Arts Program Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

WHO WE ARE | The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a community-based art center transforming lives through innovative education, bold entertainment, and unexpected engagement. We are a community asset, a collaborative partner, and are deeply committed to building a stronger, more vibrant regional arts & cultural landscape.

THIS POSITION

The Performance Manager serves as the primary operational lead for performances and an emerging talent buyer, working in close partnership with the Producing Director of Theater & Performance to expand SCA's year-round concert programming while ensuring seamless execution of mainstage and theatrical productions, and special events. This role supports all live performance activity, including concerts, interdisciplinary events, and theater productions. This highly relational employee is a live-performance lover who facilitates strong communication, collaborates with teams, and supports the SCA's brand as West Michigan's premier Art Center.

The position blends artist relations, project management, and booking support, and is essential to scaling SCA's performance offerings while maintaining a high level of professionalism and care.

The Manager of Performance Operations reports to the Producing Director; this is a full-time position.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Concert Booking & Artist Relations (25-40%)

• Research and identify artists aligned with SCA's programming goals including expansion of year-round performances with the guidance of the Producing Director
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective artists and track booking opportunities
• Coordinate artist confirmations and contracting logistics
• Grow capacity to own the following after year one:
  • Building and maintaining relationships with agents, managers, and touring artists
  • Initiating booking inquiries and manage artist availability, holds, and routing
  • Supporting negotiation of artist fees and contract terms
  • Tracking and payment to ASCAP and BMI
  • Track and facilitate all performance programming payments and contracts
    

Show Advancing & Performance Logistics (30-40%)

• Serve as lead for advancing all performances, including:
  • Technical riders and production requirements
  • Performance schedules and day-of-show timelines
• Attend or delegate the day-of show coordination for all performance events
• Coordinate closely with:
  • Technical Director and production staff on technical needs
  • Company manager with hospitality riders and backstage needs
  • Hospitality, rentals, and facilities teams for day-of coordination
  • Marketing team for show-specific needs
• Ensure all mainstage details are communicated clearly and executed smoothly
• Ensure that events are staffed with necessary technical personnel (sound/lights/stage management)
• Collaborate with team members and vendors to plan and execute programs and special events
  

Production & Program Coordination (10-20%)

• Maintain and manage a master performance calendar across theater, concerts, and interdisciplinary events and coordinate as last-minute request for spaces comes up
• Coordinate timelines and communication across departments
• Attend pre-production and production meetings for theatrical productions
• Support rehearsal and production coordination for theater productions
• Partner with Director of Program Management to align performance timelines with broader organizational planning
• Serve as backup as Company Manager needs
  

WHAT SKILLS YOU'LL NEED TO SHINE IN THIS JOB

• Deep interest in / curiosity about music and performance genres.
• Highly relational - must enjoy meeting and working with a wide variety of people.
• Exemplary organizational skills and a deadline-oriented work ethic.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Strong problem solver; embraces change and flexibility; crisis management.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail (familiarity with contracts a plus).
• Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently.
• Desire to work in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• Fluency in G Suite and Excel.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
  

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Technical skills in lighting, sound, stage management and/or scenic production
• Hospitality experience
  

REPORTS TO: The Producing Director of Theater & Performance

COMMITMENT: This is a full-time position, approximately 40 hours/week September - May; up to 50-60 hours/week June - August, including weekends and evenings. Hours are sometimes flexible and may vary week-to-week. Some remote work is possible with supervisor's approval.