Who We Are Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is that the future may learn from the past through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today's evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally. About the Position The Senior Manager of Performing Arts will manage all operational, administrative and logistical aspects of the Performing Arts Department to ensure all programs and productions are consistently delivered at the highest level. This role will develop, establish, and maintain strategies and procedures to successfully achieve programmatic and budgetary goals. The Senior Manager will foster world-class guest service, professionalism, and quality in all programs and experiences. Additionally, the manager will coordinate with other departments, divisions, and community partners in a manner that will ensure the highest degree of guest satisfaction and will contribute to a seamless system of management that best represents and forwards the goals and mission of the Foundation. Essential Functions:
Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Performing Arts Department and team to ensure the consistent delivery of excellent guest experiences through high-quality programming and performances. Hires, trains, develops and supports the performing arts team and supervisors. Operates as the Daily Program Manager (DPM). The DPM is the point person for the department's daily operating schedule and assignments, manages the advertised programs, and supports team and guests throughout the day. Works directly with the Artistic Director and Historic Area Scheduling to build and maintain team roll calls, rehearsal schedules, production meetings, casting sheets, and program operating schedules. Effectively communicates information promptly, proactively addressing and resolving staffing and programming challenges. Oversees outdoor stages and indoor facilities used by the department and communicates with appropriate parties (including Maintenance, IT, Conservation, Pest control, etc.) to address any issues. Coordinates between departments and makes sure spaces are appropriately set up and maintained. Facilitates the acquisition, storage, and maintenance of props, department supplies, and other shared physical resources for the department. Ensures supplies are available in a timely fashion. Ensures the department is operating within budget by overseeing all required paperwork, including program reports, time records, work-related accident reports, etc., in a neat, accurate, and timely manner. Establishes a positive, equitable, and safe work environment for all employees in accordance with Human Resources and Public Safety. Facilitates and conducts required training for staff, coordinates risk assessments, and ensures department operations and productions are compliant with all Foundation safety protocols. Provides consistent leadership and support documenting all employee performance assessments, both positive and corrective. Solicits feedback from staff and other stakeholders to provide input and implement improvements to the workplace culture and operations. Oversee the production and execution of performing arts events, ensuring all technical, operational, and audience-related aspects are handled efficiently Be familiar with the Foundation's policies and procedures including the Conservation and Collections policies to ensure strict compliance in protecting artifacts, sites, buildings, and other historic assets. Supervision to be Exercised: Direct: Performing Arts Supervisors Indirect: Actor Interpreters, Theatrical Interpreters, Nation Builders, Musicians, & Sound Techs Required and Preferred Education and Experience: Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Performing Arts, Arts Management, Museum Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in performing arts management, preferably within a museum or cultural institution.
- Proven experience in organizing and managing performing arts programs, exhibitions, or events in a museum context.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement educational and public programs that integrate performing arts with museum collections and themes.
- Strong experience in budgeting, financial management, and grant writing specific to arts and cultural programs.
- Experience in collaborating with curators, educators, and other museum professionals to enhance the museum's offerings.
Preferred:
- Master's degree in Performing Arts, Arts Management, Museum Studies, or a related field.
- 7-10 years of experience in a senior management role within a museum or similar cultural institution, with a focus on performing arts.
- Extensive experience in curating and managing large-scale performing arts projects or exhibitions that complement museum collections.
- Proven success in developing innovative programs that engage diverse audiences and support the museum's mission and strategic goals.
- Advanced skills in strategic planning, community outreach, and partnership development within the cultural sector.
- Expertise in contemporary trends and technologies in the performing arts and museum fields.
- Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects that involve cross-departmental collaboration.
Qualifications:
Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment. Ability to remain positive, flexible, and resilient in a changing work environment. Highly organized and strong attention to detail. Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work well with diverse people at all levels of the organization. Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond to urgent critical situations effectively and efficiently. Ability to adapt to ever changing technological developments. Demonstrated dependability and punctuality. Demonstrated confidentiality and discretion. Demonstrated initiative and independent problem solving. Ability to work at least one weekend day/week and some holidays. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel.