Director, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Director, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

About the Forbes Center

Opened in 2010, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts hundreds of performances annually, including internationally acclaimed artists, faculty and student productions, and educational programs. In 2025, the Center celebrated its 15th Anniversary Masterpiece Season, marking a decade and a half of artistic excellence and cultural leadership in the Shenandoah Valley. The Center features five performance venues and serves as a bridge between the university and the community, fostering cultural enrichment and engagement through diverse programming, masterclasses, and outreach initiatives such as Any Given Child and Forbes Family Fun.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the Forbes Center, ensuring excellence in programming, audience development, and facility management. The successful candidate will curate diverse and compelling seasons, manage budgets and staff, and collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners to advance the Center's mission. This position requires strategic thinking, strong organizational skills, and a passion for the performing arts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in arts administration, performing arts, or a related field.
• Significant professional experience in performing arts programming, including artist booking and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated experience managing performing arts operations, including budgeting and technical production.
• Proven leadership skills with experience supervising staff and fostering collaboration.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to accessibility in programming and outreach.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by performance schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in arts administration, performing arts, or a related field.
• Experience with fundraising, sponsorship development, and grant writing.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and audience development, including digital and social media outreach.
• Familiarity with facility management and long-term maintenance planning.
• Experience developing educational and community engagement programs.

Additional Posting Information

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: .

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at or You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.

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