Director of Performing Arts - Safe Harbors of the Hudson

Organizational Information



­­­Safe Harbors of the Hudson (www.safe-harbors.org) is an innovative and dynamic arts and housing non-profit located in the City of Newburgh, New York, serving Newburgh and the Hudson Valley. With the mission of Transforming Lives and Building Community through Housing and the Arts, Safe Harbors is committed to playing a key role in Newburgh’s revitalization. The organization owns and operates The Cornerstone Residence, affordable, supportive housing for 128 adults; Ann Street Gallery, a contemporary visual art space; Ann Street Studios, eight artist work studios; The Lobby at the Ritz, a flexible performance and event venue; Safe Harbors Green, a half-acre park and outdoor performance venue; two commercial tenants, 2Alices Coffee Lounge and Grit Works collaborative work/share space; and the historic Ritz Theater, currently under renovation as a multi-venue Performing Arts Center.*



Safe Harbors currently presents an active, year-round calendar of performances and events in collaboration with a wide range of local and regional stakeholders. As the renovated Ritz Theater venues and programs come online over the next several years, Safe Harbors’ programming strategy will increasingly aim toward the mobilization of high-quality arts presentations and participatory community-based arts activity as an incubator and engine for economic and social development.



The City of Newburgh has a rich and diverse cultural, demographic, and socio-economic makeup. Along with other Hudson Valley cities, Newburgh faces challenges as it recovers, rebuilds, and forges its own distinct identity after decades of economic decline. With the support and participation of many people and organizations from many backgrounds, Newburgh’s resurgence is gaining momentum. Safe Harbors, and its vision for an active and accessible downtown Arts District, is a part of that movement.







Position Description



The Director of Performing Arts and Community Programming is responsible for conceiving, developing, and executing a cohesive program of accessible, inclusive, responsive, relevant, and dynamic performing arts and community events for all ages, in partnership with local and regional performing artists, arts organizations, and community members. As a key leader and integral part of the Safe Harbors team, the Director of Performing Arts and Community Programming will foster and sustain a working culture that supports, inspires, and builds community and creativity among all stakeholders.



Key Responsibilities



Set a strategic course for Safe Harbors’ current and future arts and community programming that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and intention to use the arts as a powerful community development tool.

Provide visionary and pragmatic leadership in the creation of capacity and a scalable programming model for the successful launch and sustainable operations of the redeveloped Ritz Theater.

Lead the arts and community event program planning and calendar development process, including the selection of activities and events, production partners, and creative teams.

~ Develop ideas for commissioning, producing, and presenting new works and events.

~ Develop and maintain relationships with other arts creators and producers to explore and incubate collaboration and opportunities for partnership.

~ Implement proactive audience development strategies consistent with Safe Harbors’ mission.

~ Negotiate and execute production and event contracts and schedules.

Manage event planning and production coordination, including staffing, set-up/break-down, technical production, volunteers, ticket sales, and hospitality.

~ Oversee productions and work with production teams to ensure a positive working collaboration among all stakeholders.

Imbue and deepen in all programming Safe Harbors’ values of justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Work diligently with the Executive Director, senior staff, and Board to strengthen the financial sustainability of Safe Harbors’ arts and community programming.

Key Qualifications and Characteristics



This position will require strong leadership, vision, and management skills. The ideal candidate will have:



A minimum of five years’ experience in performing arts and special event planning and production;

Familiarity and experience with non-profit arts organization management;

A demonstrated track record of innovation, creativity, and high-energy engagement;

The ability to prioritize, negotiate, and collaborate successfully with a variety of internal and external stakeholders;

A relationship to, or familiarity with, the diverse creative communities of Newburgh, Orange County, and the wider Hudson Valley;

The willingness and ability to work nights and weekends as needed, along with the ability to self-manage and delegate as needed to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

The ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.



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The above content is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. As necessary, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.



* A copy of the current Safe Harbors arts programming strategy is available upon request.
Salary: $70,000-$75,000