Director of Initiatives and Outreach - Barter Theatre

Position Overview

Job Title: Director of Initiatives and Outreach

FLSA Status: FT Exempt

Compensation Rate: $46,000- $47,500

Benefits: Medical & Supplemental Insurance, 401k, PTO, Company Recognized Holidays, Barter

Partnership Programs & Discounts



Position Summary

Barter Theatre seeks Director of Initiatives and Outreach to be a steadfast champion of new and existing

program initiatives. This Senior Staff position is an integral part of developing relationships, embracing

the diversity of the Appalachian experience, and fostering connection between Barter and the region.



Responsibilities

● Director of Black Stories Black Voices (BSBV)

○ BSBV’s mission is to tell and amplify Black stories and voices through playwriting,

acting and other theatrical disciplines. It seeks to shine a light on the richness of the Black

Appalachian experience.

○ BSBV develops and produces plays, readings, and community engagement opportunities

during the main stage season and annually presents SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories

event.

○ BSBV shares stories of Appalachia’s Black communities with Black playwrights around

the country to help develop monologues, scenes, plays and events. One of the

cornerstones of the initiative is the building of relationships with community members,

patrons, organizations, playwrights and other artists.

● External Relations with Colleges and Universities

○ This position serves as the contact and management for partnerships with Emory &

Henry, East Tennessee State University, Virginia Tech, and other nearby colleges and

universities.

○ Director of the College Playwright Festival (CPF) a one weekend 10-Minute Play

Festival designed to give Appalachian undergraduate college students professional

experience.

● Outreach

○ Coordinates Barter Connects - a series of post-show discussions designed to connect

audiences with the play on a deeper level. These events often shine a light on local

businesses/nonprofits whose missions align with the stories the productions are telling.

○ Facilitates Barter’s docent guide program - facilitated tours that take patrons, donors, and

others through the history and significance of Barter Theatre and its 92-year impact.

○ Leads community connection efforts with Barter programing and initiatives

● Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility

○ Helps coordinate DEIB workshops and mini-sessions for staff throughout the year

○ Serves as a facilitator for BIPOC staff and production teams

○ Facilitates open caption performances and other accessibility initiatives as needed

● Possible directing and/or acting opportunities in Barter Mainstage Season



Qualification & Experience

The ideal candidate should have at least 3-5 years of experience working in non-profit theatre, a passion

for community engagement, strong commitment to new play/artist development, attention to detail, and

be a motivated self-starter. Must be willing to relocate to Abingdon, VA or within a reasonable

commuting distance. Experience directing, dramaturgy, acting and/or DEI is preferred. Barter Theatre

strongly supports BIPOC applicants for this position.



Organizational Overview

Currently celebrating its 92nd year, Barter Theatre is a repertory company of resident artists dedicated to

serving others by creating world-class theater in the heart of Appalachia. Barter’s vision is to maintain a

sustainable model of producing world-class theater that entertains, engages, and connects artists and

audience, while reflecting the inherently Appalachian values of hard work, generosity, service, and story.

Barter produces musicals, classic plays, and new work March-December including the nationally

renowned initiatives Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights and Black Stories Black Voices.



Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment

Equal employment opportunity and an inclusive and representative staff are fundamental at Barter

Theater. Our employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and

qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference,

political position, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other

protected characteristic as established under law.



To Apply

To apply for this position, please submit in single PDF a cover letter connecting your experiences to this

position, current resume, and contact information for three references to managingdir@bartertheatre.com.
Salary: $46,000 - $47,500