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Arts Programming Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

$55K - $63K/yr

Develop and maintain positive relationships with Wolf Trap Teaching Artists locally and in affiliate sites to ensure high quality programming and alignment with the Wolf Trap model. * Collaborate ...

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Arts Programming information

See McLean, VA salary details

$25.3K

$89.9K

$150.6K

How much do arts programming jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for arts programming in McLean, VA is $89,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $117,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an arts programming?

An Arts Programming job involves planning, developing, and managing artistic and cultural events, exhibitions, or performances. Professionals in this role work with artists, organizations, and communities to curate and execute engaging programs. Responsibilities may include budgeting, marketing, grant writing, and partnership development. Arts programmers often work in museums, theaters, galleries, or nonprofit organizations to create meaningful cultural experiences for audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in arts programming, and why are they important?

To thrive in Arts Programming, you need a strong background in arts administration, event planning, and a deep understanding of various artistic disciplines, typically supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with event management software, budget tracking tools, and sometimes grant management systems or certification in arts management is valuable. Creative problem-solving, organizational skills, and the ability to build relationships across diverse communities are essential soft skills. These competencies enable the development and execution of engaging arts programs that meet both organizational goals and community needs.

What are common challenges faced in an arts programming role, and how can I prepare for them?

Arts Programming professionals often navigate challenges such as balancing creative vision with budget constraints, coordinating schedules between artists and venues, and engaging diverse audiences. Adapting to last-minute changes, managing multiple events simultaneously, and effectively promoting programs are all part of the job. To prepare, it helps to build strong time-management and communication skills, stay flexible, and stay current with industry trends and community interests. Emphasizing collaboration and maintaining a solution-oriented approach will help you succeed in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of arts programming.

What does an arts programmer do?

An arts programmer plans, develops, and manages arts and cultural events, exhibitions, or performances. They coordinate with artists, venues, and audiences, often using project management skills and technical tools to ensure successful programming and audience engagement.

What job categories do people searching Arts Programming jobs in McLean, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Arts Programming jobs in McLean, VA are:

Infographic showing various Arts Programming job openings in McLean, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,912 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

MCYO Operations and Production Coordinator

Strathmore

North Bethesda, MD • On-site

$52 - $70/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

MCYO Operations and Production Coordinator

About the Organization When you join Strathmore, you'll find: A dedicated team of professionals who believe the arts are as primal as nature and essential as love. They reflect our humanity and help us understand, connect, empathize, and grow. We believe the most compelling contemplations of our world are created by artists, and amplifying these creative voices is at the heart of our work. Though we are best known for presenting world-class arts programming, Strathmore is also fiercely committed to supporting emerging artists, providing abundant education opportunities, and providing access to the arts for everyone. Additionally, Strathmore's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) initiative expands access and representation, centers inclusion, and builds equity for all. We are learning how inequities impact our organization's work and are committed to resolving those inequities to create a greater sense of belonging for our entire community.

Position MCYO Operations and Production Coordinator

Open Date 8/19/2026

Close Date

Description

ABOUT US

We are a dedicated team of professionals who believe the arts are as primal as nature and essential as love. They reflect our humanity and help us understand, connect, empathize, and grow. We believe the most compelling contemplations of our world are created by artists, and amplifying these creative voices is at the heart of our work. The Strathmore experience awakens the creativity within us, blurring the line between artist and audience fusing a dynamic community.

Though we are best known for presenting world-class arts programming, Strathmore is also fiercely committed to supporting ascending artists, providing abundant education opportunities, and expanding access to the arts for everyone. Additionally, Strathmore's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) initiative prioritizes access and representation, centers inclusion, and builds equity for all. We are learning how inequities impact our organization’s work and are committed to resolving those inequities to create a greater sense of belonging for our entire community.

Strathmore is a multidimensional creative anchor in the community, where everyone can connect with the arts and artists can explore their full potential. We present nearly 400 performances, exhibitions, and education programs annually for diverse audiences on our Montgomery County Maryland campus and throughout the community.

Based one-half mile outside the Capital Beltway in North Bethesda, Maryland, we serve the entire Washington, DC region and the state of Maryland with exceptional artistic experiences and opportunities to learn and connect. Our work is based on our mission to amplify distinctive and diverse artistic voices and curate experiences to enricheverylife and shape stronger communities.

We are actively assessing how systemic inequities impact our organization’s work at all levels and how best to address those inequities in a way that is consistent with our mission. This commitment is made within the broad context of Strathmore's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) goals to expand access and diversity, promote inclusion, and build equity for all. With these daily actions, Strathmore intends to become an actively anti-racist, anti-discriminatory, and inclusive organization.

We can read more about Strathmore on our website, including information about our mission and values.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) of Strathmore strives to create a seamless connection between the artistic and the educational experience. The mission of MCYO is to nurture, develop, and advance young talented musicians in a quality orchestral program. It is highly regarded regionally and nationally as one of the country’s most accomplished youth orchestra programs. Founded in 1946 as the Montgomery County Youth Orchestra, MCYO is the oldest and most established youth orchestra program in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and one of the oldest in the country.

Under the direction of MCYO Artistic Director Kristofer Sanz, MCYO proudly ushers in its 81st season of providing a quality orchestra program for the area’s young talented musicians. MCYO offers three full orchestras, a chamber ensemble, four string orchestras, small ensembles, and chamber groups to over 600 talented musicians in grades 2-12.

As one of three full-time admin staff members, the Operations and Production Coordinator (OPC) is part of a small and dedicated team of colleagues who support the MCYO artistic staff in the preparation and performance of the events of Strathmore's Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras. The OPC’s primary responsibilities are centered on the production of performing arts events and rehearsals, stage management, and logistics planning required for successful implementation of MCYO programs. 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.

The Operations and Production Coordinator position is essential to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all our members. It is vital that the individual in this position shares our core values of equity and inclusion, ensuring that every young musician, regardless of background, feels valued and empowered. The coordinator will play a key role in promoting a culture where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing both musical talent and a strong sense of community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)Production and Auditions - 40%
  • Assisting the Managing and Artistic Directors as well as other MCYO staff and artistic team with all planning and preparation for the successful execution of events both on and off the Strathmore campus (including performances, rehearsals, parent orientation meetings, community outreach, auditions, and others as assigned.)
  • Identifying, reserving, and preparing spaces for auditions, performances, and rehearsals in partnership with Operations on and off campus. This includes preparing all Event Booking Sheets for MCYO programs.
  • Stage managing performances, dress rehearsals, and other events.
  • In coordination with the Artistic Team, liaising with performance partners and a professional, unionized backstage production crew.
  • Preparing and providing students with requirements for warm-up/rehearsal schedules, concert essentials, stage plots, and production sheets.
  • Assembling back-of-house volunteers for concerts, auditions, rehearsals, and events. Ensuring that all events are properly staffed.
  • In collaboration with the MCYO team, coordinating the logistical aspects of all recording, videography, and technology projects.
  • Collect and format excerpts and sight-reading for each ensemble
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