Keen Company Producing Artistic Director - Keen Company

Keen Company is an Obie and Drama Desk award-winning Off-Broadway company creating theater that connects. In intimate productions of plays and musicals, we celebrate the complexities of hope and the joys of the human condition.



The company is in the midst of an exciting transition. Current Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein, who has been in the position since 2012, has chosen to step down at the end of June 2025. A transition committee, consisting of members of the Keen Company Board of Directors, is in the process of conducting a search for new leadership.



Job Title: Producing Artistic Director

Location: New York City

Organization: Keen Theater Company, Inc. (“Keen”)

Reports To: Board of Directors

Apply To: jobs@keencompany.org



Position Overview:



The Producing Artistic Director (PAD) will provide visionary leadership for Keen Company, ensuring the successful realization of its artistic mission, strategic direction, and fiscal health. The PAD is the only executive position reporting directly to the Board of Directors.



The PAD will oversee all creative, producing, and administrative aspects of Keen’s operations, including: curating and producing Keen’s Off-Broadway productions, leading the administrative staff, overseeing financial and development efforts, supervising on-going programming, recruiting and managing personnel, and ensuring that Keen’s programs and staff reflect its ethos.



This leadership role demands a strong balance between creative excellence, team collaboration, and business acumen to ensure the success and sustainability of Keen Company’s artistic endeavors.



Key Responsibilities:



- Serve as the artistic leader of the organization and create, implement, and evaluate Keen’s work in alignment with its mission and ethos.

- Collaborate with the Board of Directors and administrative staff to define and implement long-term strategic plans for Keen.

- Act as the face of the organization, including cultivating partnerships, community engagement, and audience development.

- Recruit, interview, hire, and evaluate administrative staff and key artistic personnel such as directors and playwrights.

- Oversee the hiring of production personnel including actors, designers, casting agents, production managers, art directors, and press agents.

- Oversee and actively participate in the creation of short and long-term fundraising strategies by working collaboratively with administrative staff on grant applications, cultivating relationships with private donors, and creating fundraising events.

- Oversee all external communications including creative materials for marketing campaigns and press outlets, in collaboration with administrative staff.

- Oversee all financial aspects of the company, including budgeting, cash flow, and strategic planning, in collaboration with administrative staff.

- Oversee the negotiation and execution of contracts, including performance rights, venue leases, union contracts, and all other related agreements. Ensure that all labor laws, contractual obligations, and best practices are adhered to.



Qualifications:



- Proven leadership experience in a senior artistic role within a nonprofit theater or similar cultural institution.

- Strong understanding of artistic direction, producing, production processes, and theater management.

- Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and fundraising in a nonprofit environment.

- Strong networks within the theater community and the broader artistic landscape.

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams of artists and staff.

- Deep commitment to Keen’s mission and values, including a dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in artistic programming.



Compensation:



- This is a full-time non-exempt salary position.

- Competitive salary in the range of $100,000 and commensurate with experience.

- Health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits to be negotiated.



To Apply:



Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio or examples of previous work to jobs@keencompany.org with the subject line: “Producing Artistic Director - Full Name”.



Keen Company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.



You can learn more about our mission, ethos, and programming on our website at

www.keencompany.org. Find us on all social media platforms @keencompany.


Salary: $100,000.00