How to Apply

You must apply through the U-M Jobs website (umjobs.org). In order to be considered, your application package must include a resume and cover letter, not to exceed one page, describing how this position fits with and advances your career goals.

What You'll Do

Manages and maintains all aspects of UMS's on-site company and artist services, both as an external interface for incoming artists and ensembles and as an internal resource to all on the production team involved in event producing. The range of work covers between 35-50 mainstage public performances a season (September-April) plus related learning and engagement activities by major orchestras, recitalists, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and dance and theater companies. The position includes lead responsibilities, liaising with the broader UMS staff, for the producing and organizational management for approximately one-fifth of the UMS season. Evening and weekend work required. Position requires employee be accessible on a mobile cellular device and involves traveling to various locations on and off the U-M campus for performances.

Who We Are

Now in its 146th season, UMS continues to showcase traditional performing arts alongside contemporary artists and is admired across the country for its boundary-pushing roster of artists and its curious and supportive audiences.

Housed on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, UMS is one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, committed to connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. With a program steeped in music, dance, and theater, UMS contributes to a vibrant cultural community by presenting approximately 60-75 performances and over 100 free educational activities each season. UMS also commissions new work, sponsors artist residencies, and organizes collaborative projects with local, national, and international partners.

UMS was selected as one of the 2014 recipients of the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest public artistic honor, awarded annually by the president of the United States at the White House to those who have "demonstrated a lifetime of creative excellence," according to the National Endowment for the Arts, which oversees the selection process. For more information on UMS visit: www.ums.org.

UMS values a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to the development of staff who thrive and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment. Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be accepted only through the University of Michigan jobs website. Visit www.umjobs.org

Responsibilities*

(50%) Forecast and manage all details of artist travel, accommodations, transportation, hospitality, and catering, working with artists' management and UMS lead producers to fulfill those aspects of artist contracts and technical riders.

This includes managing aspects of:
- Artist travel, including booking domestic and international flight itineraries;
- Artist accommodations, working with local hotels to ensure reservations are made for visiting ensembles and companies, when required;
- Artist transportation, including scheduling trips to and from airports and hotels and between venues;
- Artist backstage hospitality and catering, including maintaining supplies as needed;
- Local and regional vendor relationships that relate to artist services;
- Budgets and the costs associated with the above services;
- Special requests of artists while they are in town, such as; reception invitations, emergency health needs, and donor meet-and-greets.
Host and represent UMS artists, as appropriate
Collaborate with the UMS Vice President, Programming and Production to coordinate artist services and hotel needs for future seasons
Coordinating and updating UMS event production schedules with artist transportation details and other artist services specifics (e.g. hospitality and catering requirements, hotel and airline information)

(20%) Server as UMS Lead Producer/Company Liaison

Serve as a lead producer/company liaison of approximately 20% of UMS mainstage seasonal performances as part of the work shared by other leads/company liaisons
Responsible for the successful management and implementation of lead events or residencies
Review, edit, and process contractual agreements and disseminate all legal agreements between UMS and artist management
Advance non-technical aspects of lead production with tour management
Build and manage event production schedule, serving as a "hub" of information for the organization
Collaborate with the UMS Vice President, Learning & Engagement to explore and facilitate artist engagement activities
Coordinate with the UMS Production Director to discuss and understand technical and production needs and in-venue schedule for a lead event or residency

(30%) Assist the UMS Vice President, Programming and Production in coordinating other aspects of concert production and administration

Assist the UMS Vice President, Programming and Production to project and monitor a $2 million+ production budget
Manage expense accounting for all relevant credit card and vendor invoice payments related to artist services
Support the production team with hiring and training of student staff/interns.
Co-lead the work and scheduling of student/intern production staff in artist services, administering timelines, meeting schedules, work assignments, and concert duty rosters

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in the performing arts or a related field is desired, or commensurate professional experience preferred
Demonstrated experience in artist services, personnel/company management, or related field, preferably in professional performing arts production
Ability to maintain a very flexible work schedule, including considerable evening and weekend hours
A valid driver's license and the ability to operate University vehicles
Physical ability and agility to work backstage, including walking long distances on show days and the moving of materials, which at times weigh as much as 50 pounds
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Excel and Word)
Demonstrated self-initiative and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, as part of a team
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Demonstrated attention to detail
Demonstrated organizational ability under simultaneous demands, to work on multiple projects with competing deadlines, establishing goals and balancing workload priorities
Demonstrated leadership skills to effectively recruit, train, motivate, and evaluate student staff
Demonstrated customer service values to artists, ensembles, and touring production personnel/administrators
Ability to engage in a professional manner with artists, patrons, and donors

Desired Qualifications*

Experience working in a non-profit organization
Experience working in a higher education setting

Work Locations

This full-time position is based in Ann Arbor, MI, on the campus of the University of Michigan. UMS work-from-home policies are presently in effect and continuously reviewed by the organization and are subject to change.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day following the posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.