Co-Artistic Director, New Work Development Center - College of Fine Arts

The newly formed Center for New Work Development will provide producing support for Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama and Pittsburgh’s established theaters and arts institutions to generate new work initiatives, spearhead funding for these ideas, and facilitate a more comprehensive creative experience for the artists, students, and audiences of Pittsburgh. The Center will be a connective, collaborative hub between a R1 research university and multiple regional theaters to develop new theatrical work and sustain the live performance industry in Pittsburgh and around the country. The Center for New Work Development is a Richard King Mellon Foundation grant-funded initiative.

The Co-Artistic Director (Staff) will lead the newly established Center for New Work Development in collaboration with the Co-Artistic Director (Faculty). Both roles will report directly to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, with a secondary reporting line to the Head of the School of Drama. Together, the Co-Artistic Directors will be responsible for the creation, development, and execution of the Center, shaping its vision and ensuring the establishment of sustainable, long-term programming.

The Co-Artistic Directors will be instrumental in forging dynamic partnerships that connect Carnegie Mellon University with Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts and theater community. A primary focus will be producing new theatrical work through collaborations both on campus and across the city, starting with six key institutional partners:

• CMU School of Drama
• Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
• Pittsburgh Public Theater
• Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera
• City Theatre Company
• Kelly Strayhorn Theater

This creative leader plays a pivotal role in positioning the Center as a local and national leader in new work development, fostering innovation in the arts through meaningful, ongoing partnerships.

Your core responsibilities will include:

Artistic Programming:

• Collaborate closely with the Co-Artistic Director (Faculty) to curate the annual programming, ensuring alignment of partners’ artistic visions and the university’s educational mission.
• Primary liaison with external partners and lead producer for the Center’s programming, identifying opportunities for collaboration and creating various development models to facilitate creative development and fulfill academic requirements at the same time
• Proactively solicit projects from artists, agents, regional theaters, and commercial producers for development in conjunction with key Pittsburgh partner initiatives

Leadership and Strategic Development:

• In partnership with the Co-Artistic Director (Faculty), develop and begin to implement comprehensive 5-year and 10-year strategic plans for the Center, establishing clear goals for programming, curriculum development, fundraising, and audience engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with commercial producers and other external partners, identifying shared resource or enhancement opportunities for future projects.
• Lead the Center’s branding strategy and oversee its public-facing launch.
• Serve as a key representative of the Center, speaking on behalf of its mission at official events and engagements, and cultivating relationships with both internal and external stakeholders with professionalism, integrity, and cultural sensitivity.

Financial Oversight and Advancement:

• Develop and manage a robust and efficient annual budget for the Center, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with long-term objectives.
• Forecast future financial requirements, identifying key revenue streams and cost-saving measures to support the Center’s growth.
• Lead all fundraising initiatives for the Center, serving as the primary liaison with CMU Advancement and external stakeholders.
• Spearhead any endowment, major, and minor giving campaigns, creating a portfolio and building strong relationships with potential donors to secure the Center’s financial future.
• Develop and submit competitive grant proposals to foundations and government agencies to support programming, operations, and long-term sustainability.

Community Engagement:

• Engage directly with students, attending rehearsals and meetings to oversee interactions between students and visiting artists, ensuring a healthy, productive experience for all.
• In collaboration with the Co-Artistic Director (Faculty) spearhead ideas for community engagement initiatives for the Center’s programming.
• Attend partner season productions, events, opening nights, and other programming to facilitate more relationships between the Center and the city.

Project Management & Office Supervision:

• Create project timelines in consultation with partners, making specific calendars and setting key deadlines for the Center’s year-round programming.
• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the Center, including supervising one full-time employee, managing student workers, and aiding artists in residence.
• Serve as a primary contact for performance unions (AEA, SDC, USA, IATSE), ensuring compliance and maintaining positive relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate for this position will be flexible, perceptive, discerning, and proactive with a high level of attention to detail. They will exemplify the values of collaboration, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity prized in the College of Fine Arts. We therefore seek a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners with integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 8 years of experience as a staff member or administrator within a higher educational nstitution or large nonprofit arts institution.
• In-depth knowledge of the professional new work development process.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven experience in more than one of the following areas:

Executive Leadership or management within an arts nonprofit organization or program. Theatrical Producing within an educational institution and in professional settings. Developing new works across a range of disciplines, including plays, musicals, opera, music, dance, film and/or innovative, genre-defying performance art. Fundraising and Advancement, directly soliciting five- and six-figure gifts and grants, participation on a board of a national organization. Active mentoring, advising, or supervising of students and artists of all ages.

• Demonstrated ability to lead with collaboration, creativity, and effective communication, fostering dynamic conversations and problem-solving among a variety of stakeholders.
• Meaningful relationships within the professional theater and broader arts community, locally, nationally and/or internationally.
• Familiarity with, or experience in, the Carnegie Mellon University theater and arts community.

Position Details:

• Full-time staff position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Year-round Appointment.
• Flexible, hybrid work schedule that includes time on the CMU Oakland campus, downtown Pittsburgh, and remote.
• Regular travel is required throughout the year to participate in national conferences, attend new work festivals and productions, and engage with potential partners, artists, and funders.

Review Process:

• Selected applicants must complete a successful background check.
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Carnegie Mellon University in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa for this opportunity.

Questions:

• Contact Professor Rick Edinger (ledinger@andrew.cmu.edu

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter highlighting your qualifications for this position, as well as a resume or C/V and a list of 3 professional references by TBD.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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More Information:

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
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