Managing Director in Theatre and Dance

Position Title:

Compensation:

Department:

About this opportunity:

What you'll do and what you'll bring:

Position Function:

The individual will also serve in the areas of Theatre Management, Arts Administration, and Grant Writing. Responsibilities include the ability to teach courses in theatre management, arts administration, grant writing, branding and marketing for the theatre and dance artist, and other related arts management courses within any area of the CFA. Serve as a CFA-level leader in the creation of both a certificate program in arts administration, leadership, and advocacy along with being the CFA Coordinator for the recently created "skill building" initiative across the campus. This position may also manage front-of-house (FOH) needs related to CFA's evolving outward-facing service model, in collaboration with staff in marketing and patron services.

Duties:

• Direct the logistical, educational, and contractual aspects of the department's production season, including a mainstage subscription series (4 theatre, 2 dance), studio subscription series (4-6 events), and a workshop series (8-10 student-led projects).

• Co-chair the Production Committee, which selects productions and sets policies for each season.

• Serve as a mentor and instructor for students focused on theatre management, arts administration, and marketing practicums.

• Provide academic leadership and oversight for student practicums in front-of-house and box office roles, while working in collaboration with staff for operational implementation.

• Support summer theatre and dance events, including venue rentals and ticketed performances, by coordinating logistics, training students, and liaising with CFA staff.

• Secure all production rights and manage guest artist contracts, including union agreements (AEA, SSDC, etc.).

• Collaborate with the Communications Manager and Box Office Manager to ensure student contributions to marketing efforts are educational, appropriate, and aligned with broader CFA strategies-serving in a mentorship capacity for these students.

• Contribute to the creation of educational content for marketing and branding (e.g., dramaturgy, conceptual development).

• Manage budgets for royalties, guest artists, and FOH-related expenditures; collaborate with the CFA Box Office Manager and Communications Manager to provide projections and estimates to the Department Chair as needed.

• Collaborate with Emens Auditorium staff as appropriate for shared campus initiatives.

• Teach approximately 1-2 classes per semester from the following courses: Introduction to Theatre, Management, Marketing, First-Year Practicum, and other related courses based on the candidate's specific area of expertise.

• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned by the Department Chair.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree with an arts-related emphasis or equivalent relevant professional experience completed by date of employment.Two years of experience working in the area of theatre management. Theatre management experience in professional theatres. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Ability to work collegially within a liberal arts setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

MBA in Arts Administration or MFA Degree in Theatre or Dance. Five years of experience working in the area of theatre management. Two years of university or college teaching experience, either gained concurrently or at any time.

How to apply:

The following documents are required in this application:

1. Cover letter

2. CV (Note: do not use the "Autofill" feature for CV/resume.)

For inquiries about this opportunity, contact Dr. Tyler Smith at tasmith2@bsu.edu.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn you undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.