The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Walker Art Center is seeking a part-time, temporary, Performing Arts Project Manager to join the Walker’s Performing Arts team for the 2023-24 Performing Arts Season to manage three performance-based projects in contemporary dance, theater, and/or music, and assist the department on additional engagements as agreed upon. This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension to a second year.

The Project Manager will report to the Director and Senior Curator and will take regular work assignments and guidance from the Senior Program Officer. This position will work closely with artists and/or artist managers, Performing Arts staff, and other Walker colleagues as necessary to: create and execute performance contracts; manage all project schedules, logistics, and itineraries; manage artistic issues (in consultation with Director/Senior Curator); manage live performances and project-specific community engagement and/or residency activities; track project budgets and reconcile project financials; contribute to grant reports as applicable; contribute to marketing, public relations, and visitor services efforts; and participate in relevant meetings, as needed.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic Project Management

• Act as main contact with lead artists/managers on planning and executing performance details, residency activities, contractual agreements, timelines, and schedules; meet with Senior Program Officer as needed to track project management details and timelines;
• Meet with Senior Curator on project scope, any production issues, and artistic questions related to each project, as necessary;
• Work closely with Performing Arts staff around work plans for projects/calendar/schedule and other related departmental and institutional deadlines;
• Work with Performing Arts and Public Engagement, Learning, and Impact staff to identify appropriate community and local arts partners to collaborate with the Walker and visiting artist(s) on aspects of the residency;
• Manage and oversee Q and A, receptions, workshops or other related events;

Project Administration

• Work closely with Director/Senior Curator and Senior Program Officer to monitor project budgets, and process project-related payment requests and receipts;
• Work with the Production Manager on all aspects of presentation including production budget, technical needs, rentals, rehearsals, technical schedules, and any production issues;
• Attend front-of-house meetings as necessary and work with the Visitors Services Specialist to address any ticketing, audience, or accessibility concerns;
• Work with design staff to arrange performance or residency documentation (photography/video);
• Work with Performing Arts Administrator to arrange artist travel and hotel, as needed;
• Arrange all local transportation for visiting artists, as needed (vehicle rentals, taxis, etc.);
• Secure/set up/coordinate backstage hospitality;
• Assist in writing interim and final report copy for project-related grant reports.
• Attend weekly Performing Arts and marketing staff meetings when possible;
• Participate in wrap-up meetings with Performing Arts staff following projects.

Marketing, Public Relations, and Project Contextualization

• Assist in generating ideas around marketing messaging and audience outreach;
• Work with public relations staff to coordinate press releases and artist interviews with the press;
• Work with marketing and design staff to review relevant marketing efforts for the Walker website, the Walker magazine, marketing and ticket buyer emails, and social media channels;
• Work with artists and Performing Arts Administrator to create, edit, and finalize online and printed program notes for each project.

Schedule

• This is a hybrid position that will maintain a balance of remote and on-site work, an average of approximately 2 days/week (7-10 hours/week), depending upon project requirements; hours/week will vary more depending on the actual artistic engagement and onsite performances or activities, with more hours the week of engagements when this position is required to be on-site, balanced by fewer hours in non-engagement weeks;
• The three projects/engagements will be confirmed depending on this position’s availability but will likely include one project in fall 2023, one in winter 2024, and one in spring 2024.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends is required;
• Potential option to extend the position an additional year, to the 2024-25 Performing Arts Season; Working artists are welcome/encouraged to apply;

Qualifications & Experience

• Arts administration or related arts degree with practical experience and knowledge in a performing arts discipline, project management, and/or performing arts presenting, preferred;
• An ideal candidate will be self-motivated, capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team;
• An ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders (artists, administrators, national/international producing collaborators, technical crew, community partners, and audiences) is essential;
• Some knowledge and experience with the full Microsoft Office Suite, Wordpress, InDesign, project management software such as Airtable, and/or social media for audience engagement, desired.

Job Specifications

• This position is considered part-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $15,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation

The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment

The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline

All positions are open until filled.