Jobs

JOB OPENINGS

1. Artistic Director
2. Director of Special Funding Initiatives
3. Development Communications Manager
4. Part-Time Teaching Artist 

Overview:

Lincoln Center Theater has produced over 200 plays and musicals at the Vivian Beaumont, Mitzi E. Newhouse, and Claire Tow Theaters at Lincoln Center and other theaters on and off-Broadway, as well as touring productions nationally and around the world.  LCT is committed to developing and producing new works and classics with an emphasis on the work of new and emerging playwrights, directors, and designers. LCT’s education program, Open Stages, reaches thousands of public-school students annually with curriculum-related projects, teaching artist support, and tickets to LCT productions.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

LCT is committed to increased diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all areas of its structure and operations as attention to these goals makes it stronger and helps better serve the artists, staff, crew, audience, and community at large.

Lincoln Center Theater welcomes candidates who are fully committed to joining an organization that is proactively focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Applicants from populations underrepresented in theater and who align themselves with LCT’s values and goals are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Established in its current form in 1985 under the leadership of Chairman John V. Lindsay, Director Gregory Mosher, and Executive Producer Bernard Gersten, Lincoln Center Theater (“LCT”) has been named "the pre-eminent theater in the country" by The New York Times. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director André Bishop since 1992, LCT is one of the leading nonprofit theaters in the country and one of 11 autonomous constituents of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and like its neighbors, the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, among others, operates as an independent 501(c)(3) with its own Board of Directors, artistic management, administrative staff, and fundraising operation. LCT and its outstanding productions have received many of the highest accolades, including 87 Tony Awards, 89 Drama Desk Awards, 77 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 29 Obie Awards, 12 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It will celebrate its milestone 40th-Anniversary season with the 2024-2025 season. 

With three theaters on site, LCT produces a regular annual program of new plays and musicals as well as cherished revivals in the 1,050-seat Tony-eligible Vivian Beaumont Theater, the 299-seat Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, and from time to time, in rented Broadway venues. Its third theater is LCT3, a bold initiative devoted to producing work by the next generation of artists and engaging new audiences. Created in 2008, LCT3’s productions are presented at the 112-seat Claire Tow Theater, which opened in June 2012 on the Beaumont complex rooftop. 

Education has long been an institutional priority at LCT. Each year, its education initiative, Open Stages, works with thousands of New York City Public School students to develop an increased appreciation of the performing arts and encourage them to discover resonance between the arts and their life experiences. Established in 1990, Open Stages is comprised of four key programs: the High School Program, The LEAD Project, The Shakespeare Program and the Songwriting in The Schools Program. In the 2023-2024 school year, the Open Stages program anticipates working with over 4,700 students and 81 teachers at 43 schools across four of the five New York City boroughs. 

LCT has also made great strides to broaden and diversify its audiences. The LincTixprogram (for individuals between the ages of 21 and 35) has served over 100,000 individuals since its inception and currently has 54,000 active members who obtain markedly reduced fee seats. LCT also incentivizes people with disabilities to attend productions by offering amenities at no charge such as induction loops in its three venues and GalaPro and I-Caption technologies. 

Lincoln Center Theater is a LORT A+ member, operates on an annual budget of approximately $45 million and a core endowment of $100+ million, employs 49 full-time and 5 part-time staff. LCT operates under contract in a performing arts facility on the Lincoln Center campus that consists of rehearsal studios, offices, dressing rooms, and production and support facilities. The Board of Directors of Lincoln Center Theater is comprised of up to 55 members (currently 47) elected for three-year terms and meets quarterly. 

Lincoln Center Theater has retained Isaacson, Miller, an international executive search firm, to assist in conducting this important search. All inquiries, applications, and nominations for this opportunity should be directed to the search firm as indicated at the bottom of this page. 

The Artistic Director will be a passionate, compelling champion of theater. An energetic and natural leader, they will leverage LCT’s rich history and bring fresh energy to further enhance its pre-eminent position in American theater. Reporting to the Board of Directors, they will have excellent artistic credentials and possess the management savvy to enable LCT to grow, develop, and sustain itself as it adapts to a rapidly evolving environment. This leader will be entirely focused on and dedicated to LCT’s success, and their inclusive, global perspective will recognize that LCT is internationally connected yet intrinsically aligned with New York City and the diversity of experiences it offers. They will fully grasp LCT’s proud legacy as the ‘theater of yes’ that artists trust to realize creative projects. The Artistic Director will arrive practiced in the commissioning, directing, and alchemy of creative matchmaking necessary at a preeminent producing institution. They will be demonstrably invested in the nonprofit theater movement and its developmental system of production. Heralded for their artistic track record and fresh ideas, the Artistic Director will be well-versed in the classics and musicals while motivated to realize on stage their future iconic additions. This leader will excite established and new patrons to contribute and increase their giving and will draw artists, staff, board, and the public to a lively destination on the Lincoln Center campus made vibrant with possibility and people regardless of production or hour. 

Professional Experience 

Ideal candidates will have experience in and be able to: 

• Continue [and expand] LCT’s tradition as a recognized home for artistic talent and excellence in line with LCT’s history, vision, mission, and values 
• Design and implement top-of-class production seasons that will attract both long-time LCT members and a newer generation of younger theatergoers to attend consistently 
• Demonstrated success in staging and developing artistic and critically successful productions which attract a diverse and global audience 
• Work closely with the leadership team to help ensure LCT’s long-term organizational and financial stability, bringing familiarity with effective structures and best practices 
• Identify and ignite friend-raising and fundraising opportunities, inspiring both to enthusiastically believe and invest in the organization 
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate artistic and production teams in collaboration with staff 
• Evaluate potential projects, resources, and collaborators within the context of LCT’s mission and values; cultivate strategic partnerships to advance LCT’s capacity and impact 
• Participate, contribute, and stay connected to the evolving regional, national, and international performing arts landscape 
• Initiate, build, and steward relationships with a range of stakeholders, including artists, staff, audiences, trustees, donors, funders, and partner organizations 
• Update and sustain an effective and professional organizational culture; deepen LCT’s commitment to diversifying voices on and off stage and to equitable theater practices 
• Embrace technological advances that will ensure a more effective and efficient operation and support LCT’s mission 
• Proven skills in hiring a team to use technology to enhance donors and audience member experiences and drive new revenue channels 
• Communicate progress towards artistic vision regularly with team and stakeholders, including LCT’s Board of Directors 

Personal Characteristics 

The successful candidate will have or be: 

• Leadership and management skills to bring all elements of LCT together to bring energy and excitement to drive LCT’s future and elevate LCT to the next level 
• Passionate about the theater, in particular American theater, what it can achieve and who it can inspire; experience leading growth in nonprofit theaters 
• Impeccable artistic credentials and credibility; committed to the development of artists and the art form 
• 100% time commitment to LCT 
• A demonstrated commitment to LCT’s mission, vision, and values; experience introducing fresh thinking and informed risk to a treasured legacy 
• Driven, decisive, with the ability to drive effective use of data and an understanding of fiscal planning, reporting, and budgeting; entrepreneurial instincts welcomed 
• Familiarity with the work of audience development; authentic engagement with the greater community; serving as a visible presence 
• A history of success in all types of fundraising 
• Demonstrated experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Experience working with governing and/or advisory boards 
• Excellent oral, written, and related interpersonal skills 
• Familiarity with thrust stages and their strengths is a plus 

Salary range: $500,000 - $640,000

Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent electronically via this link to: 

Sarah James, Ben Tobin, David Grimes, Siobhan Hanley 
Isaacson, Miller 

The Director of Special Funding Initiatives will be a senior member of the solicitation team, leading a number of special campaigns, leading key department solicitation strategies and providing critical support for the 40th anniversary fund raising initiative and large future campaigns. This position will own a portfolio of approximately 100 high net-worth donors and prospects. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Planning and working closely with the Director of Major Gifts, this new position is part of a plan to meaningfully increase the annual fund and launch ancillary fundraising initiatives over the next three years in a fast-paced and growing Development Department now raising $14.5 million annually. This position is expected to be in office 4 days a week. 

Responsibilities

• Support Executive Director of Development and Planning in execution of 40th Anniversary Fund and future campaign initiatives, managing tracking and solicitation plan, creating support materials, and owning reporting. Solicit 40th anniversary campaign gifts as assigned.
• Manage department prospecting strategy, assigning solicitors, and tracking progress.
• Manage department research plan, actively supervising freelance researcher and assigning priorities across all solicitor requests for research.
• Manage logistics of board meetings; develop annual meeting calendar for board and key committees; develop agendas and support materials; manage follow-up and take meeting minutes.
• Support and engage the Board of Directors; support various Board committees with a special focus on the Development Committee, Corporate Task Force and Education Committee.
• Actively manage a portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects through all phases of the giving cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship. Manage a calendar of annual giving for each donor; maintain detailed records of communication, engagement and solicitation.
• Manage major corporate relationships and strategize new corporate opportunities from among the major gifts portfolio and the board. Oversee outside corporate consultant.
• Lead ongoing Name a Seat Campaign, identifying prospects, creating materials, managing execution and tracking results.
• Lead Planned Giving program, acting as liaison to Stelter and managing the Vivian Beaumont Society.
• Assist the Executive Director of Development and Planning as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• BA degree with at least 5 years of full-time fundraising solicitation experience in a not-for-profit organization, highly preferred in the performing arts or theater sector.
• Must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively, exceptional attention to detail.
• Promote an environment that fosters inclusive relationships both within the development team and our external donor base.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong donor research skills.
• Must be service and team oriented, enthusiastic, and self-motivated.
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and/or Tessitura, Microsoft Office, Lexis-Nexis, Wealth Engine, highly desirable.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends when donor cultivation requires it.

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with an annual salary range of $110,000-$120,000. Lincoln Center Theater provides comprehensive benefits including: Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 403(b) and Employer Match, and Paid Time Off.  

Please apply here: https://lct.bamboohr.com/careers/27

Please note only candidates who submit a resume, cover letter, and a fundraising writing sample (proposal or other appeal) of 1-2 pages will be considered. 

The Development Communications Manager will be a key member of a newly structured 15-person team raising $14.5 million annually in addition to special campaign funding. This role will be central to streamlining communications materials for donors at all levels, and will require strong writing, design and project management skills. The position reports directly to the Executive Director of Development and Planning. This position will be required to be in office 4 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Manage all department invitation creation (print and email) and deployment, coordinating with stakeholders across the department on content and lists. Events range from Galas to Opening Nights to Patron and Angels events, and more.
• Create all department newsletters (patron, board), scouting and writing copy, gathering photos, routing for approval and deploying on an established schedule.
• Create bespoke materials in support of major gift and sponsorship solicitation, including: customized sponsorship decks, production proposals, and special 40th anniversary asks.
• Design and print all donor event signage.
• Work with Patron/Angels Program team on emails and programs for various special events such as Artist Spotlights and Backstage Tours.
• Manage Development Department website changes. Ensure that content is current and follows industry best practice.
• Manage Development Department Playbill page content (excepting donor lists).
• Work with Patron Program team on annual brochure mailing and other materials needs.
• Create development-centric materials in support of LCT’s 40th Anniversary Season, and the launch of a new Artistic Director.
• Create an LCT annual report.

• Create design templates that are on brand and can be adapted easily by others on the team for short-notice projects.

• Create materials for board meetings.
• Create a shared calendar that is understood by all on the Development team and manage to this calendar.
• Manage LinkedIn platform for LCT, with an eye towards potential corporate sponsor engagement.
• Ensure that special event photos get posted to the LCT website and social platforms with alacrity; liaise with the marketing/social media team on relevant content that supports fundraising messaging.
• Act as department liaison to the marketing team, coordinating cross-departmental meetings and other communications needs.

Skills & Qualifications

• BA degree with at least 4 years of full-time experience working in Communications, Marketing, or Development. High preference for candidates with experience in the performing arts or theater.
• High competency in graphic design, and content creation software including Adobe Creative Cloud Software, Canva, or similar software.
• Must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively, exceptional attention to detail.
• Promote an environment that fosters inclusive relationships both within the development team and LCT’s external donor base.
• Excellent written communication skills and ability to produce high quality content and materials for all department needs.
• Must be service and team oriented, enthusiastic, and self-motivated.
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and/or Tessitura, Microsoft Office, Lexis-Nexis, Wealth Engine, not required, but desirable.

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with an annual salary range of $75,000-$80,000. Lincoln Center Theater provides comprehensive benefits including: Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 403(b) and Employer Match, and Paid Time Off.  

Please apply here: https://lct.bamboohr.com/careers/28

Please note only candidates who submit a resume, cover letter, and a creative portfolio (previously created or produced materials) will be considered. 

Teaching artists work with Education staff to design and implement theater-based arts residencies in NYC public middle and high schools.

LCT is looking for teaching artists for two of our school programs: the High School Program and the Shakespeare Program.

In the High School Program (HIGH), teaching artists teach four pre- and post-show theater-based workshops from a common curriculum that enable students to see LCT performances with a deeper understanding of that play’s themes and theatrical vocabulary.

With the Shakespeare Program (SHAX), teaching artists strive to make students’ engagement with, and exploration of Shakespeare works playful, accessible, and relevant within the framework of a 10-session in-school residency. 

Depending on their expertise and availability, several of our teaching artists work for more than one program.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging, interactive, theater-based lessons with NYC public school students.
• HIGH TAs adapt and teach lessons from a common curriculum to be responsive to students’ needs.
• SHAX TAs devise curriculum and prepare materials to accompany lessons that are responsive to students’ needs in collaboration with their school partner and LCT Admin.
• Communicate effectively with LCT and school staff; and
• Participate in ongoing training and self- and peer-evaluation.

Position Requirements and Experience:

• Skills, training, and experience as a theater artist
• At least three years’ experience working on behalf of a cultural organization in schools with students in grades 6-12, preferably in NYC
• Experience developing and adapting curriculum based on students’ needs
• Ability to demonstrate a range of applied theater teaching strategies
• Skillful in facilitating student-centered, inquiry-based workshops
• Ability to implement a range of classroom management strategies and flexibility in response to the needs of their students
• Familiarity with use of technology to support in-person and remote instruction
• Familiarity with a language other than English and/or work with multilingual learners a plus

This is a part-time, hourly position with a teaching rate of $140 per hour and $50 per hour for meetings and trainings.

• The Education department reviews all applicants’ cover letters and resumes.
• Qualified applicants will be invited to demonstrate a theater activity that connects to a modern American play, musical, or a Shakespeare play in an in-person group audition (late July).
• Candidates invited to the next stage of the audition process will be asked to lead an activity from an existing lesson plan connected to a prior LCT production (early August).
• New teaching artists start in late September.

Please apply here: https://lct.bamboohr.com/careers/29

Please be sure to indicate which program(s) you would like to be considered for, your availability for July/August auditions, and any special skills you would bring to this position in your cover letter.

Please note: The application portal will close at 12 PM EDT on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Lincoln Center Theater is a proud equal opportunity employer, embraces diversity, and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Click here to read LCT’s Anti-Racism Commitment. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, affectional preference, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions, pregnancy, disability, genetic predisposition, age, military or veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.