Position Summary
The Vice President of Artistic Programming + Special Events (VPAP+SE) will be responsible for planning, programming and booking, revenue, budget management, and operational oversight of all JAZZ HOUSE signature performance programs and fundraising events. Reporting to the Founder + President, and in close collaboration with the Artistic Director and Associate Producer, the VPAP+SE will harness external resources to benefit and prioritize the programmatic growth and financial sustainability of the organization’s expanding portfolio of live performances, patron events, and the Montclair Jazz Festival. Demonstrating a commitment to live music production, music education, developing emerging talent, and community engagement, the VPAP+SE will seek out new initiatives and strategies that build the visibility and brand of JAZZ HOUSE.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Visioning:
- Guide and execute the artistic vision, programming, and booking, in close collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team for all JAZZ HOUSE signature performance programs and special events including the Montclair Jazz Festival, Jazz Icons series curated by the Artistic Director, Jazz at One series curated by the Associate Producer, the annual Ralph Pucci Annual hosted by Christian McBride, patron and special events, community concert performances by alumni and students, and the new performance venue.
- Develop one-year, three-year, and long-range strategic programming and revenue plans for the growth and sustainability of all JAZZ HOUSE signature performance programs.
- Explore and engage creative programming partnerships and third-party vendors to activate the new jazz venue.
- Develop and steward artist/agent relationships and execute all contracts for event artists.
- Design and implement all aspects of the JAZZ HOUSE patron experience, including a robust year-round membership program, in collaboration with the signature performance program staff and development staff.
- Advise and engage in strategic planning for the new jazz venue in Montclair, including strategic programming plans, venue operations and staff management, and sponsorship and revenue opportunities.
- Liaise with the Head of Communications on marketing/communication plans to build the visibility and brand of all JAZZ HOUSE signature performance programs.
- Embrace other strategic planning and visioning responsibilities, as needed.
Revenue Enhancement:
- Serve as an ambassador for all JAZZ HOUSE signature performance programs in partnership with the Founder + President in public forums, professional and industry events, and select press events.
- Identify, cultivate and steward strong relationships with key community leaders and partners to increase, diversify, and sustain all sources of contributed and earned revenue for all signature performance programs.
- Partner with development and marketing staff to lead Festival and new venue sponsorship strategy, implementing the full cycle of research, pitch, sales, contracting, fulfillment, documentation, measurement, reporting, and renewal.
- Evaluate, update, and advise on all sponsorship, membership, and on-site sales, concessions, vendors, and related festival and new venue components to enhance benefits, pricing, and sales strategies annually.
- Negotiate third-party vendor contracts and in-kind sponsorships with concessions and vendors for the festival.
- Develop and execute year-round membership cultivation strategies including intimate donor/evangelists’ home and business-hosted events and benefit concerts with partner promoters and in partner venues; enhancing membership reach and revenue for the festival and the new venue.
- Embrace other revenue enhancement responsibilities, as needed.
Financial Management:
- Build and manage all event budgets, researching and securing multiple vendor/supplier quotes, ensuring the highest quality, while meeting budget goals.
- Track expenses by partnering with the Finance Department on payment schedules, expense tracking, and documentation, providing risk analysis and regular updates to all departments.
- Develop and justify plans for strategic investments/expenditures needed to grow and sustain.
- Embrace other financial management responsibilities, as needed.
Administration, Production, Operations, and Reporting:
- Lead signature performance programming planning meetings, creating, maintaining, and distributing key project management documents.
- Collaborate on all signature performance programming site design and integration of revenue-generating activities with the Associate Director of Event Operations and Chief Philanthropy Officer.
- Ensure high-quality production values and artist/audience experience, reviewing production, front of house, security, maintenance, and volunteer staffing and training with the Assistant Director of Event Operations and Program + Production Coordinator.
- Facilitate internal and external post-event meetings, documenting and integrating concerns and opportunities into future program planning.
- Partner with development and marketing to create timely, impactful, data-driven reports for sponsors and other key partners.
- Memorialize all protocols, records, and documents related to each event.
- Embrace other administration, production, operations, and reporting responsibilities, as needed.
Qualifications
Five to ten years of large-scale concert programming and producing is required, festival experience is a plus. A proven track record of financial leadership, budget management, strategic and project planning, and sponsorship sales is essential. The ideal candidate will be well versed in large-scale, multi-platform, performance production, have an understanding and appreciation of jazz performance and emerging talent development, with significant professional contacts across the concert/sponsorship industry. Educational credentials and demonstrated professional experience supporting leadership, organizational growth, arts and culture impact, and community engagement, are highly desired.
Compensation and Benefits
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS offers a generous compensation package with a base salary estimated in the range of $110,000 to $130,000. Employee Group Health & Dental plan available, vacation and sick leave, 403b retirement plan.