Manager Of Programming Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville, TN
Full-Time | Exempt Leadership Role

Lead the Team. Shape the Experience.

The Tennessee Theatre is seeking a seasoned, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as our Senior Director of Programming & Production. This role is central to ensuring the artistic and operational excellence of one of the region’s most iconic performing arts venues.

The Tennessee Theatre is a historic and fully-restored 1,600-seat venue hosting more than 175 events annually, including nationally touring concerts, comedy, and Broadway; local performing arts organizations; and mission-driven educational and community programming.

With the recent expansion into a newly renovated multi-level adjacent facility, the Theatre is entering a dynamic phase of growth—creating new opportunities to expand programming and deepen community impact.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where diversity strengthens our mission and enriches our work.

• Serve as the primary liaison with the Theatre’s exclusive talent buyer, Live Nation, reviewing/approving offers and advocating for the Theatre’s interests and priorities
• Guide booking strategy across touring acts, resident partners, and rental clients
• Advise executive leadership on programming decisions, including financial and reputational considerations

• Lead management of the full event calendar across all Theatre spaces
• Align bookings with organizational priorities, balancing mission-driven and revenue-generating events
• Develop and refine booking policies for expanded venue spaces

• Oversee key aspects of event preparation and execution, including contracts, production logistics, technical requirements, and settlements
• Ensure consistency and excellence across every event experience
• Lead production meetings and drive operational coordination across departments

• Lead and develop a diverse team of production and event professionals
• Collaborate with leadership across Audience Services, Advancement, and Facilities to develop short- and long-term strategic goals and priorities
• Build strong relationships with artists, vendors, community leaders, and stakeholders

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, with a focus on revenue growth and financial sustainability
• Analyze financial performance and identify strategic improvements

This is a high-impact leadership role requiring deep expertise in live entertainment and venue operations.

• 6–8+ years in live entertainment, touring, or venue management
• Proven experience booking touring events and managing artist/agent relationships
• Strong background in production logistics, contracts, and event settlements
• 2–4 years of leadership or supervisory experience

• Strategic decision-making in high-pressure environments
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Deep understanding of live event industry trends and market dynamics
• Commitment to a mission-driven organization and inclusive workplace culture

• Full-time, exempt leadership position
• Requires flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays in alignment with event schedules
• Physically active role involving extended standing, walking, and occasional lifting

We’re looking for candidates who are:

• Experienced leaders in live entertainment or venue operations
• Comfortable balancing strategic vision with hands‑on execution
• Driven to create exceptional experiences for artists, audiences, and community

If you’re ready to lead programming and production at a landmark performing arts venue—and make a lasting impact on a thriving cultural institution we invite you to apply by selecting the link below:

Senior Director of Programming & Production – The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation

The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not in any way constitute a contract or guarantee of employment.