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Festival Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Through festivals, commissions, education programs, and public-space projects, the Flynn activates ... BASIC FUNCTION The Programming Manager supports the Director of Programming in the planning ...

Through festivals, commissions, education programs, and public-space projects, the Flynn activates ... BASIC FUNCTION The Programming Manager supports the Director of Programming in the planning ...

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Festival Programming information

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$25K

$88.9K

$149K

How much do festival programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for festival programming in the United States is $88,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Festival Programming position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Festival Programming, you need strong organizational abilities, experience in event planning, and a thorough understanding of the arts, entertainment, or cultural sectors, generally supported by a relevant degree or prior programming experience. Familiarity with event management software, scheduling tools, and ticketing platforms is highly advantageous. Exceptional communication, negotiation skills, and creative problem-solving are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies enable effective coordination of diverse programming elements, smooth collaboration with stakeholders, and delivery of engaging festival experiences.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in Festival Programming?

Professionals in Festival Programming are responsible for curating and scheduling events, liaising with artists and performers, coordinating logistics, and ensuring a cohesive festival lineup. They often work closely with marketing, production, and technical teams to bring a diverse and engaging program to life. This role may also involve managing contracts, overseeing budgets, and resolving on-the-ground challenges during the festival. Festival programmers typically split their time between planning in an office environment and being onsite during the event. This dynamic position offers exposure to a wide variety of creative talents and significant opportunities for professional growth within the events and entertainment industry.

What is a Festival Programming job?

A Festival Programming job involves selecting, scheduling, and organizing events, performances, or screenings for a festival. Programmers curate content based on the festival’s theme, audience, and goals, ensuring a diverse and engaging lineup. Responsibilities include coordinating with artists, filmmakers, or speakers, handling logistics, and collaborating with other departments. Strong knowledge of the industry, attention to detail, and adaptability are key skills for success in this role.

More about Festival Programming jobs
What cities are hiring for Festival Programming jobs? Cities with the most Festival Programming job openings:
What states have the most Festival Programming jobs? States with the most job openings for Festival Programming jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Festival Programming jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Festival Programming jobs are:
Infographic showing various Festival Programming job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,946 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Programming Manager

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Burlington, VT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Salary: $50,000

JOB TITLE JOB CLASSIFICATION

Programming Manager Full-time, Exempt, Benefit Eligible


The Flynn is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We strive to be diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective. Our goal is to build and maintain an organization where everyone can do their best work.We believe that people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ+ people must be centered in the work we do, and we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.


ABOUT THE FLYNN

The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is Vermonts creative heartbeat - a statewide organization that brings communities together through live performance, public programs, and shared cultural experiences.

While based in Burlington, the Flynns work extends far beyond its stages. Through festivals, commissions, education programs, and public-space projects, the Flynn activates theaters, galleries, schools, downtown, and outdoor spaces across Vermont. The Flynn emphasizes artistic excellence, access, and relevance, creating experiences that feel rooted in place, responsive to community, and alive in the moment.


BASIC FUNCTION

The Programming Manager supports the Director of Programming in the planning, coordination, and execution of all Flynn-presented performances by managing artist logistics, contract administration, event advancement, and departmental operations to ensure a seamless experience for artists, audiences, and staff.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as a Flynn Programming representative at performances, providing support to ensure smooth and effective event operations.
  • Advance all contractual requirements with the Artist Representative essential to day-of-show logistics, including coordinating the artists ground transportation, lodging, and catering needs, as well as Front of House requirements such as merchandise, security, and Artists guest lists.
  • Greet artists when they arrive at the theater and/or off-site events to ensure a welcoming and professional environment, providing attentive, high-quality service throughout their time on site.
  • Cultivate and manage relationships and rate agreements with external vendors, especially hotels, caterers, and restaurants, to support the needs of visiting artists.
  • Maintain The Flynns internal programming calendar to ensure all performance dates are held and that performance times and relevant information are accurate.
  • Manage general accounting for the Programming Department, including processing invoices, tracking and paying deposits and guarantees, and providing payment documentation as requested.
  • Oversee the contract process from initial receipt through full execution for all Flynn-presented events.
  • Provide assistance with performance settlements by preparing all settlement documentation and updating respective budgets to ensure accurate accounting of all performance and fiscal year costs.
  • Work closely with the Producing, Production, and Artistic teams to prepare artist itineraries and coordinate all logistical needs for visiting artists at off-site events.
  • Act as a liaison between the Flynn and other internal departments to ensure all event requirements are successfully executed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Director of Programming.


QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum of 3 years experience in the performing arts in Stage Management, Production, Tour Management, Company Management, or other related area of the industry.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with artists, agents, vendors, and colleagues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining close attention to detail.
  • Thorough understanding of the live performance lifecycle, including contracting, advancing, production, performance, settlement, and post-event reconciliation.
  • Experience with budgeting, financial tracking, and administrative processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn arts management software and databases.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, based on performance and event needs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

This position requires a motor vehicle record demonstrating a driving history acceptable to the Flynn's insurance carrier at the time of hire and throughout employment. Maintaining an acceptable driving record, a valid driver's license, and the required level of automobile insurance coverage are mandatory conditions of employment.

This general outline illustrates the type of work that characterizes the Job Classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.