Salary : $56,035.20 – $86,860.80 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 24-01985
Department: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Division: THE CARY
Opening Date: 10/06/2023
Closing Date: 10/29/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
Cary is seeking a Program Specialist to oversee and implement a wide array of programming for its indoor theaters. The position performs professional work in planning, presenting, managing, and promoting live performances and select film events for The Cary Theater and Cary Arts Center, including but not limited to the annual Marvelous Music Main Stage and Family Series, Legacy of Jazz Series, BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival, and Zombiepalooza.
The Cary Theater (or “The Cary” as it is known) was built in 1946 to serve as Cary’s first indoor theater hosting live performances and films. Replete with its lighted marquee, stage, 176 seats, and cinematic screen, sound, and projector, The Cary offers a variety of independent films, classic cinema, locally produced film festivals, live music, and comedy.
Within a few short blocks of The Cary stands the Cary Arts Center. Originally built in 1939 as North Carolina’s first public high school, the building was renovated in 2011 and transformed into a modern, multi-disciplinary arts center. Central to the Arts Center’s performing arts programming is its 431-seat theater, home to numerous programs in music, dance, and drama.
At Cary, our employees work together to change lives through exceptional service. The OneCary approach empowers each employee to have a voice in a collaborative, adaptive work environment between departments, thinking creatively and strategically together as a team. In this role, you will be interacting and working with employees across various departments, plus numerous citizens, businesses, and community partners, event planners, volunteers, and officials.
You will work in the Cultural Resources division within the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Operations and Program (O&P) Supervisor for The Cary. Supervision is exercised over seasonal, temporary, or other assigned employees. Work requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and some holidays with periods of high volume/workload.
Typical Tasks
Plans, implements, manages, and promotes a variety of live performances in Cary’s indoor theaters, including but not limited to the annual Marvelous Music Mainstage concert series and Family shows at the Cary Arts Center, and the Legacy of Jazz concert series at The Cary Theater;
Leads program planning and design, including themes, format, activities and attractions, agendas, amenities, and hospitality;
Selects artists, entertainers, vendors, and other key participants; negotiates and administers associated contracts and agreements, including payment;
Establishes, maintains, and grows relationships with professional agents, artists, managers, promoters, and presenters, and creates partnerships when possible; serves as a resource to others in consultation for booking live entertainment in Cary;
Organizes technical aspects of the production, including lighting, sound, video, staging, and sourcing equipment backline; schedules and facilitates event “run of show” meetings with artists and production coordinators;
Effectively works with O&P Supervisor and Program Specialist – Audience Development to ensure front of house and box office staffing needs are met for each program;
Develops program and operating calendars, activity schedules, informational and planning tools, and projections for attendance and/or revenue; provides for control of day-of operations, assuring the execution and coordination of approved plans;
Works with the O&P Supervisor to plan and oversee logistics for the BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival, Zombiepalooza, and other large film programs;
Works with O&P Supervisor to enhance performance and film programs in the theaters through educational workshops, master classes, or residences;
Works with O&P Supervisor to design and implement mobile programs to facilitate outreach beyond the four walls of the theaters, meeting people “where they are” (ex. artist residencies in schools, pop-up film screenings or performances in neighborhoods using Cary’s mobile stage, etc.);
Manages contracts, invoices, payments, and box office reporting for live performances and film programs;
Conducts post-event evaluation and benefit analysis and recommends and implements improvements for theater programs;
Participates in the development of annual programming and operating budgets, and tracks expenditures;
Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises temporary part-time and seasonal employees; supervises and coordinates with event contractors and vendors;
Inputs and maintains live performance and film program information in Cary’s communications and information systems (e.g., Salesforce, calendar, website);
Creates marketing plans and materials to promote the live performances; oversees web pages, social media, publicity, promotions, and communications;
Enters and tracks maintenance work orders as needed;
Assists O&P Supervisor with ongoing, routine operations and management of The Cary Theater; performs in the absence of O&P Supervisor as required;
Performs other job-related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of various performing arts disciplines, especially music, dance and theatre; comprehensive knowledge of the arts presenting industry; general knowledge of how cultural programs fit into the overall service of municipal government; general knowledge of marketing performances and events; basic understanding of ticketing platforms and web interface; general knowledge of sound and lighting systems; general knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting; general knowledge of standard computer software; excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills; strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail; solid analytical and problem-solving skills; strong computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software; ability to plan, develop and implement large-scale performances and events; ability to do long-range planning; ability to manage multiple, complex projects in a timely manner; ability to communicate effectively; ability to maintain and establish effective working relationships with others; ability to supervise personnel; ability to relate to a wide range of constituents; ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and to anticipate and solve/resolve program and personnel problems; ability to acquire knowledge of policies, procedures and services of the division and department; ability to produce high-quality work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and changing work environment.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience
Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in arts management, event management, business administration, public administration, or a related field AND considerable experience in organizing and supervising public recreational and cultural programs.
Physical Requirements
- The work in this class is generally light, although work often requires considerable walking, sitting, standing, and lifting up to 35 pounds.
- An employee must be able to move about freely to observe facilities and activities.
- Considerable dexterity with hands and fingers is required.
- An employee must be able to talk and hear to communicate with other employees, the public, vendors, and others.
- Visual acuity is necessary to read and write handwritten and typewritten materials and view a computer.
Conditions of Employment
Requires possession of a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment.
Regular Full-Time Employees
Cary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.
Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.
All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employee’s hire date.
01
Do you have a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in arts management, event management, business administration, public administration, or a related field? If “yes”, this must be reflected in your work and education history.
- Yes
- No
02
Are you willing to work a flexible schedule with a combination of day, evening, and weekend shifts?
- Yes
- No
03
Please briefly describe your most challenging experience working with agents or performers and the result of that experience.
04
Please briefly describe how you handle negotiating contract needs and requirements for performers. If you do not have this experience, type “n/a”.
05
Please briefly describe the largest event you’ve planned or coordinated.
06
Why are you interested in this position?
Required Question