Summer Film Script Reader Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Overview:

A collaborative, insightful, and organized artistic administrator with a love for the development of new and original theatrical work, the New Work Development Coordinator is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Public Theater's New Work Development department. They will be a direct point of contact for artists participating in a variety of New Work Development programs and will serve as a liaison between the New Work Development department and all departments across the Public Theater. 

The position reports directly to the Director of New Work Development, while working closely with the Associate Director of New Work Development. 

FLSA Status: This hourly position is Full-Time and Temporary, beginning in September 2026 and ending August 31, 2027. The potential for extending the position, although not guaranteed, will be reassessed in early summer of 2027. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime.

Ability to work a flexible schedule as per a standard work week, including select evenings and weekends is required. Ability to work on-site at the Public Theater's downtown theaters, administrative offices and rehearsal studios at 425 and 440 Lafayette St. 

Responsibilities:

Departmental Administration:

• Update the dramaturgy pathway tracker, commissions tracker, and script reading database
• Participate and take meeting minutes for departmental meetings, strategic planning sessions, and retreats
• Coordinate a team of script readers, including (but not limited to) facilitating the selection of readers, tracking readers’ workload, hours, and payments
• Track and process departmental invoices and reimbursements
• Be a point of contact to playwrights in residence, playwrights under commission, and playwrights developing new work at the Public 

Script Reading and Scouting: 

• Read and evaluate scripts in consideration for new work development at the Public Theater and provide recommendations for further consideration
• In collaboration with Director and Associate Director of New Work Development, regularly review the script acquisition practices of the department and draft letters of response
• Generate scouting reports for the New Work Development department, as well as track scouting reports from all department staff members 

Program and Residency Coordination: 

• Coordinate the organizational logistics for the Emerging Writers Group selection cycle and residencies, the Judith Champion New Work Series, and the Brooklyn College residencies
• Assist the Director of the New Work Development and Associate Director of New Work in producing of the Judith Champion New Work Series and Emerging Writers Group Spotlight Series 
• Support the Producing department with printing scripts and programs, maintaining guest lists, and rehearsal room set-up for internal readings and developments of new plays and musicals 
• Facilitate and schedule Watch Me Work sessions 

Cultural Transformation:

• Be an active participant in the Public Theater’s ongoing cultural transformation practice
• Identify ways to further implement practices of cultural transformation in departmental practices, including accountability analysis, container sessions for writer cohorts, and engagement with affinity groups. 

General:

• In collaboration with Director of New Work Development, identify and share ideas for new systems and structures to support better collaboration and communication between artists and the Public Theater, and the New Work Development department and other internal departments 
• Attend productions and readings, both in house at the Public Theater and across sister theater companies in New York 
• Uplift the Public Theater’s mission, vision, and core values in principle and practice

Other duties as assigned:

We are an evolving department that uplifts the saying of change being the only constant. As we learn more about the activation and implementation of best practices within the department, the New Work Development Coordinator may be asked to perform other day-to-day duties at the request of the Director of New Work Development. These could include the coordination of new projects and initiatives, and overall contribution to new ideas and activities that uphold a department of artistic abundance. 

Requirements:

• Strong passion for new work development with professional experience working in an artistic department at a theater company 
• Experience in producing or project coordination within a theatrical setting
• Experience reading new play and musical scripts and generating reports 
• Great organizational and time management skills, with the ability to track and support multiple projects and programs simultaneously 
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to working with diverse groups in terms of gender expression, race, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status
• Strong interpersonal skills, including cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Demonstrated ability to maintain relationships with artists and create a welcoming environment within a department
• Effective and efficient verbal and written communication skills
• A natural problem-solver who leads with a curiosity 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Knowledge of Air Table is not required, but a plus! 

Compensation:

This is a non-exempt, temporary, full-time position, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act with an hourly rate of $27.50, which is annualized at $57,200. The OT rate is $41.25. Plus benefits.

Position is available immediately. 

THE PUBLIC: 
The Public is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.

Please submit a resume and letter of interest by September 4, 2026.