August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape: The first-ever exhibition dedicated to the life and works of August Wilson is now open! Learn More

Program Manager

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is located at the gateway of the Cultural District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Center, named for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, and Pittsburgh native, August Wilson, showcases nationally and internationally renowned performing and visual artists, as well as supports and nurtures the burgeoning local arts community. This programming connects the entire community to the rich, substantive artistic content that reflects the African Diaspora.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center offers multiple exhibition galleries, a 492-seat theater for performances in all genres, multipurpose spaces for classes, lectures and hands-on learning, community programs and events. The Center is housed in an iconic building designed by award winning architect, Alison Williams.  Offering the community, a distinctive mix of cultural spaces as well as a rehearsal studio, sweeping walkways and ample community gathering and meeting spaces, this bold facility serves as a true “center,” a place of coming together where all manner of art, artistic expression and community conversation are welcomed and encouraged.

THE POSITION

The AWAACC seeks a Program Manager to contribute to the development, implementation and management of the Center’s programming. The Program Manager reports to the Vice President of Programming.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Works closely with the Vice President of Programming to develop, produce and support artistic performing arts and visual arts, literary and film programs.
  • Serves as program lead for select artistic projects as assigned.
  • Manages artist contract process and serves as the liaison with artists and agents and gathers all marketing assets (photos, bios, audio and video).
  • Develops agreements, offers and coordinates project budgets
  • Researches potential projects and artists.
  • Creates a contact list for each project – having it filter into a database
  • Works with production and other key staff to develop run of show, production schedule, tech riders for live programs.
  • Creates and maintains project timelines with the Vice President
  • Tracks progress of projects
  • Drafts, compiles information, proofreads and edits certain correspondences, presentations, program booklets, board reports, project descriptions, project reports, project debriefs & evaluations, etc.
  • Manages and organizes all digital and paper documentation for all projects across all programs, including invoices, artist contracts, photographs, lesson plans, budget files, testimonials/evaluations, correspondence, income and expenses, etc.
  • Manages payment tracking sheet, ensures balance checks are ready for night of performance.
  • Maintains Programming Department Calendar and program descriptions to be disseminated to other departments and provides timely updates.
  • Liaises with internal departments to complete tasks as necessary – Marketing and Communications, Production, Operations, Theater Operations, Development and the Executive Office.
  • Attends programming meetings, develops notes, undertakes any necessary follow up.
  • Coordinates hospitality, ticket requests, air and ground travel and accommodations for artists, staff, and festival attendees
  • Represents AWAACC at variety of local community, grassroots events and collaborations.

Education/Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree is required.
  • 4 years of related experience with performing arts programming.

Required Competencies

  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Adobe, virtual meeting
  • software (Zoom, Teams, Meets) and other utility software
  • Ability to maintain positive, cooperative, professional and collaborative interactions with internal and external teams
  • Excellent presentation, project and time management skills
  • Ability to be proactive in anticipating and solving problems
  • Ability to innovate and create new processes or systems that create efficiencies
  • Exceptional planning, organization and follow-up skills with extreme attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
  • Strong judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
  • Demonstrated understanding and passion for the performing arts and live entertainment industry
  • Appreciation, knowledge base and respect for African American culture and African Diasporic programming
  • Ability to work independently on assignments
  • Overcome challenges and assure successful implementation of projects as directed by VP of Programming
  • Strong work ethic, reliable and self-motivated; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment and comfortable with managing multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ability to work flexible hours, accommodating the AWAACC event schedule.
  • Attend all AWAACC programs/events, visual arts as well as performing arts

Starting salary for this position is $53,000 annually.

August Wilson African America Cultural Center is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.