Job Description

Job Description:

• Foster an exciting, intellectually rigorous, and innovative artistic and strategic vision, one that serves the Court Theatre mission, vision, and values while contributing to a robust discourse about the past, present, and future of the artistic canon.

• Oversee season planning, hiring of all artists, and producing of all artistic productions, ensuring that the level of artistry remains stellar. 

• Alongside the Executive Director, continue to build a collaborative, generative relationship with the University of Chicago, including the Faculty Advisory Council and UChicagoâ™s departments, initiatives, faculty, students, and leadership.

• Co-lead the Court Theatre staff, helping to create and model a working culture centered on collaboration, sustainability, and transparency.

• Work with the Executive Director and Court team to ensure that the theatre is vigorously embedded in the fabric of the community.

• Serve as a primary public face and ambassador of Court with civic organizations and public officials, institutional and corporate funders, patrons, partners, volunteers, audience members, and the wider community.

• Develop a productive partnership with the Executive Director; lead jointly and by example.

• Ideally serve as a director or in another core artistic role on one or multiple productions per season, delivering extraordinary artistry. Please note: being a stage director is not a prerequisite for the position.

• Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.

• Develops strategic goals and plans for long-term growth and expansion of performing arts centers and ensures their financial strength.

• Performs other related work as needed.  

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: 

• Experienced and recognized theatre director and arts leader.

• Demonstrated history of creating work that attracts the positive attention of other artists and diverse audiences.

• Minimum of seven years of experience in a progressively responsible role in a theatre or related educational/research organization, including 5 years of senior management and leadership experience.

• Experience working in higher education.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated experience as a highly creative theatre artist, someone with vision and rigor who can lead and oversee the organizationâ™s artistic programming. A practicing artist is preferred but not required.

• The ability to serve as a deft collaborator and thought leader at the University of Chicago. Someone who can navigate the breadth of opportunities, partners, and systems within a major research institution and deliver inspiring vision and partnership. Previous university experience is desirable but not required. Note : this is not a faculty or tenure-track position .  

• Strong producing skills and a strength in nurturing the work of other artists.

• A track record of leading teams with integrity and a commitment to collaboration, sustainability, listening, innovation, and excellence.

• A commitment to fostering a positive role for the theatre within Courtâ™s various communities.

• Prior leadership experience within nonprofit theatres is not required but preferred.

• A dynamic public presence that will inspire the Board, staff, and public to support the theatreâ™s artistic work and organizational vision.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to build alignment around major organizational initiatives and priorities, in collaboration with the Executive Director.

• A wide knowledge of the theatre canon, as well as curiosity and insight about where the theatre field is headed.

• Demonstrated personal characteristics of integrity, honesty, accountability, and ethics.

• Demonstrated management experience in a theatre or performing arts organization known for innovative programming, artistic excellence, and strong ties with the community; an extensive background or passion for theatre and educational & public programming would be an advantage; knowledge of current trends and developments in the performing arts.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required) - The cover letter should describe your background and your approach to leadership and also address:   What is it about this role and Court Theatre that excites you?;   What in your background makes you a compelling candidate for Court Theatre?;   When you think about success in leading the Court, what comes to mind?

• Reference Contact Information (3)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

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