Director of Arts Presenting and Public Venue Operations

About the role

The Director of Arts Presenting and Public Venue Operations provides strategic leadership for the programming, operations, financial management, facility planning, and public-facing use of Emens Auditorium, Pruis Hall, and the Brown Family Amphitheater. With an annual operating budget of $980,000, this position advances a cohesive artistic vision for the university’s public venues while ensuring that programming is relevant, market-driven, operationally feasible, financially sustainable, and aligned with the mission of Ball State University and the curricular priorities of the College of Fine Arts.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate the operational, budgetary, and personnel activities of Emens Auditorium, Pruis Hall, and the Brown Family Amphitheater, including recommendation, confirmation, and coordination of programming, event selection, contract coordination, budget administration, facility maintenance, security, capital improvement planning, and audience engagement.
• Oversee event scheduling that is relevant, market-driven, operationally feasible, and financially viable and sustainable, while advancing a cohesive artistic vision for the university’s public-facing venues that aligns with the mission of the College of Fine Arts and supports its curricular priorities and creates experiential learning opportunities, performance platforms, and interdisciplinary collaborations that enhance student success and artistic development.
• Ensure that programming decisions and resource allocations support the artistic, educational, and community engagement goals of the College of Fine Arts.
• Track all revenues and expenses for facilities and provide regular updates to both the college Dean and the college Budget Director.
• Oversee and monitor all programs and policies related to the maintenance and security of the facilities and equipment; conduct periodic review of policies and procedures; ensure mandatory training compliance, e.g., OSHA and other organizations, and implement approved changes as necessary; maintain liaison with vendors of equipment, materials and services; maintain information of current trends and product availability, and industry standards.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners to support programs and facilities, including fundraising and possible grant proposal submissions.
• Attend and/or delegate attendance and oversight responsibilities during scheduled events, including welcoming visiting artists, lecturers, and performers, attending to patron and performer needs, as well as production and technical matters.
• Convene regular staff meetings and monitor staff scheduling to ensure coverage and security of the facilities for all programming and related usage.
• Perform other related administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in performing arts, arts administration, business, higher education, non-profit management, communications, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in venue or event operations, programming, arts administration, or related fields.
• Demonstrated responsibility for planning, coordination, and decision making.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Prioritization and organizational skills.
• A collaborative approach to fostering campus and community partnerships.
• Familiarity and appreciation of the breadth of arts industries and their audiences.
• Experience with financial reporting and budget processes.
• Supervisory experience overseeing staff and operations.

Benefits

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family.