Job Summary
The Artist Relations and Operations Manager manages production and education details for visiting artists, ensembles, companies, guest speakers, and other special events; including, but not limited to, the production advance, artist requirements and contractual obligations, as well as day-of-show production details with technical staff, internal colleagues, visiting tour staff and artists, and external partners. The Manager supports the planning and execution of educational activity provided by visiting artists, working with faculty and administrators across the collegiate and P-12 landscape, including in-classroom residencies/assemblies, student matinee performances, sales and reservation processes, creation of educational promotional materials and day-of-show logistics. The Manager also manages the operations of the Purdue Convocations team, providing organizational, operational, and logistical support for the department at-large. This position supervises pre-professional production interns.
Who We Are
Purdue Convocations is the professional performing arts presenter at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The organization presents 20-35 professional productions each season (September through May) in multiple campus and community venues ranging from 400 to 6,000 seats. For more than 120 years, Convocations has presented top-ranking national and international artists including symphony orchestras, opera, chamber ensembles, and recitalists; Broadway musical and theatrical productions; ballet, modern and ethnic dance; family and educational programming; jazz, folk, ethnic, country, and rock music; and special attractions. The department serves 50,000 patrons annually in a 14-county region in mid-north Indiana, as well as a university community that hosts film and lecture series, cultural events, sports, and many other activities associated with a vibrant university town anchored by a major research institution. West Lafayette is an easy one-hour drive from Indianapolis and approximately two hours from Chicago.
- To learn more about us, visit convocations.org
- To meet our staff, visit convocations.org/contact-us
- Find us on social media at @PurdueConvos (Instagram, Threads, Twitter) and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdue-convocations
What We Are Looking For
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor degree in arts administration, an arts discipline, education, or related field
- Four (4) years of experience in performing arts production and/or organization management
- An equivalent combination of required education and work experience may be considered
PREFERRED:
- Have experience in the performing arts; specifically event production or technical theatre
- Previous supervisory experience, especially with students
- Experience in supporting fundraising events and donor stewardship
- Experience in event planning
- Experience in front-line customer service
- Experience with cash handling
SKILLS:
REQUIRED:
- Demonstrated ability to blend artistic and theatrical technical knowledge, financial frameworks, artistic needs, and interpersonal interactions to deliver and maintain artist, aesthetic, and production standards for both Convocations and the visiting guest/artist
- Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complicated, detail-intensive projects and initiatives
- Demonstrated expertise in written and verbal communications
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex legal, technical, and financial documents
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work with and gain the respect of an extremely diverse array of individuals, groups, cultures, and perspectives
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with production and artist details
- Ability to handle high-pressure situations with poise, sensitivity, and flexibility
- Must be reliable, self-motivated, meticulous with details, and possess solid ability to solve problems
- Demonstrated skill in mobile computing and remote work/collaboration solutions
- Proficient with MS Office computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point), internet browsing and social media, and other standard office applications for the Windows environment
- Flexibility to work evening/weekend hours and/or long days, as needed
- Must have own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and able to pass requirements to drive Purdue University vehicles
Additional Information
- Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
- Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
- Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply