The Role
Manages performing arts bookings from lead research and artist negotiations through contracts, riders, settlements, and show delivery. Coordinates with agents, artists, production, marketing, finance, box office, education, and community teams. Responsibilities include preparing offers, managing contract workflows, assessing technical requirements, tracking budgets and deadlines, supporting season planning, and maintaining artist relationships. The role requires occasional evening, weekend, conference, and travel availability.
Summary Generated by Built In
Programming ManagerDepartment: Mission Delivery
Reports To: VP of Programs
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Location: Hybrid, in-office in New Bedford, MA
Salary Range: $55,000–$70,000 annually. Starting pay within this range is based on relevant experience and organizational needs.
About The ZeiterionThe Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to steward our historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Our work is guided by five core values: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery. These values inform how we deliver on our mission and how we work together every day.
We are committed to cultivating a workplace where all individuals feel respected, valued, and are encouraged to contribute. As a team member, you’ll be part of a culture that supports creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion. Learn more here: https://www.zeiterion.orgPosition SummaryThe Programming Manager manages the business side of bringing artists to the Z’s stages. Working under the direction of the VP of Programs, you’ll be the Z’s day-to-day contact with agents, managers, and booking representatives. You’ll vet incoming leads and carry approved engagements from offer through signed contract and settlement, making sure every agreement works for our budget, venue, and production team. As the liaison between artists and Z staff, you’ll document and communicate every requirement in the offer, contract, and rider, make sure each department has what it needs to deliver the engagement in compliance with those terms, and give timely notice of any changes. Mainstage programming is at the center of the role, but you’ll also partner with Education and Community Programs, Rentals, and other departments on creative programming across the building and contribute to the Z’s overall programming strategy. The role starts with research, lead vetting, and preliminary conversations with artist representatives about logistics. Depending on experience, it may grow to include thought partnership with the VP on curatorial vision and a more proactive role in relationship management and procurement.Key ResponsibilitiesAgent & Artist Relationships
Decision-Making Authority
The Z is a collaborative work environment, and employees are expected to be open and willing to collaborate across departments and teams
The Zeiterion is on an active, and ongoing, journey to be anti-racist organization - advancing anti-racist policies and practices, and fostering and sustaining a culture that values community, social justice, and equityPhysical Requriements
The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to high
Reports To: VP of Programs
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Location: Hybrid, in-office in New Bedford, MA
Salary Range: $55,000–$70,000 annually. Starting pay within this range is based on relevant experience and organizational needs.
About The ZeiterionThe Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to steward our historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Our work is guided by five core values: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery. These values inform how we deliver on our mission and how we work together every day.
We are committed to cultivating a workplace where all individuals feel respected, valued, and are encouraged to contribute. As a team member, you’ll be part of a culture that supports creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion. Learn more here: https://www.zeiterion.orgPosition SummaryThe Programming Manager manages the business side of bringing artists to the Z’s stages. Working under the direction of the VP of Programs, you’ll be the Z’s day-to-day contact with agents, managers, and booking representatives. You’ll vet incoming leads and carry approved engagements from offer through signed contract and settlement, making sure every agreement works for our budget, venue, and production team. As the liaison between artists and Z staff, you’ll document and communicate every requirement in the offer, contract, and rider, make sure each department has what it needs to deliver the engagement in compliance with those terms, and give timely notice of any changes. Mainstage programming is at the center of the role, but you’ll also partner with Education and Community Programs, Rentals, and other departments on creative programming across the building and contribute to the Z’s overall programming strategy. The role starts with research, lead vetting, and preliminary conversations with artist representatives about logistics. Depending on experience, it may grow to include thought partnership with the VP on curatorial vision and a more proactive role in relationship management and procurement.Key ResponsibilitiesAgent & Artist Relationships
- Monitor, respond to, and triage incoming inquiries from agents and artist representatives promptly and thoroughly, vetting opportunities and advancing promising leads to the VP of Programs
- Act as one of the Z's primary points of contact for booking agents, artist managers, and representatives, supporting the lasting relationships that improve access to talent and deal terms
- Pursue holds, routing opportunities, and avails with the VP of Programs, to support season planning
- Represent the Z professionally in the presenting field, including industry conferences and booking conferences as appropriate
- Schedule and coordinate meetings between the VP of Programs and artists, artist management, and agents, including at national and regional conferences, and follow up promptly to keep opportunities moving
- Research potential programming leads for touring artists/productions as well as pursuing agent connections, and hold preliminary conversations with artist representatives about availability and logistics
- Prepare offers and deal terms (guarantees, splits, ticket pricing, radius clauses, hospitality, merchandise, and other terms) for approval based on company standards, including connecting with internal stakeholders to build budgets and terms where necessary.
- Manage the full contract lifecycle: drafting and reviewing agreements and riders, redlining, routing for internal approval and signature, tracking deadlines and deposits, and keeping records complete and organized
- Find contractual, financial, and operational risks, and escalate items outside your authority to the right decision-maker
- Ensure contract documentation, compliance items (e.g., certificates of insurance, tax forms), and payment schedules stay accurate and on time
- Lead or support show settlements with artist representatives, in partnership with Finance, Box Office, and other internal stakeholders as necessary.
- Review and solicit necessary internal feedback regarding technical and hospitality riders for feasibility given the Z's capabilities, and suggest changes with artist representatives when needed
- Collaborate with the Production team regarding readiness, conflict resolution, and ensuring a smooth, professional experience for visiting artists
- Keep clear, current documentation on all programs
- Contribute to season planning, programming budgets, and calendar management
- Work with Marketing, Box Office, and Finance so announcements, on-sale dates, and financial terms line up with contract commitments
- Track program results and agent and artist feedback to inform future booking decisions
- Partner with Education and Community Programs, Rentals, and other departments on creative programming across the building, including collaborations with local artists and organizations, and help shape how all programming streams fit together in the Z’s overall programming strategy
- Communicate programming information (confirmed engagements, holds, schedule changes, and artist needs) to relevant staff in a timely way
- Track and manage programming deadlines, including holds, offer expirations, conference registrations, and internal planning milestones
Decision-Making Authority
- Day-to-day relationships and communication with agents and artist representatives
- Researching deal terms within budget and terms approved by the VP of Programs
- Managing contract workflow, timelines
- Recommending deal structures, rider changes, and logistical solutions
- Screening and prioritizing incoming agent inquiries before advancing them to the VP of Programs
- 3-6 years of experience in performing arts presenting, booking, artist management, or venue programming, including direct responsibility for managing artist contracts
- Working knowledge of standard artist agreements, deal structures, and settlements
- Ability to read and assess technical riders and communicate effectively with production staff
- Excellent negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills
- Strong organization and attention to detail; you can manage many deals at once and nothing falls through the cracks
- Comfort with spreadsheets, budgets, and contract or calendar tracking tools
- Able to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances and industry events, and to travel occasionally
- Commitment to the Z's mission and to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
- Established relationships with agents and booking representatives
- Experience supervising or directing the work of others
- Experience leading show settlements
- Experience with booking or event management software (e.g., PatronManager)
- Familiarity with the touring market in New England or the Northeast
- Experience at a nonprofit or multi-use presenting venue
- In addition to English, multilingual Spanish, Portuguese, Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole), Haitian Creole, or K’iche.
The Z is a collaborative work environment, and employees are expected to be open and willing to collaborate across departments and teams
The Zeiterion is on an active, and ongoing, journey to be anti-racist organization - advancing anti-racist policies and practices, and fostering and sustaining a culture that values community, social justice, and equityPhysical Requriements
The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to high
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods and occasionally required to stand, walk, and move throughout the building.
- The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, supplies).
- This position is primarily indoor office work, with occasional need to move between floors via stairs or elevator.
- Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, retirement plan with employer match, paid time off, professional development
- Additional perks: Tickets to performances, wellness programs, remote and schedule flexibility.
Skills Required
- 3-6 years of experience in performing arts presenting, booking, artist management, or venue programming, including direct responsibility for managing artist contracts
- Working knowledge of standard artist agreements, deal structures, and settlements
- Ability to read and assess technical riders and communicate effectively with production staff
- Excellent negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills
- Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deals simultaneously
- Comfort with spreadsheets, budgets, and contract or calendar tracking tools
- Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for performances and industry events
- Willingness to travel occasionally
- Commitment to the organization's mission and inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
- Established relationships with agents and booking representatives
- Experience supervising or directing the work of others
- Experience leading show settlements
- Experience with booking or event management software such as PatronManager
- Familiarity with the touring market in New England or the Northeast
- Experience at a nonprofit or multi-use presenting venue
- Multilingual ability in Spanish, Portuguese, Kriolu, Haitian Creole, or K'iche
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The Company
What We Do
The Zeiterion, also known as The Z, is a nonprofit performing arts center in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. It stewards a historic theater as a gathering place for live performances and arts experiences that foster learning, connection, and creative expression. Its programming spans musicals, plays, rock, symphony, comedy, dance, films, and educational initiatives, serving as a major cultural institution for the SouthCoast region.
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