Programmer, Entertainment & Gaming, Music ​/ Audio Production

Be a Star at Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

Straz Center for the Performing Arts is seeking a Programmer to lead the development, planning, and execution of ticketed live performance programs, with a strong focus on contemporary music concerts. The Programmer will have a proven track record in artist booking, contract negotiation, budget management, and audience development, alongside excellent industry knowledge and relationships with agents, managers, and artists.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance creative vision with commercial viability, ensuring a dynamic and diverse program that engages audiences and continues and builds upon the organization's reputation as a leading presenter of live performance. This position requires a problem-solving mindset, strong industry relationships, experience working in a high-volume atmosphere with particular experience in booking contemporary music, and great comfort with budgets, Excel, and calendar software.

Located in downtown Tampa, the 335,000 square-foot Straz Center, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 27 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Programming & Artistic Planning

• Curate, plan, and deliver a compelling calendar of ticketed live performances, with emphasis on contemporary music and related genres.
• Identify and secure emerging and established artists that align with the organization's mission and audience profile.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, new talent, and audience demand to shape programming strategy.

Artist Booking & Contracting

• Negotiate deals and contracts with artists, agents, and promoters.
• Manage artist relations, ensuring a positive experience for all performers.
• Coordinate logistical and technical requirements with production teams.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Develop and manage programming budgets using Excel, including artist fees, production costs, and revenue projections.
• Analyze ticket sales and audience data to inform future programming decisions.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and relevant regulations.
• Maintain organized show folders.
• Attend and contribute to various meetings.
• Send available dates on hall availability to promoters, agents, or other potential clients upon request.
• Support and participate in department tasks and initiatives in a variety of ways.

Partnerships & Audience Development

• Build and sustain strong relationships with industry professionals, venues, and cultural partners.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to maximize audience reach and ticket sales.
• Support community engagement initiatives through thoughtful programming choices.

Financial Responsibilities

• Prepare show offers and budgets using Excel.
• Create and execute event settlements on a predetermined schedule.
• Provide timely financial results to internal and external parties.
• Gather information and introduce show personnel to production and marketing for advance needs.
• Ensure all event files are maintained in an accurate, complete, and up-to-date manner.
• Collect show expenses and invoices from internal departments for Straz-presented or co-presented events.
• Work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Organization and follow-through.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a diverse population.
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized.
• Effective proofreading ability.
• Contracts and live events background experience required.
• Financial and budgeting experience required with proficiency in Excel.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Suite includes but is not limited to frequent, required use of Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and respect…