Job Details

Director Of Programming

The Director of Programming is responsible for developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. In consultation with the Managing Director, makes major decisions about the ongoing growth of Hult's mission to present a wide variety of arts and culture. The Director of Programming leads the Programming Department which generates multi-millions in revenue through presenting, rentals, and partnerships with Resident Companies and local arts organizations. The Director leads a team who independently negotiates all rental contractual fees, terms, and accompanying requirements for these events at the Center. The position is an integral member of the Hult Center's leadership team and is key to all relationships both inside and outside of the Hult Center.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of experience in and knowledge of the performing arts/entertainment industry. They are a savvy negotiator who understands and achieves the "win-win." They possess outstanding customer service, relationship building, facilitation, and leadership skills. They continually seek to develop new business and build their network to increase activity and revenue. They have a winning attitude, integrity, creativity, and management skills and are driven to serve a team and clients with excellence. They are champions of arts and culture!

Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act.

Examples Of Duties Performed

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Leads the Hult Center Programming team:
• Directs, prioritizes, assigns, and reviews work of staff and temporary workers involved in Programming / Booking work for the center.
• Directs program staff in curation of a wide variety of revenue generating events including programming a robust Broadway season.
• Creates and oversees department budgets for presented events.
• Plans, conducts, and analyzes research for sales, policies, and procedures of Hult Center utilizing multi-year financial and usage data, industry standards, comparisons to other venues, and current trends.
• Manages bookings from negotiation to settlement for all presented performances including overseeing the contract process.
• Develops and executes programming strategy to complement existing arts programming in the market and leverage gaps in audience experience.
• Oversees venue rental program to maximize space utilization, while balancing revenue goals with the usage of facility by local and Resident companies.
• Resolves conflicts between the Center and users/promoters/agents, including re-negotiation of contract items.
• Works closely with the Managing Director in the development of long and short-term goals and strategies for the Center.
• Maintains a collaborative relationship with the Managing Director, Director of Marketing, & Director of Community & Creative Learning allowing space for differing opinions and analysis to be heard and considered in overall programming and marketing strategies.
• Establishes and meets annual performance goals including revenue and attendance objectives.
• Evaluates current programming objectives and recommends long-range programming initiatives to Hult Center Managing Director.
• Expands the Hult Center's role as a presenter outside of Center venues.
• Develops and maintain key industry relationships regionally and nationally in the touring performing arts and entertainment industry.
• Ensures strong fiscal stewardship and financial sustainability of overall venue utilization.
• Provides leadership and oversight of master venue calendar management.
• Works closely with the marketing and box offices teams to develop sales strategies for presented events.
• Works with the Director of Community & Creative Learning to leverage existing programs, build educational and access programs with touring artists, and develop new opportunities and initiatives for the community.
• Works with the Technical and Facilities Director to manage show budgets and mitigate overages.
• Serves on the Hult Center's Senior Leadership Team, attends other meetings as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: Five years of professional experience developing, implementing, and managing programs, projects, and/or personnel functions within an organizational unit, including two years in a full supervisory role.
• Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field that is transferrable to the assigned program area.
• Additional qualifying professional level experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.
• Background: Must pass a background check.

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Contract negotiations; touring promoter/agent negotiating practices and strategies. Performing arts contracting terminology.
• Performing arts management practices, policies, and operational needs.
• Performing arts/entertainment industry standards, developments, and trends.
• Procedures, methods and techniques of marketing and sales.
• Event Management Software.
• Basic accounting principles.
• Research, data collection and analysis.
• Meeting facilitation.
• Project management.
• Management theory and principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational development.
• Federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and policies relevant to program management, including understanding of compliance requirements and implications.
• City policies, rules, and bargaining agreements, and their application to assigned staff, with an emphasis on equitable practices and inclusion.
• Operational and strategic planning principles and practices, including goal setting, performance measurement, and evaluation methodologies.
• Interpret and explain booking and scheduling policies and procedures; recognize and evaluate various options and opportunities and determine the most effective course of action.
• Successfully negotiate contractual terms with performing arts promoters, agents, artists, and other users of the facility.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply policies and guidelines of facility operations and performing arts management.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with other managers and staff, touring promoters/agents, local arts managers and boards, other agencies and City staff and general public; gain cooperation through discussion, facilitation and persuasion.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community organizations and institutions and other City staff.
• Supervise and manage staff and resources in an effective and efficient manner.
• Effectively manage projects and coordinate the work of staff, vendors and contractors.
• Work effectively with information management systems and adapt quickly to system changes and updates.
• Ability to work various hours, including evening, weekends and holidays.
• Fulfill Hult Center's employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.
• Promote and equitable workplace environment, apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services, and foster inclusive leadership practices.

Supplemental Information

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City's Employee Resource Center division.

Non-Represented Retirement Program: Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) ###-####.