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.

Work Schedule:

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

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Essential Duties:

• Provide fiscal leadership for instructional and auxiliary units, including strategic planning, budgeting, grant writing, and oversight of revenue and expenses totaling nearly $2 million.
• Ensure auxiliary operations remain financially sustainable and maintain reserve funds.
• Develop and sustain a diversified operational model incorporating earned income, rentals, presenting/producing activities, and contributed income.
• Develop diverse, financially successful performance seasons aligned with the Arts Center’s mission.
• Negotiate and execute artist contracts in compliance with College policies.
• Oversee communication, marketing, and media strategies for all programming.
• Anticipate, assess, and mitigate organizational, contractual, and public?facing risks associated with live performance events.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate Arts Center staff, adjunct faculty, and ensemble instructors.
• Administer collective bargaining agreements and address student, faculty, and staff concerns.
• Coordinate private music lessons, ensemble programs, curriculum requirements, course scheduling, and student registration.
• Serve as liaison with in?residence ensemble partners to ensure alignment with College policies and mutual program goals.
• Coordinate public outreach initiatives with visiting artists, faculty, student ensembles, and community organizations.
• Partner with the College Foundation on fundraising initiatives, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and special events.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities supporting Arts Center and instructional priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate performing arts programming into curriculum and interdisciplinary initiatives as liaison with in?residence ensemble partners to ensure alignment with College policies and mutual program goals.
• Other Duties: Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

Light (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10lbs frequently)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment:

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.

In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College’s EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.