Director of Programs

The Skirball Cultural Center seeks qualified candidates for the position of Director of Programs. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, the Director of Programs oversees the Skirball’s public programs, ensuring that they fulfill the institution’s mission, enhance its public image and visibility, and embrace Los Angeles’s diverse audiences and constituencies. The Director of Programs provides strategic leadership to the content and format of these public programs, guiding the development, consideration, selection, and success of a full array of performing, literary, and media arts aligned with the Skirball’s mission. The Director of Programs works in partnership with museum, education, communications and marketing, and operations colleagues.

Responsibilities:

·        Enhance the Skirball’s reputation among audiences and performers as a premiere venue for cultural programs, including music, film, lectures, literary programs, dance, and theater.

·        Establish and maintain an effective network of professional contacts to ensure the Skirball’s ability to attract and present world-class speakers, artists, and performers; build and maintain relationships with cultural partners and presenters locally and nationally.

·        Shape program offerings to achieve goals of high audience engagement, community building, cross-generational exchange, and cross-cultural respect and appreciation.

·        Oversee all aspects of public program presentation, from research and exploratory contacts through booking, promotion, ticketing, set-ups, audience flow, pre- and post-announcements, and event debriefs; ensure smooth coordination between public programs, guest services, operations, hospitality/private events, and other Skirball departments.

·        Participate in development activities including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting benefactors; develop strategies and participate in preparing grant proposals.

·        Work closely with the communications and marketing department to develop comprehensive and specific promotional strategies and materials.

·        Manage the department’s human and fiscal resources to meet departmental and larger institutional goals; maintain accountability for all vendor and contract negotiation and for program costs and revenues.

·        Participate as a member of the senior management team, contributing substantially to conversations about mission, goals, museum, education, programming, and entrepreneurial initiatives; work across departments to build long- and short-term plans; promote an understanding of the Skirball’s philosophy, goals, and activities within and outside the Skirball.

Qualifications/Required Skills and Experience:

·        Senior-level management experience and demonstrated track record creating, developing, and implementing effective cultural programming; established professional network in the field of cultural programming.

·        Portfolio demonstrating the breadth, quality, and character of programming expertise.

·        Experience building, supporting, and leading collaborative and creative teams; talent and experience in building consensus and buy-in across levels of an organization.

·        Ability to manage and assist staff in managing multiple priorities and conflicting deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

·        Ability to negotiate contracts, prepare contracts for approval, develop budgets, allocate resources, and ensure compliance with administrative and fiscal policies.

·        Availability to work evenings and weekends.

To apply send resume and cover letter describing your skills and interests by mail, fax, or e-mail to:

Human Resources
Re: Director of Programs
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
FAX: (310) 440-4595
[email protected]