bookings for our historic Auditorium.

You will identify and contract artists, negotiate terms, manage budgets, and collaborate with marketing, box office, and hospitality teams to ensure successful events.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in talent buying or programming, strong industry relationships, and a passion for nonprofit cultural programming.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of talent buying, booking, or programming experience.
• Strong industry relationships and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing budgets and evaluating market opportunities.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Comfort with on-site work evenings and occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and book a year-round calendar of events for Chautauqua's historic Auditorium.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and contract artists, speakers, performers, films, and events.
• Build and maintain relationships with agents, managers, promoters, and industry partners.
• Negotiate artist fees, contracts, and deal terms.
• Manage programming budgets and evaluate event performance.
• Collaborate with marketing, public events, box office, sales, and hospitality teams to ensure successful event execution.
• Represent Chautauqua at industry conferences, showcases, and networking events.

Skills

Talent buying

Negotiation

Budget management

Relationship-building

Job description

• Location 298 Morning Glory Drive,Boulder, CO, 80302,United States
• Base Pay $65,000.00 - $72,000.00 / Year
• Job Category Programming, Artist Booking, Venue
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Manage Others No

Contact information

Description

The Colorado Chautauqua Association is seeking an experienced on-site, full-time Talent Buyer to lead year-round programming and artist booking for one of Colorado's most iconic cultural venues.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned talent buyer, programmer, venue professional, or entertainment industry expert who wants to combine a passion for live events with the mission of a nonprofit organization. Chautauqua's historic venues host concerts, films, speakers, cultural events, and community programs that enrich thousands of visitors each year.

What You'll Do

• Develop and book a year-round calendar of events for Chautauqua's historic Auditorium.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and contract artists, speakers, performers, films, and special events.
• Build and maintain relationships with agents, managers, promoters, and industry partners.
• Negotiate artist fees, contracts, and deal terms.
• Manage programming budgets and evaluate event performance.
• Collaborate with marketing, public events, box office, sales, and hospitality teams to ensure successful event execution.
• Represent Chautauqua at industry conferences, showcases, and networking events.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of talent buying, booking, or programming experience in a venue, performing arts center, festival, presenter organization, or similar entertainment setting.
• Strong industry relationships and proven negotiation skills.
• Experience managing budgets and evaluating market opportunities.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance artistic vision, audience engagement, and financial performance.
• Experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is a plus.
• Evening, weekend, on-site office work, and occasional travel are required for the position, including attendance at performances, industry conferences, and artist showcases.

Why Chautauqua?

Located at the base of Boulder’s Flatirons, the historic Colorado Chautauqua is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to enriching the community through arts, culture, education, and recreation. We believe in the power of music, ideas, and shared experiences to connect people and strengthen community.

At Colorado Chautauqua Association (CCA), we celebrate difference and welcome its benefits. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and do not discriminate on the basis of age 40 and over, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, creed, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by law.