Senior Director of Performing Arts

Job Summary

The College seeks an exceptional leader to guide a dynamic, multivenue academic and community performing arts center. This role oversees a $1.7M instructional and auxiliary portfolio, leading artistic programming, contract negotiations, marketing strategy, and financial stewardship to ensure mission‑aligned, fiscally sustainable operations. The Senior Director also supervises faculty and staff, supports academic music programs including private lessons and ensembles, and fosters strong partnerships with in‑residence ensembles, community arts organizations, and campus collaborators.

A successful candidate brings substantial experience in performing arts administration, proven financial and operational acumen, and demonstrated success in season planning, audience development, and donor/grant engagement. Equally essential are strong skills with collaboration, communication, cultural competency, and the ability to balance instructional needs with revenue‑generating performance operations. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic, equity‑minded arts leader to shape vibrant programming that enriches both the college and the wider region.

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

This is a Full‑Time Administrative position at grade 17, with an annual salary range of $84,923 to $113,000. The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

Exempt

No

• Graduate degree in arts, nonprofit administration, business, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree with substantial experience leading multi‑venue performing arts operations or comparable nonprofit organizations.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, including budget and profit/loss responsibility, contract authority, and supervision of cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated success achieving measurable outcomes related to strategic planning, marketing, and organizational goals.
• Proven experience managing mixed income streams, including earned revenue, grants, and contributed income.
• Experience cultivating internal and external partnerships to advance institutional mission and program effectiveness.
• Comprehensive knowledge of performing arts venue management, including marketing, box office operations, online ticket sales, CRM systems, technical production, and front‑of‑house management.
• Working knowledge of performing arts genres (music and theatre) and the nonprofit and commercial performing arts industries at the local, national, and international levels.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and applicable labor requirements.
• Familiarity with Illinois Community College Board or equivalent requirements related to curriculum and enrollment.
• Strategic thinking and vision development, with the ability to implement complex plans to completion.
• Strong financial management and analytical skills, including data‑informed decision‑making.
• Effective project management skills in a dynamic, high‑volume public programming environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and communication skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to articulate and advance a clear vision for integrating performing arts programming within the college and the broader community.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity‑minded planning, inclusive programming, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to collaborate, build effective teams, and manage conflict in complex organizational settings.

• Experience working in higher education.
• Direct professional experience in the performing arts (e.g., director, producer, performer).
• Comprehensive experience…