Programming Manager

Programming Manager

Department: Mission Delivery
Reports To: VP of Programs
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Location: Hybrid, in-office in New Bedford, MA
Salary Range: $55,000–$70,000 annually. Starting pay within this range is based on relevant experience and organizational needs.

About The Zeiterion

The Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to steward our historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Our work is guided by five core values: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery. These values inform how we deliver on our mission and how we work together every day.

We are committed to cultivating a workplace where all individuals feel respected, valued, and are encouraged to contribute. As a team member, you’ll be part of a culture that supports creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion. Learn more here: https://www.zeiterion.org

Position Summary

The Programming Manager manages the business side of bringing artists to the Z’s stages. Working under the direction of the VP of Programs, you’ll be the Z’s day-to-day contact with agents, managers, and booking representatives. You’ll vet incoming leads and carry approved engagements from offer through signed contract and settlement, making sure every agreement works for our budget, venue, and production team. As the liaison between artists and Z staff, you’ll document and communicate every requirement in the offer, contract, and rider, make sure each department has what it needs to deliver the engagement in compliance with those terms, and give timely notice of any changes. Mainstage programming is at the center of the role, but you’ll also partner with Education and Community Programs, Rentals, and other departments on creative programming across the building and contribute to the Z’s overall programming strategy. The role starts with research, lead vetting, and preliminary conversations with artist representatives about logistics. Depending on experience, it may grow to include thought partnership with the VP on curatorial vision and a more proactive role in relationship management and procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Agent & Artist Relationships

• Monitor, respond to, and triage incoming inquiries from agents and artist representatives promptly and thoroughly, vetting opportunities and advancing promising leads to the VP of Programs
• Act as one of the Z's primary points of contact for booking agents, artist managers, and representatives, supporting the lasting relationships that improve access to talent and deal terms
• Pursue holds, routing opportunities, and avails with the VP of Programs, to support season planning
• Represent the Z professionally in the presenting field, including industry conferences and booking conferences as appropriate
• Schedule and coordinate meetings between the VP of Programs and artists, artist management, and agents, including at national and regional conferences, and follow up promptly to keep opportunities moving
• Research potential programming leads for touring artists/productions as well as pursuing agent connections, and hold preliminary conversations with artist representatives about availability and logistics

Offers & Contract Management

• Prepare offers and deal terms (guarantees, splits, ticket pricing, radius clauses, hospitality, merchandise, and other terms) for approval based on company standards, including connecting with internal stakeholders to build budgets and terms where necessary.

• Manage the full contract lifecycle: drafting and reviewing agreements and riders, redlining, routing for internal approval and signature, tracking deadlines and deposits, and keeping records complete and organized
• Find contractual, financial, and operational risks, and escalate items outside your authority to the right decision-maker
• Ensure contract documentation, compliance items (e.g., certificates of insurance, tax forms), and payment schedules stay accurate and on time
• Lead or support show settlements with artist representatives, in partnership with Finance, Box Office, and other internal stakeholders as necessary.

Technical Riders & Production Coordination

• Review and solicit necessary internal feedback regarding technical and hospitality riders for feasibility given the Z's capabilities, and suggest changes with artist representatives when needed
• Collaborate with the Production team regarding readiness, conflict resolution, and ensuring a smooth, professional experience for visiting artists
• Keep clear, current documentation on all programs

Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Contribute to season planning, programming budgets, and calendar management
• Work with Marketing, Box Office, and Finance so announcements, on-sale dates, and financial terms line up with contract commitments
• Track program results and agent and artist feedback to inform future booking decisions
• Partner with Education and Community Programs, Rentals, and other departments on creative programming across the building, including collaborations with local artists and organizations, and help shape how all programming streams fit together in the Z’s overall programming strategy
• Communicate programming information (confirmed engagements, holds, schedule changes, and artist needs) to relevant staff in a timely way
• Track and manage programming deadlines, including holds, offer expirations, conference registrations, and internal planning milestones

Other duties as assigned

Decision-Making Authority

• Day-to-day relationships and communication with agents and artist representatives
• Researching deal terms within budget and terms approved by the VP of Programs
• Managing contract workflow, timelines
• Recommending deal structures, rider changes, and logistical solutions
• Screening and prioritizing incoming agent inquiries before advancing them to the VP of Programs

Qualifications

Required:

• 3-6 years of experience in performing arts presenting, booking, artist management, or venue programming, including direct responsibility for managing artist contracts

• Working knowledge of standard artist agreements, deal structures, and settlements
• Ability to read and assess technical riders and communicate effectively with production staff
• Excellent negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong organization and attention to detail; you can manage many deals at once and nothing falls through the cracks
• Comfort with spreadsheets, budgets, and contract or calendar tracking tools

• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances and industry events, and to travel occasionally

• Commitment to the Z's mission and to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility

Preferred:

• Established relationships with agents and booking representatives
• Experience supervising or directing the work of others
• Experience leading show settlements
• Experience with booking or event management software (e.g., PatronManager)
• Familiarity with the touring market in New England or the Northeast
• Experience at a nonprofit or multi-use presenting venue
• In addition to English, multilingual Spanish, Portuguese, Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole), Haitian Creole, or K’iche.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The Z is a collaborative work environment, and employees are expected to be open and willing to collaborate across departments and teams
The Zeiterion is on an active, and ongoing, journey to be anti-racist organization - advancing anti-racist policies and practices, and fostering and sustaining a culture that values community, social justice, and equity

Physical Requriements
The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to high

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods and occasionally required to stand, walk, and move throughout the building.
• The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, supplies).
• This position is primarily indoor office work, with occasional need to move between floors via stairs or elevator.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, retirement plan with employer match, paid time off, professional development
• Additional perks: Tickets to performances, wellness programs, remote and schedule flexibility.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
In addition to relevant experience, we’re looking for a colleague who:

• Brings a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and openness
• Communicates with clarity, honesty, and care
• Thrives in a collaborative, relationship-centered team
• Shares our commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism
• Is excited to learn, grow, and imagine new ways forward

OUR WORKPLACE CULTURE
As part of your onboarding, you’ll be welcomed into a culture that reflects our values:

• Imagination – We encourage creative problem-solving and fresh ideas from every level of the organization.
• Connection – We work with empathy and respect, building strong relationships across teams.
• Equity – We actively address inequities in our systems and strive for inclusive representation in all we do.
• Transparency – We communicate openly, share information proactively, and make decisions with integrity.
• Discovery – We support risk-taking and learning from mistakes as essential parts of growth.

We create a workplace where you can bring your full self, feel supported, and know your contributions matter.

TO APPLY
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered, please submit:

1. Your resume
2. A brief cover letter expressing your interest in the role

We deeply value working with individuals from a rich mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe this diversity strengthens our institution and enriches our community. While we've outlined the qualifications and experience that we think will help someone thrive in this role, we also recognize that talent comes in many forms. If your background doesn't perfectly align with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - your unique perspective might be exactly what we need.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact careers@zeiterion.org or call 774-425-3413 x122.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Zeiterion is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving environment for all employees, including but not limited to a culture of antiracism in which we build policies, procedures, and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ, in our seats, and on our stage. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY & SPONSORSHIP
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support corporate transfers for this position now or in the future. Successful candidates will be required to comply with federal travel and identification regulations, including completing the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification upon hire.

BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment with The Zeiterion is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, in accordance with Massachusetts law and The Z's background check policy.