Programmer

Job description

Be a Star at Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

Straz Center for the Performing Arts is seeking a Programmer to lead the development, planning, and execution of ticketed live performance programs, with a strong focus on contemporary music concerts.

The Programmer will have a proven track record in artist booking, contract negotiation, budget management, and audience development, alongside excellent industry knowledge and relationships with agents, managers, and artists.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance creative vision with commercial viability, ensuring a dynamic and diverse program that engages audiences and continues and builds upon the organization's reputation as a leading presenter of live performance.

This position requires a problem-solving mindset, strong industry relationships, experience working in a high-volume atmosphere with particular experience in booking contemporary music, and great comfort with budgets, Excel, and calendar software.

Must use a variety of research methods and industry knowledge to independently assess the viability of a booking, both from financial and non-financial standpoints.

Good judgment and rational thinking are essential.

Located in downtown Tampa, the 335,000 square-foot Straz Center, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day.

We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 27 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Programming & Artistic Planning

• Curate, plan, and deliver a compelling calendar of ticketed live performances, with emphasis on contemporary music and related genres.
• Identify and secure emerging and established artists that align with the organization's mission and audience profile.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, new talent, and audience demand to shape programming strategy.

Artist Booking & Contracting

• Negotiate deals and contracts with artists, agents, and promoters.
• Manage artist relations, ensuring a positive experience for all performers.
• Coordinate logistical and technical requirements with production teams.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Develop and manage programming budgets using Excel, including artist fees, production costs, and revenue projections.
• Analyze ticket sales and audience data to inform future programming decisions.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and relevant regulations.
• Maintain organized show folders.
• Attends and contributes to various meetings.
• Upon request, sends available dates on hall availability to promoters, agents, or other potential clients.
• Support and participate in department tasks and initiatives in a variety of ways.

Partnerships & Audience Development

• Build and sustain strong relationships with industry professionals, venues, and cultural partners.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to maximize audience reach and ticket sales.
• Support community engagement initiatives through thoughtful programming choices.

Financial Responsibilities:

• Prepares show offers and budgets using Excel.
• Create and execute event settlements on a predetermined schedule.
• Provide timely financial results to internal and external parties.
• Gathers information and introduces show personnel to production and marketing for advance needs.
• Ensures all event files are maintained in an accurate, complete, and up to date.
• Collects show expenses and invoices from internal departments for Straz-presented or co-presented events.
• Works extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Organization and follow-through.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a diverse population.
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized.
  
  
• Effective proofreading ability.
• Contracts and live events background experience required.
• Financial and budgeting experience required with proficiency in Excel.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Suite includes but not limited to frequent, required use of Outlook, Excel (high competency), Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and respect multiple deadlines with frequently changing priorities on a tight schedule.
  
  
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.

Education and Work Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in high-volume live entertainment programming/booking
• Experience booking contemporary music in addition to other genres

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position.
  
  The employee is frequently required to move, reach, and communicate effectively using a telephone or computer.
  
  
• The employee is frequently required to move from workspace to workspace within the overall work facility, covering multiple floor locations.
• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The David A.

Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at to learn more about the Straz Center.

Required Skill Profession

Entertainers And Performers, Sports And Related Workers