Performing Arts Manager

Summary: Do you have a passion for the Performing Arts—theater, music, dance, etc.—and experience in at least one. Do you love the challenge and the thrill of planning and organizing events that bring people together for memorable experiences. If so, then you may be who we are looking for. The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is accepting applications for our next Performing Arts Manager. This is a full-time position with benefits. Working closely with the Executive Director & CEO, the Performing Arts Manager oversees the planning and implementation of all performances for the Suffolk Center’s performance seasons. In addition, this position oversees the Suffolk Center’s box office and ticket sales, and assists in the management of our theater, including its technical and artistic operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative professional who has a passion for engaging the community through the performing arts. This position reports to the Executive Director & CEO.

Position Responsibilities:

· In coordination with the Executive Director, plan and manage the season calendar. This includes identifying, scheduling, and booking diverse performances that are aligned with the Center’s mission, serving as the primary liaison with artists/managers/agents, securing riders, overseeing contracts, assisting with production and back-line details, and overseeing tech needs all while working within a set budget.
· Act as house manager for and oversee all performances held at the Suffolk Center’ three performance venues—Main Stage, Downstairs, and Outdoors. If unavailable for a particular show, coordinate the house manager position with other team members
· Develop and track season/annual budget and develop budgets and financial reports for individual performances.
· Assist in ascertaining theater needs, including lighting, sound, seating, and other equipment, and capital needs.
· Oversee all artist hospitality requirements (including meals and hotels), meet and greets, concessions, and merchandise sales.
· Oversee the planning for and management of box office and ticket sales, including the management of the Center’s ticketing online ticketing platform.
· Gather all necessary marketing and showcase materials from agents and artists, and work with Marketing Manager and Development Director to help promote performances and coordinate development initiatives.
· Assist in the planning and management of the Suffolk Center’s Community Theater program.
· Work with the Finance Director to ensure timely and accurate payment of all performers, technical staff, and other vendors related to performances.
· Work with facilities staff to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and performers within the theater, and to ensure the professional appearance of theater facilities.
· Participate as part of the creative team across the Suffolk Center, working with education and visual arts staff, helping to Integrate performing arts programs with visual arts and educational endeavors at the Center.
· Work with the Executive Director, Development Director, Marketing Manager, and others to support fundraising efforts for programs to ensure the financial sustainability of the Center.
· Assist with special events/fundraisers at the Center when needed.
· Execute other responsibilities as determined by the Executive Director & CEO.

Qualifications:

· Background or in-depth knowledge of at least one form of performing arts, such as music, dance, and/or theater.
· Experience working in a theater or performing arts facility, including experience in ticketing, box office management, and/or theater equipment and systems.
· Experience with entertainment contracts and securing artists’ agreements,
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable negotiating agreements
· Strong organization and time management skills, while also having a flexible, practical, and creative approach.
· Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, including an ability to build relationships with artists, community partners, customers, clients, sponsors, and donors.
· Financial acumen, including the ability to create a budget and track expenses and sales.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience with ticketing software (i.e., Audience View/Ovation) is a plus.
· Basic knowledge of and experiencing with marketing and fundraising is a plus.
· Associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred, but commensurate experience will be considered.
· Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the Center’s mission for advocating, promoting, and creating access to the arts in Suffolk.

This is a salaried, full-time, permanent position within the Suffolk Center, budgeted for 40 hours per week. Evening and weekend hours will be required for performances, receptions, and special events. Benefits for this position include medical and dental insurance; paid time off for vacation, sick time, holidays, and personal days, as well as an employer match toward a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan.

The salary range for this position is $48,000-$53,000

To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to thomas.yannuzzi@suffolkcenter.org. No phone calls, please. Applications received by July 20, 2026, will receive priority consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A cover letter, submitted at the time the resume is submitted, is required for applications to be considered.

About the Suffolk Center

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is the premier visual and performing arts venue for Suffolk and Western Tidewater. Our mission is to cultivate, promote, and create access to the creative arts for all residents and visitors through programs, education and outreach programs. Located in the heart of downtown Suffolk, our historic building houses a 500-seat theater, where we host theatrical performances, concerts, dance performances, dramatic works, films, lectures, and so much more. The Suffolk Center is home to three art galleries, which host an ever-changing array of visual art exhibitions. The Center has a robust educational program and offers a multitude of classes for the community, such as dance, painting, singing, pottery, drawing, and more. We also host summer camps and send artists to local schools to bring the arts to our community. We are committed to supporting the economic vitality of Suffolk by enhancing the life experiences of our citizens and visitors.

Fulfilling our mission requires a commitment to inclusiveness in every aspect of our organization—our programming, operations, outreach, and leadership. We recognize that we can succeed only when our organization fully reflects the richness of the communities we serve. The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts supports diversity across all lines of difference, including race, age, economic circumstance, ethnicity, sex, range of ability, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity/expression. We invite applicants from all backgrounds for this position.