Salary: USD 90000.00+ annually

Category: Venues/Promoters/Festivals

Senior Director of Programming & Production
Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville, TN
Full-Time | Exempt Leadership Role
Lead the Team. Shape the Experience.
The Tennessee Theatre is seeking a seasoned, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as our Senior Director of Programming & Production. This role is central to ensuring the artistic and operational excellence of one of the region’s most iconic performing arts venues.
As a senior leader, you will oversee the booking, advance planning, and production logistics of all events—ensuring every performance delivers exceptional experiences while advancing our nonprofit mission and financial sustainability.
About the Tennessee Theatre
The Tennessee Theatre is a historic and fully-restored 1,600-seat venue hosting more than 175 events annually, including nationally touring concerts, comedy, and Broadway; local performing arts organizations; and mission-driven educational and community programming.
With the recent expansion into a newly renovated multi-level adjacent facility, the Theatre is entering a dynamic phase of growth—creating new opportunities to expand programming and deepen community impact.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where diversity strengthens our mission and enriches our work.
What You’ll Do
Programming & Industry Leadership
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Theatre’s exclusive talent buyer, Live Nation, reviewing/approving offers and advocating for the Theatre’s interests and priorities
• Guide booking strategy across touring acts, resident partners, and rental clients
• Advise executive leadership on programming decisions, including financial and reputational considerations 
Calendar & Strategic Oversight
• Lead management of the full event calendar across all Theatre spaces 
• Align bookings with organizational priorities, balancing mission-driven and revenue-generating events 
• Develop and refine booking policies for expanded venue spaces
Production & Event Execution
• Oversee key aspects of event preparation and execution, including contracts, production logistics, technical requirements, and settlements 
• Ensure consistency and excellence across every event experience
• Lead production meetings and drive operational coordination across departments 
Leadership & Collaboration
• Lead and develop a diverse team of production and event professionals 
• Collaborate with leadership across Audience Services, Advancement, and Facilities to develop short- and long-term strategic goals and priorities
• Build strong relationships with artists, vendors, community leaders, and stakeholders 
Financial & Organizational Stewardship
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, with a focus on revenue growth and financial sustainability
• Analyze financial performance and identify strategic improvements
What We’re Looking For
This is a high-impact leadership role requiring deep expertise in live entertainment and venue operations.
Required Experience
• 6–8+ years in live entertainment, touring, or venue management 
• Proven experience booking touring events and managing artist/agent relationships
• Strong background in production logistics, contracts, and event settlements 
• 2–4 years of leadership or supervisory experience 
Key Skills & Capabilities
• Strategic decision-making in high-pressure environments 
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills 
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop teams 
• Deep understanding of live event industry trends and market dynamics 
• Commitment to a mission-driven organization and inclusive workplace culture 
Work Environment & Schedule
• Full-time, exempt leadership position
• Requires flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays in alignment with event schedules 
• Physically active role involving extended standing, walking, and occasional lifting
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for candidates who are:
• Experienced leaders in live entertainment or venue operations
• Comfortable balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution
• Driven to create exceptional experiences for artists, audiences, and community
Join Us
If you’re ready to lead programming and production at a landmark performing arts venue—and make a lasting impact on a thriving cultural institution—we invite you to apply.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.