Vice President, Programs

Zeiterion Theatre • New Bedford, MA

1d • $90,000 - $140,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President, Programs will play a central leadership role at The Zeiterion, shaping and overseeing the programmatic vision of the organization at a pivotal moment in its evolution. Reporting to the President/CEO, this role is responsible for leading the development and delivery of dynamic, values-aligned programming that reflects The Z’s mission, centers community voice and perspective, and strengthens its identity as a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub. This is a highly creative and strategic role, grounded equally in vision and execution. The Vice President, Programs will deliver our mission, steward a cohesive programmatic ecosystem that brings together performances, education, community engagement, and production, ensuring these functions operate in concert to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned experiences. With a strong curatorial eye and a clear set of values, the VP will broaden artistic perspectives, diversify talent and audiences, and deepen The Z’s connection to the communities it serves. The organization is intentionally shifting toward programming that is more by and for the community. This role will lead that cultural change, inviting a broader and more diverse set of artists, partners, educators, and community members to the table. The Vice President, Programs will approach programming entrepreneurially, with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, balancing respect for tradition with a future-forward mindset. As the next chapter at The Z continues to take shape, this leader will help imagine and build new possibilities for serving our broader community. The Vice President, Programs will join a deeply committed, passionate team with a strong mix of long-tenured staff and newer leaders who are invested in building something lasting together. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is eager to jump in, manage and support a team, and work collaboratively across the organization. It is an especially exciting moment to join The Z, as both the institution and the broader community are transforming, creating a rare opportunity for a leader who is energized by creativity, connection, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

Requirements

• Strategic Programmatic Leadership
• Ability to translate The Z’s mission and vision into a compelling, future-forward programmatic strategy.
• Demonstrates a strong curatorial eye and clear values, positioning The Z as a vibrant civic and cultural hub through programming that is engaging, relevant, and reflective of the community it serves.
• Inclusive Curation and Community-Centered Programming
• Proven capacity to curate balanced and compelling programs and presentations that amplify diverse voices and perspectives.
• Works to broaden audiences and advance equity, accessibility, and inclusion by bringing together national and global touring artists, local and emerging talent, resident companies, and guest curators in ways that deepen community connection.
• Operational Integration and Program Execution Excellence
• Skilled at overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs, ensuring that production, and theater operations work seamlessly together.
• Balances creative ambition with operational rigor, safety, fiscal responsibility, and audience experience.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organizational Leadership
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across departments, including: Leading: Education and Community Production Theater and Event Management Collaborating with: Mission Advancement (Development, Marketing, and Engagement) Mission Critical (Finance and Operations)
• Effectively aligns vision with branding, communications, audience engagement, and fundraising priorities, while managing and developing internal teams and external advisory partners.
• Innovative and Future-Building Mindset
• Entrepreneurial and curious leader who identifies and activates new opportunities for program growth, building use, and earned revenue.
• Supports the evolution of education programs and workforce pathways, leverages new spaces and resources, and helps prepare The Z to thrive as a performing arts center built for the future.

Nice To Haves

• A demonstrated ability to lead through change and growth, including building new structures, processes, and relationships within a more highly resourced and evolving organization.
• Experience working effectively within a senior leadership team, collaborating closely with peer Vice Presidents while reporting to the President/CEO.
• Financial acumen and comfort overseeing budgets and resource allocation in a way that supports artistic ambition, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
• The ability to translate programmatic vision into fundable initiatives and communicate that vision clearly to colleagues, donors, and external partners as needed.
• A hands-on, collaborative leadership style, with a genuine commitment to staff development, cross-functional teamwork, and creating a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Translate The Z’s mission and vision into a compelling, future-forward programmatic strategy.
• Position The Z as a vibrant civic and cultural hub through programming that is engaging, relevant, and reflective of the community it serves.
• Curate balanced and compelling programs and presentations that amplify diverse voices and perspectives.
• Broaden audiences and advance equity, accessibility, and inclusion by bringing together national and global touring artists, local and emerging talent, resident companies, and guest curators in ways that deepen community connection.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs, ensuring that production, and theater operations work seamlessly together.
• Balances creative ambition with operational rigor, safety, fiscal responsibility, and audience experience.
• Lead teams and collaborate across departments, including: Leading: Education and Community Production Theater and Event Management Collaborating with: Mission Advancement (Development, Marketing, and Engagement) Mission Critical (Finance and Operations)
• Effectively align vision with branding, communications, audience engagement, and fundraising priorities, while managing and developing internal teams and external advisory partners.
• Identify and activate new opportunities for program growth, building use, and earned revenue.
• Support the evolution of education programs and workforce pathways, leverages new spaces and resources, and helps prepare The Z to thrive as a performing arts center built for the future.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, retirement plan, paid time off, generous holidays, professional development, etc.
• Tickets to performances, remote flexibility, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed