Skidmore College, a highly ranked, residential, liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, New York, seeks a full-time Managing Director for its 54,000 sq. ft. Arthur Zankel Music Center. Completed in 2009, the Zankel Center houses Skidmore’s vibrant Music Department and a state-of-the-art 600-seat concert hall. The Center hosts all Music Department concerts, provides world-class programming, and serves as a regional cultural venue.  We seek an energetic, forward-looking arts administrator who will support Skidmore’s Music faculty and students, ensure dynamic programming for broad audiences, and collaborate productively with other arts organizations in a flourishing Northeast arts corridor.

The Managing Director provides leadership to advance the missions of Skidmore College and the Skidmore Music Department while simultaneously enhancing the profile of our premiere performance facility.  The ideal candidate will be adept at balancing the needs of a variety of internal and external stakeholders and will possess the interpersonal and communications skills needed to engage with a wide range of constituents, from undergraduates and faculty inside and outside of the Music Department to the general public, donors, and international performing artists.  Effective problem-solving and the ability to adapt to and manage priorities in a rapidly changing environment is essential.  

The Managing Director facilitates a robust year-round presenting schedule; negotiates artist agreements and rental contracts; oversees an operating budget of $375k; manages a schedule of over 120 performance events annually; designs and implements marketing plans to attract audiences; and supervises two full-time employees (the Zankel Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director) as well as a large team of student employees.  In addition, the Managing Director handles scheduling of the recital hall and rehearsal halls; assists the Music Department with booking and artist arrangements; manages the front of the house; manages a central arts box office; and facilitates coordinated planning and publicity for campus arts events.  The Managing Director reports to the Chair of the Music Department. 

Required qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in a performing arts venue, with significant experience in leadership and/or supervisory roles. 

Desired qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Arts Administration or a related field
• Experience working in a higher education setting
• Technical knowledge of performance production
• Experience negotiating contracts
• Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and supervisory skills, including team and project leadership
• Marketing experience across multiple platforms for diverse audience sectors
• Grant writing/general fundraising/donor stewardship skills
• Ability to adapt to and manage multiple priorities in a rapidly-changing work environment
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Facility with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher) and basic database functions, including business software
• Diplomacy, tact, and ability to maintain composure under stress
• Availability to work weekdays, evenings, and weekends throughout the year

We welcome applications from members of groups traditionally under-represented, and applicants are asked to state in their cover letter how they will work effectively with diverse populations.  Review of applications will begin on April 18, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. 

Required documents needed to apply:

• On-line application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Three References

Pay Range:  Commensurate with experience

In order to prevent or significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at Skidmore College and protect all members of the College community from infection, successful candidates will be required to submit proof of full vaccination as a condition of employment, unless exempted as a reasonable accommodation of a medical condition or sincerely religious belief or practice.

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.