Performing Arts Center Director (12297, Grade 24)

Description

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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is an award-winning organization with over 5,000 employees that administers over 52,000 acres of stream valley parks, large regional parks, neighborhood parks and park-school recreation areas throughout Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. Prince George's County is also responsible for developing and delivering the County's public recreation programs. The Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, is seeking a

Performing Arts Center Director.

The

Arts and Cultural Heritage Division coordinates and manages four arts facilities; five historic rental properties; the Prince George’s Equestrian Center at The Show Place Arena; community arts services; youth and teen arts services; art exhibitions; visual and public art for Commission and Department facilities; and other programs serving County arts organizations, artists, and residents. Programs include art camps; visual and performing arts classes and events; teen art initiatives; art exhibitions; performances in music, dance, and theatre for all ages; touring performances for school children; a community park summer music series and festival, Shakespeare in the Parks; artist studios; rental facilities for arts and non-arts organizations; artist residencies; and rental of historic sites for social functions. The Division staff coordinates various cultural heritage events including Hispanic Heritage Month and, Black History Month programs and poster internships; Asian Pacific Heritage Month programs and receptions; the Celebrate Africa festival; etc.

The Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County, Arts & Cultural Heritage Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking a Performing Arts Center Director for Prince George's Publick Playhouse for the Performing Arts. The Performing Arts Center Director must be self-motivated, organized and experienced in personnel management, arts program development, fiscal management, community relations, and working in a fast-paced, demanding, creative and exciting work environment. The Director manages a multi-functional performing arts center that hosts small exhibitions, youth camps, concerts, film screenings, lectures, festivals, performances, and public events. The Director plans and implements community-based arts programs, markets and publicizes programs and services, contributes to the curation of exhibitions, develops public programs, implements arts classes that serve diverse constituencies, and manages venue rental program to art organizations and the general public. The Director builds, manages, and sustains partnerships. The Director provides vision and management for all aspects of the performing arts center, with an understanding of its context as a performing arts center for the residents, citizens and visitors of Prince George's County. The Director supervises full and part-time staff, acts as a liaison with artists and arts organizations throughout the community; plans, manages and monitors the performing arts center's budget expenditures and revenues, provides budget projections and reports as needed. The Director oversees the center's maintenance and security, ensures the proper operating procedures are in compliance, and monitors building utility systems and repairs. An ideal candidate will have at least three years' experience in arts management in a performing arts center or for a regional arts program.

Applicant should possess a bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience, or six years professional experience in arts management, business administration and supervision, or in an area of required specialty such as parks, recreation, education or communication. The applicant should also have a strong understanding of the visual and performing arts with an interest in community development/relations, be familiar with arts marketing, have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong work ethic, and a commitment to developing high quality arts programs that are accessible to diverse audiences of all ages. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Must pass Commission Medical Exam.
Examples of Important Duties

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Facility Operations & Management

The Performing Arts Center Director oversees the daily operations of the Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, a 500-seat performing arts center open seven days a week. Responsibilities include ensuring the safety, security, maintenance, and functionality of the building and its systems. The Director develops and implements operational procedures, coordinates emergency response efforts, and manages both routine and major maintenance projects. This role also includes providing technical input for facility improvements and ensuring the building is always prepared for public use.

Arts Programming & Community Engagement

This position leads the planning and execution of a wide range of performing arts and educational programming, including stage performances, master classes, youth summer camps, and artist residencies. The Director collaborates with artists, educators, and community stakeholders to develop culturally relevant programs that serve the diverse population of Prince George’s County. The role involves ongoing community engagement, including outreach to schools, civic groups, and local organizations to assess needs and build partnerships.

Staff Leadership & Team Development

The Facility Director supervises a team of full-time and part-time employees, including performing arts technicians, box office personnel, a technical director and an assistant facility director. The Director is responsible for hiring, scheduling, training, mentoring, and conducting performance evaluations. This role ensures that all staff members work effectively and collaboratively to deliver high-quality customer service and exceptional program execution in a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Budgeting & Fiscal Oversight

The Director prepares and manages an operating budget exceeding $800,000, ensuring that expenditures align with strategic goals and operational needs. This includes monitoring revenues and expenses, developing financial forecasts, managing procurement processes, and overseeing all financial transactions, including ticket sales, class registrations, rentals, and concessions. The Director also prepares quarterly projections and justifications, tracks assets, and ensures the timely payment of vendor invoices.

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

The Facility Director develops and implements marketing and public relations strategies to increase public awareness and engagement with the Playhouse’s programs and services. This includes producing digital and print materials, managing the facility’s content on the website, and coordinating promotional campaigns. The Director also oversees the creation of newsletters, press releases, event flyers, and signage, and represents the Playhouse at community events and professional gatherings to build visibility and partnerships.

Facility Rentals & Revenue Generation

The Director manages a comprehensive rental program for events such as performances, meetings, lectures, and community gatherings. Responsibilities include establishing rental policies and fee structures, coordinating with the technical director to confirm details, preparing agreements, and ensuring the facility is set up and staffed appropriately. The Director ensures that rentals align with the mission of the facility and contribute to its revenue goals.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

This role includes oversight of administrative operations such as payroll, staff timekeeping, inventory, rental permits, and financial reporting. The Director ensures accurate and timely documentation and approval of contracts, cancellations, and refunds. The role also includes managing data and systems for division-wide reporting, ensuring inventory control, and utilizing registration and scheduling software to support efficient operations.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

The Performing Arts Center Director contributes to division-wide planning efforts by identifying opportunities for program innovation, facility enhancements, and revenue development. By staying informed about industry trends, community needs, and best practices, the Director ensures the Playhouse remains a vibrant and responsive cultural institution. Participation in professional development, research, and external benchmarking supports continuous improvement and alignment with the Department’s broader strategic mission.

Working Conditions:

Works inside and outside an assigned facility which may operate seven days per week. Works extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays. On-call to respond to emergency situations as required. Incumbents in this class must frequently remain in a stationary position, operate vehicles, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public, be able to see for short and long distances, and occasionally lift equipment and other items weighing up to 49 pounds and ascend and descend ladders and stairs.

Minimum Qualifications

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• Bachelor�s Degree in Parks and Recreation, Facility Management, Recreation Management, Education, Business Administration, Physical Education, Communication, Leisure Services, or any related field.
  
• Two (2) years of responsible professional experience working in a facility related to parks, recreation, leisure services, or area of required specialty (e.g., arts, performing arts, equestrian, tennis, aquatics, gymnastics, ice rinks); including one (1) year as a facility manager, program coordinator or supervisor.
  
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
  
• Valid driver�s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
  
• Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions in this class may require valid: (a) operating license (e.g., county pool operator, childcare license) as appropriate; (b) First Aid, CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) certifications; or (c) certifications as related to assignment (e.g., Lifeguard Instruction, Fundamentals of Gymnastics).
  
• Pass Commission medical exam.
  

Supplemental Information

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Class/Specification: Recreation/Park Facility Mgr II

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.