Vice President, Programs

Department: Programs

Reports To: President & CEO

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: Hybrid

Salary Range: $90,000 - 140,000

Posting Date: February 2, 2026

About The Zeiterion

The Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to steward our historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Our work is guided by five core values: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery. These values inform how we deliver on our mission and how we work together every day.

We are committed to cultivating a workplace where all individuals feel respected, valued, and are encouraged to contribute. As a team member, you’ll be part of a culture that supports creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion.

The Opportunity
The Vice President, Programs will play a central leadership role at The Zeiterion, shaping and overseeing the programmatic vision of the organization at a pivotal moment in its evolution. Reporting to the President/CEO, this role is responsible for leading the development and delivery of dynamic, values-aligned programming that reflects The Z’s mission, centers community voice and perspective, and strengthens its identity as a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub.

This is a highly creative and strategic role, grounded equally in vision and execution. The Vice President, Programs will deliver our mission, steward a cohesive programmatic ecosystem that brings together performances, education, community engagement, and production, ensuring these functions operate in concert to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned experiences. With a strong curatorial eye and a clear set of values, the VP will broaden artistic perspectives, diversify talent and audiences, and deepen The Z’s connection to the communities it serves.

The organization is intentionally shifting toward programming that is more by and for the community. This role will lead that cultural change, inviting a broader and more diverse set of artists, partners, educators, and community members to the table. The Vice President, Programs will approach programming entrepreneurially, with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, balancing respect for tradition with a future-forward mindset. As the next chapter at The Z continues to take shape, this leader will help imagine and build new possibilities for serving our broader community.

The Vice President, Programs will join a deeply committed, passionate team with a strong mix of long-tenured staff and newer leaders who are invested in building something lasting together. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is eager to jump in, manage and support a team, and work collaboratively across the organization. It is an especially exciting moment to join The Z, as both the institution and the broader community are transforming, creating a rare opportunity for a leader who is energized by creativity, connection, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

Candidate Profile
The Z deeply values working with individuals from a rich mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and believes this diversity strengthens the institution and enriches the community. While this outlines the qualifications and experience The Z believes will help someone thrive in the role, the organization also recognizes that talent comes in many forms. Candidates whose backgrounds do not align perfectly with every requirement are still encouraged to apply, as a unique perspective may be exactly what The Z needs.

Strategic Programmatic Leadership
Ability to translate The Z’s mission and vision into a compelling, future-forward programmatic strategy. Demonstrates a strong curatorial eye and clear values, positioning The Z as a vibrant civic and cultural hub through programming that is engaging, relevant, and reflective of the community it serves.

Inclusive Curation and Community-Centered Programming
Proven capacity to curate balanced and compelling programs and presentations that amplify diverse voices and perspectives. Works to broaden audiences and advance equity, accessibility, and inclusion by bringing together national and global touring artists, local and emerging talent, resident companies, and guest curators in ways that deepen community connection.

Operational Integration and Program Execution Excellence
Skilled at overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs, ensuring that production, and theater operations work seamlessly together. Balances creative ambition with operational rigor, safety, fiscal responsibility, and audience experience.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organizational Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across departments, including:

• Leading:
  • Education and Community
  • Production
  • Theater and Event Management
• Collaborating with:
  • Mission Advancement (Development, Marketing, and Engagement)
  • Mission Critical (Finance and Operations)

Effectively aligns vision with branding, communications, audience engagement, and fundraising priorities, while managing and developing internal teams and external advisory partners.

Innovative and Future-Building Mindset
Entrepreneurial and curious leader who identifies and activates new opportunities for program growth, building use, and earned revenue. Supports the evolution of education programs and workforce pathways, leverages new spaces and resources, and helps prepare The Z to thrive as a performing arts center built for the future.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A demonstrated ability to lead through change and growth, including building new structures, processes, and relationships within a more highly resourced and evolving organization.
• Experience working effectively within a senior leadership team, collaborating closely with peer Vice Presidents while reporting to the President/CEO.
• Financial acumen and comfort overseeing budgets and resource allocation in a way that supports artistic ambition, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
• The ability to translate programmatic vision into fundable initiatives and communicate that vision clearly to colleagues, donors, and external partners as needed.
• A hands-on, collaborative leadership style, with a genuine commitment to staff development, cross-functional teamwork, and creating a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $90,000 - $140,000
Note: We expect new hires to be brought on at or around the midpoint of this range.

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, retirement plan, paid time off, generous holidays, professional development, etc.

Additional perks: Tickets to performances, remote flexibility, etc.

Contact & Application
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Alicia Salerno. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile . All inquiries are strictly confidential.

DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected] . If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The Z is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving environment for all employees including, but not limited to, a culture of antiracism in which we build policies, procedures, and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ, in our seats and on our stage.

TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered, please submit:

1. Your resume
2. A brief cover letter expressing your interest in the role

We deeply value working with individuals from a rich mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe this diversity strengthens our institution and enriches our community. While we've outlined the qualifications and experience that we think will help someone thrive in this role, we also recognize that talent comes in many forms. If your background doesn't perfectly align with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - your unique perspective might be exactly what we need.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected] or call 774-425-3413 x122.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Zeiterion is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving environment for all employees, including but not limited to a culture of antiracism in which we build policies, procedures, and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ, in our seats, and on our stage. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status