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Position Summary

The Vice President, Programming & Production will serve as The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s chief programmer and artistic curator, shaping the creative identity, commercial vitality, and audience experience across its stages. As one of the organization’s lead content strategists, this individual will source, evaluate, negotiate, book, produce, and program a dynamic mix of Broadway engagements, original theatrical productions, touring shows, concerts, comedy, special events, and mission‑aligned work that drives sales, expands audiences, and strengthens the theatre’s artistic profile.

In close partnership with the President & CEO, senior leadership team, and The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep), the Vice President will develop and implement a cohesive, forward‑looking programming strategy that balances artistic ambition with financial sustainability. They will cultivate relationships with agents, producers, and touring partners; assess market trends; and build seasons that elevate visibility, deepen community impact, and support both earned and contributed revenue.

Overseeing the full arc of programmed content, from concept and curation through contracting, budgeting, marketing alignment, and production execution, they will ensure that every event is delivered with excellence, creativity, and a high standard of service. In collaboration with the production, operations, and other internal partners, this leader will also oversee the technical and logistical infrastructure that brings each artistic choice to life while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and artistic ambition.

Roles and Responsibilities Program Vision, Strategy, and Implementation

• Develop, implement, and financially evaluate a balanced, marketable, and diverse programming strategy for the Main Stage, Jean McDonough Arts Center (BrickBox Theater and PopUp Gallery), student matinees, Broadway, and other Hanover Theatre & Conservatory events, ensuring alignment with earned revenue goals and audience demand.
• Engage with Broadway co‑promoters, producers, touring companies, presenters, promoters, artists, and organizations to secure high‑quality bookings and partnerships, with attention to market viability and revenue potential.
• Negotiate contracts, license agreements, budgets, and financial settlements for mainstage events, ensuring financial terms support sustainable earned‑revenue outcomes.
• Collaborate with operations, marketing/communications, finance, senior leadership, and visiting partners to ensure effective planning, marketing, budgeting, and implementation, integrating revenue considerations into programming decisions.
• Cultivate local, regional, national, and international relationships that support diverse, accessible, and financially sound programming.
• Convene internal and external stakeholders to develop equitable programs, consistent programming practices, and marketable annual seasons.
• Embrace other program vision, strategy, and implementation responsibilities as needed.

Strategic Planning, Operational Implementation, and Community Engagement

• Participate actively as a senior leadership team member and principal partner to the President and CEO, advancing long‑term strategy, operational effectiveness, institutional priorities, and community impact.
• Provide strategic oversight of production operations, ensuring resources, staffing, labor relationships, and technical execution align with programming goals.
• Supervise the proper preparation, maintenance, and operation of production facilities, events, and the Wurlitzer Organ in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Develop capital equipment, facility upgrade, budgeting, staffing, and growth plans in collaboration with the President & CEO and other senior staff.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, Board, senior leadership team, city officials, Downtown Business District stakeholders, audiences, artists, and community partners to strengthen the theatre’s relevance, vibrancy, reach, and impact.
• Identify and maximize earned revenue and growth opportunities, including merchandise concessions, rentals, production services, additional properties, programs, partnerships, and new revenue streams.
• Supervise communications with external producing and presenting partners, including technical rider review, issue identification, and problem‑solving.
• Support the company’s equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility initiatives.
• Embrace other strategic planning, operational implementation, and community engagement responsibilities as needed.

Team Leadership, Collaboration, and Oversight

• Oversee programming staff, production teams, show creative and design teams, independent contractors, vendors, and union crews.
• Create, implement, and enforce facility policies, processes, and procedures for internal teams and visiting performers, promoters, and partners.
• Administer touring show load‑ins and in‑house original productions, alongside productions from the THT Rep and the Conservatory.
• Maintain positive labor relations and ensure adherence to collective bargaining, legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Lead production meetings, team assessments, mentoring, accountability measures, and performance‑improvement processes.
• Innovate production workflows to support high‑volume programming and sustainable workload planning.
• Monitor and approve payroll for programming and production staff and independent contractors.
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging goals.
• Embrace other team leadership, collaboration, and oversight responsibilities as needed.

External Relations and Advancement

• Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory programming in collaboration with the President & CEO, Board, and senior leadership team.
• Support advancement efforts, including capital campaigns, annual giving, memberships, corporate sponsorships, grants, and other contributed revenue opportunities.
• Develop program narratives, objectives, and budgets for sponsorships and funding proposals in collaboration with the development, marketing/communications, and finance teams.
• Build and maintain relationships that support future philanthropic, civic, governmental, and community engagement.
• Support the President & CEO in relationships with the City of Worcester and other government partners.
• Engage Downtown Business District stakeholders, artists, audiences, and community partners.
• Embrace other external relations and advancement responsibilities as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Vice President, Programming & Production will be a resourceful, intellectually curious, and intentional leader who brings a balanced blend of artistic insight and operational discipline. Energized by practical results and continuous learning, this individual will identify artistic opportunities that advance the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s mission while making decisions grounded in financial realities, organizational priorities, and audience demand. A people‑oriented collaborator, the Vice President will build rapport across the community, staff, board, and partners, fostering trust, engagement, and shared purpose. With a versatile and competitive spirit, this leader will adapt to changing circumstances, communicate with clarity and consistency, listen with intention, and demonstrate the assertiveness and judgment required in a dynamic environment. Centered in humility and driven by strategic ambition, the Vice President will motivate others, model diplomacy and emotional intelligence, and maintain a visible commitment to the community.

Other key competencies include:

• Negotiation – The ability to listen to many points of view and facilitate agreements between two or more parties.
• Conceptual Thinking – The capacity to analyze hypothetical situations, patterns, and abstract concepts to identify connections, generate new insights, and support thoughtful decision‑making.
• Customer Focus – The commitment to anticipate and exceed customer needs with urgency, responsiveness, and strong relationships.
• Goal Orientation – The tenacity to achieve inspirational and attainable goals while building trust and demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and organize a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Skills – The capability to build rapport, demonstrate a sincere interest in others, and effectively communicate and relate well to people.
• Leadership and Teamwork – The adeptness to organize and motivate others to accomplish goals while creating a sense of order, direction, and active participation among a variety of stakeholders.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s advanced degree and eight to 10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience in programming and production, within the performing arts or creative industries, are highly desirable. Experience in fast paced environments with strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and time management abilities, and the capacity to oversee multiple staff, projects, and priorities is important. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, event booking, AudienceView (or similar ticketing and service), production technologies, facilities oversight, and related software is useful, as is familiarity with financial processes, including show settlements, contract to settlement workflows, and co‑production risk management.

Demonstrated success in engaging effectively with ticket buyers, donors, strategic partners, artists, producers, presenters, and community stakeholders is invaluable. Strong relationships with promoters, booking agents, and the APAP network are advantageous. Knowledge of Equity, IATSE, SDC, and other union negotiation processes is vital. The role also calls for the ability to work weekday, evening, and weekend hours as needed; move throughout a multi level venue and office environment; and perform core functions for extended periods.

If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education, we encourage you to apply and highlight those areas.

Compensation and Benefits

Hanover Theatre & Conservatory provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary in the range of $135,000 to $150,000. Benefits include vacation, sick time, and holidays; subsidized (75%) medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); short‑term and long‑term disability insurances; a voluntary 401(k) plan with up to 5% match; and complimentary parking and tickets. The organization provides tax‑free reimbursement for certain qualified medical expenses through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees and dependents enrolled in the Health New England HMO Thrive and PPO Thrive group health plans are eligible to enroll in the HRA, and this benefit’s premium is fully paid by the organization. The Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave benefits are also available.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/hanover-theatre-conservatory-seeks-vice-president-programming-production/

The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.