Programming Manager | Playbill

 

Programming Manager

CATEGORY: Administrative

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
Becket, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Ygor Lobo

Job Details

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: $52,000-$62,000
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: September–May: Five (5) day work week
June–August: Six (6) day work week (1 comp day for every 6-day work week during the Festival)
POSITION OVERVIEW
Jacob’s 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 organization’s 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 Department’s 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.
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 driver’s license and willingness to drive for work-related duties.
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and on-call hours during the Festival season.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s 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 you’ve 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
  1. 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.
  2. Interview: Pre-Screen on Zoom, Interview with Hiring Manager on Zoom, Site Visit and Panel Interview
  3. 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 [email protected].. We will work to support you through the application process via email, phone call, and/or video chat.

DURATION

Jan 12, 2026 -

SALARY

$52,000.00 – $62,000.00 per year

HOW TO APPLY

APPLY ONLINE

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APPLY BY EMAIL

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APPLY BY PHONE

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APPLY BY POSTAL SERVICE

358 George Carter Road
Becket 01223