Programming Manager

Description

TITLE : Programming Manager

STATUS : Full-Time Exempt Year-Round

LOCATION : In-Person Onsite Work Required in Becket Massachusetts

START : January 2026

COMPENSATION : Grade 3 : $52000-$62000

BENEFITS : Health and dental insurance FSA 403b matching contribution paid time off life insurance short- and long-term disability Employee Assistance Program and potential short-term housing options may be available.

SUMMER ONLY : Three meals a day free access to classes performances talks and studio usage

REPORTS TO : Producing Director

DEPARTMENT : Programming Department

WORKS WITH : Full-Time and Festival Staff Archives Community Engagement and The School Visiting Artists & Guests Finance

SUPERVISES : Seasonal Staff Fellows Interns Drivers

SCHEDULE : SeptemberMay : Five (5) day work week

JuneAugust : Six (6) day work week (1 comp day for every 6-day work week during the Festival)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Jacobs Pillow seeks an experienced detail-oriented and highly collaborative Programming Manager to join the Programming Department. Reporting directly to the Producing Director this role is the execution hub for all program logistics and operations ensuring exceptional support for Pillow Lab residencies The School Archives Community Engagement and Public Programs.

The ideal candidate will combine strong skills in logistics hospitality company management event production and administration to deliver an outstanding experience for artists curators faculty scholars staff interns and guests. This position plays a key support role in advancing the organizations artistic and community programming vision while fostering efficient day-to-day operations and a culture of inclusion care and excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Artist Scholar and Guest Management

Oversee logistics for all artists scholars curators and guests for Pillow Lab residencies Exhibits Audience Engagement public programs Community Engagement initiatives and The School.

Manage all logistics including contracting onboarding housing transportation meals and wellness support to ensure a welcoming inclusive experience.

Serve as the primary contact for designated artists and guests throughout their engagement facilitating communication and addressing logistical or hospitality needs.

Collaborate with HR to issue contracts and coordinate onboarding including cultural competency training.

Operational Oversight

Manage all on-site and off-site housing booking maintaining strong relationships with local hotels and rental providers.

Supervise transportation operations including driver hiring and supervision vehicle rentals and transportation booking for artists staff interns and guests.

Coordinate summer meal logistics with the on-campus cafeteria and arrange off-site catering as needed ensuring all dietary accommodations are met.

Serve as part of the departmental on-call rotation for campus emergencies.

Create and distribute informational materials and welcome packets for artists faculty interns and staff.

Program & Event Production

Support the production of 3-4 full-scale performances during the year (both on and off campus).

Coordinate setup breakdown and staffing for Pillow Lab residencies select performances and community engagement events to ensure seamless execution.

Lead weekly coordination meetings during the summer festival with the media and archives teams to ensure alignment and timely communication.

Exhibits & Audience Engagement Public Programs

Plan and execute public programs including 8-10 Pillow Lab residency showings annually weekly PillowTalk series during the Festival pre-show talks and special events as needed.

Confirm and manage participation of scholars curators and guests in Festival public programs in collaboration with the Curatorial Team.

Collect bios headshots and social media handles for promotional use and ensure all materials meet publication timelines.

Facilitate documentation archiving and post-festival follow-up including sharing recordings sending thank-you notes and gathering feedback.

Budgeting & Administration

Assist with tracking and monitoring the Programming Departments annual budget including credit card and dash card reconciliation - collecting and uploading receipts and coding expenses and invoice / contract payment processing.

Assist in forecasting reporting and aligning resources with programmatic goals in collaboration with the Producing Director.

Maintain organized administrative systems that support program efficiency and accountability.

Supervision & Mentorship

Supervise train and mentor interns fellows and seasonal staff in programming logistics hospitality transportation and event management.

Foster a positive inclusive and growth-oriented environment for emerging professionals.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

3-5 years of experience in programming operations company or stage management producing or arts administration.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects accurately and efficiently under tight deadlines.

Strong communication skills with demonstrated cultural competency and diplomacy.

Experience managing artist contracts travel housing and hospitality logistics.

Event management experience and the ability to coordinate complex production schedules.

Budget management and financial tracking experience.

Proficiency with Google Workspace and project management tools.

Valid drivers license and willingness to drive for work-related duties.

Availability to work evenings weekends and on-call hours during the Festival season.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree preferred.

Eligibility to drive a 12-passenger van.

Multilingual communication skills and cultural competency.

Knowledge of dance performing arts or arts education.

Passion for mentoring interns and young professionals.

SKILLS & QUALITIES

Deep commitment to Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility (IDEA).

Strong problem-solving mediation and negotiation skills grounded in empathy and professionalism.

Collaborative adaptable approach to cross-departmental teamwork.

Excellent organizational and time management skills with high attention to detail.

Positive flexible attitude with the ability to remain calm and focused in fast-paced environments.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Combination of shared office and outdoor work including in varied weather conditions.

Regular evening weekend and occasional late-night work required.

Extended periods of sitting or standing; ability to move and lift objects up to 25 pounds.

Exposure to rural and wooded areas with wildlife and insects.

Shared responsibility for the on-call phone rotation for campus emergencies.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• We believe that no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We are less concerned about whether youve done everything on a laundry list of specific things and more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected mission-driven hard-working team driven by creativity curiosity inclusion integrity flexibility and partnership.

HIRING PROCESS

Apply : Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter resume and references by submitting an application using the Apply buttons below. Video and / or audio applications are welcome (though not required) in addition to written expressions of interest.

Interview : Pre-Screen on Zoom Interview with Hiring Manager on Zoom Site Visit and Panel Interview

Supplemental Materials : A writing sample spreadsheet example or other relevant materials may be requested from candidates should they be a top candidates.

If you need accommodations to make this application process happen please connect with us at We will work to support you through the application process via email phone call and / or video chat.

Required Experience :

Manager

Key Skills

Aviation Safety,Arabic Speaking,Information Technology Sales,JQuery,Db2

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 52000 - 62000