Assistant Artistic Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Full-Time, Seasonal Position | September 7, 2026 – June 30, 2027

About Theater J
Theater J, a program of the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC), is the nation’s premier Jewish theater, producing thought-provoking, socially relevant plays and fostering a nurturing artistic home for artists and audiences alike.

Position Overview
The Literary and Creative Connections Fellowship is a full-time, seasonal opportunity designed for recent graduates pursuing a career in literary management, dramaturgy, new play development, or artistic producing. Reporting to the Associate Producer and working closely with the Artistic Director, the Fellow will engage deeply with scripts, new work development and production, and artistic programming, while also supporting community engagement and Creative Connections events.

The Fellow will develop core skills in script evaluation, artistic administration, creative producing, and audience engagement while working closely with Theater J’s artistic, producing, and marketing teams.

Job Duties

• Read and evaluate new play submissions and develop high-quality script reports and dramaturgical summaries for the Artistic Director.
• Research playwrights, production histories, and relevant thematic or contextual materials.
• Assist the Associate Producer with the planning and execution of workshops, readings, and new play productions. Correspond directly with playwrights, directors, actors, and other artists via email and phone, and prepare forms, scripts, and other documents necessary for readings using existing templates for guidance.
• Support Theater J’s virtual playwright cohort sessions, corresponding directly via email and phone with the playwrights and session leaders, preparing and disseminating session materials, and following up with participants to ensure any actions discussed during a session are executed in a timely manner.

• Schedule Creative Connection planning meetings to include the Artistic Director, Associate Producer, Arts Marketing Manager, and Education Programs Manager with the goal of directing the
• Assist Associate Producer with coordinating panelists, speakers, and moderators for Theater J’s Creative Connections post-show engagement series. Correspond with invited guests via email, phone, and in person meetings, manage scheduling logistics with production, marketing, and facilities staff, and prepare event materials using Associate Producer templates.
• Coordinate with creative teams, the Arts Marketing Manager, and the Patron Experience Manager to develop interactive lobby displays that prepare audiences for productions and inspire participation and engagement.
• Keep Theater J’s community organization contacts list up to date and assist Associate Producer on maintaining an artist database.
• Brainstorm new community outreach opportunities in partnership with the Arts Marketing Manager. Assist in implementing outreach strategies that cultivate new audiences and deepen engagement with existing partners.
• Support correspondence, relationship management, and recordkeeping for outreach initiatives.

• Participate in mentorship opportunities, EDCJCC professional development offerings, and organization-wide events.
• Attend Theater J staff operations meetings to gain insight into nonprofit theater communication and planning.

Qualifications

Required

• Recent graduate (or early-career equivalent) pursuing a career in literary management, dramaturgy, artistic producing, or related fields.
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to craft clear, insightful script reports and written communication.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Office 365 applications.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Preferred

• Experience in script reading, dramaturgy, or new play development.
• Familiarity with Jewish culture, history, and contemporary issues (helpful but not required).
• Creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm for cultivating artistic and community partnerships.

Compensation & Benefits

• $840 per week, full-time, exempt seasonal position.
• Paid holidays during the fellowship.
• Annual leave and sick leave provided in accordance with EDCJCC policy.
• Eligibility to enroll in the EDCJCC health plan for the duration of the fellowship.
• Complimentary EDCJCC fitness membership and discounts on fitness classes and early childhood enrollment.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking within Theater J and the DC theater community.

Work Environment

• This position is fully on-site at the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center in Washington, DC.
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required during workshops, events, or readings.
• The fellow is considered full-time staff of the EDCJCC for the duration of the fellowship.

Application Instructions

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a deadline of August 31 with a start date of September 14.
To apply, please email the following materials to theaterjobs@edcjcc.org:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Professional writing sample (script report, dramaturgical essay, program note, research summary, or similar)