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Overview
Artistic Director
– Position Profile Union Arts Center (UAC) is the current title for a new producing organization formed by the merger of ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company, bringing a combined 100 years of creating vibrant, quality theatre to the Puget Sound region of Washington state. The new Artistic Director of this newly formed company will need to bring to the role the artistic entrepreneurship of a founder accompanied with the seasoned understanding and knowledge of an experienced leader. UAC seeks an AD to partner to Managing Director John Bradshaw to co-lead the company, and work with the Board and the Staff to articulate a compelling vision for the dynamic organization emerging from the energies of the previous companies. In the spring of 2025, both ACT Contemporary Theatre (ACT) and the Seattle Shakespeare Company (SSC) Boards approved the historic merger, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. Since July 1, much has been accomplished for the newly formed Union Arts Center, under the direction of Managing Director John Bradshaw and Interim Artistic Director Elisabeth Farwell-Morland, supported by staff from both companies. A new season was planned, budgeted, announced, and launched; a search committee conducted the search for the new Artistic Director; and the Board and staff continue to articulate the UAC’s Mission, Vision and Values in partnership with the new Artistic Director. Union Arts Center’s home is the historic Eagles Auditorium Building in downtown Seattle. The building has three primary stages and multiple spaces, with UAC owning and occupying 80% of the building. UAC is governed by an elected Board of Trustees, with fourteen members, and operates under LORT C & D contracts. Learn more about Union Arts Center here. Job Description The Artistic Director serves as equal co-executive of Union Arts Center, in partnership with the Managing Director, reporting to the Board of Directors. They are responsible for ensuring programming and the broader mission is carried out within a financially sustainable business model. The Artistic Director shapes the artistic development and direction, serves as the artistic voice and face of the company, and acts as a lead spokesperson for the theatre in the community. This role oversees the Director of Production, Artistic Associate, Education Manager, and Casting Director, with additional supervision of the General Manager in partnership with the Managing Director. Roles and Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership Provide strategic and innovative artistic leadership to guide Union Arts Center’s artistic direction in partnership with the Managing Director and Board of Trustees Develop artistic programming true to United Arts Center’s mission, vision, and values Lead a curation process for season selection and other programming decisions that uphold the theatre’s commitment to diversity and equity Support an equitable and inclusive working environment, ensuring all cast, crew, and staff are held to consistent standards for conduct and treatment Oversee the production process of all theatre productions and related projects, including New Works Northwest commissions Develop and cultivate professional relationships with theatre artists and the broader theatre community Oversee the Education department and related efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals Serve as an engaging community representative, cultivating external relationships to support the theatre’s integration in the arts community Oversee external messaging with the Managing Director to ensure brand development and a cohesive artistic vision across advertising, public relations, and fundraising materials Maintain an active presence in the community to represent Union Arts Center and the wider artistic community Participate in Inclusivity Working Group initiatives and champion Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in all practices Organizational Leadership Partner with the Managing Director to develop a multi-year strategic plan that leverages the merger and opportunities ahead Promote equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and belonging to build an inclusive organizational culture Act as an executive leader in fundraising efforts and guide donor cultivation Collaborate with the Managing Director to lead budget preparation and forecasting with sound financial methods Help guide performance management processes including annual reviews and feedback sessions Lead learning and growth initiatives for individuals and the organization Participate in recruitment and hiring processes for artistic staff Attend and contribute to weekly senior staff meetings and board interactions Preferred Qualifications / Skills Minimum of 5 years’ artistic leadership experience in non-profit theatre with a track record of delivering artistic vision Commitment to creating community connections and engagement Extensive experience collaborating with diverse creative teams Effective ambassador, engaging with patrons, donors, and community members Results-oriented leadership with clear communication Experience developing and leading diverse creative and administrative teams Ability to attend performances and events regularly to act as a spokesperson, including evenings and weekends Willingness to partner with the MD to co-lead in alignment with mission and values Strong feedback skills and growth mindset Flexible, organized, and inclusive presence to support cultural components Ability to translate ideas into concrete plans and communicate with others Willingness to engage in periodic performance reviews with Board oversight Ability to complete a background check per Washington’s Fair Chance Act Other key competencies/qualities Personal Accountability, Diplomacy and Leadership, Resiliency, and Flexibility are valued, with emphasis on self-evaluation, inclusive leadership, resilience, and adaptability in a dynamic theatre environment. This job description is not exhaustive; duties may be added or changed as needed to meet organizational needs. Compensation
Starting salary of $150,000 with a generous benefits package including life and disability insurance, substantial employer contributions to medical coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off and holidays. Application Instructions
The search for the Artistic Director is being conducted by TOC Arts Partners. Please use your cover letter to tell us what you hope to bring to the role and how your background responds to the desired skills. To apply, visit the online application and submit materials. Best consideration by October 20. No phone calls. For general questions or nominations, contact searchteam@tocartspartners.com. No phone calls. Specific questions about the position may be directed to: Cynthia Fuhrman VP, Executive Search cynthia@tocartspartners.com We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply, and we are committed to a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences in the performing arts or non-profit space. Additional Information Regularly required to operate a computer and telephone; ability to work in an open office environment within a theatrical setting including offices, theatres, and backstage areas.
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Artistic Director
– Position Profile Union Arts Center (UAC) is the current title for a new producing organization formed by the merger of ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company, bringing a combined 100 years of creating vibrant, quality theatre to the Puget Sound region of Washington state. The new Artistic Director of this newly formed company will need to bring to the role the artistic entrepreneurship of a founder accompanied with the seasoned understanding and knowledge of an experienced leader. UAC seeks an AD to partner to Managing Director John Bradshaw to co-lead the company, and work with the Board and the Staff to articulate a compelling vision for the dynamic organization emerging from the energies of the previous companies. In the spring of 2025, both ACT Contemporary Theatre (ACT) and the Seattle Shakespeare Company (SSC) Boards approved the historic merger, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. Since July 1, much has been accomplished for the newly formed Union Arts Center, under the direction of Managing Director John Bradshaw and Interim Artistic Director Elisabeth Farwell-Morland, supported by staff from both companies. A new season was planned, budgeted, announced, and launched; a search committee conducted the search for the new Artistic Director; and the Board and staff continue to articulate the UAC’s Mission, Vision and Values in partnership with the new Artistic Director. Union Arts Center’s home is the historic Eagles Auditorium Building in downtown Seattle. The building has three primary stages and multiple spaces, with UAC owning and occupying 80% of the building. UAC is governed by an elected Board of Trustees, with fourteen members, and operates under LORT C & D contracts. Learn more about Union Arts Center here. Job Description The Artistic Director serves as equal co-executive of Union Arts Center, in partnership with the Managing Director, reporting to the Board of Directors. They are responsible for ensuring programming and the broader mission is carried out within a financially sustainable business model. The Artistic Director shapes the artistic development and direction, serves as the artistic voice and face of the company, and acts as a lead spokesperson for the theatre in the community. This role oversees the Director of Production, Artistic Associate, Education Manager, and Casting Director, with additional supervision of the General Manager in partnership with the Managing Director. Roles and Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership Provide strategic and innovative artistic leadership to guide Union Arts Center’s artistic direction in partnership with the Managing Director and Board of Trustees Develop artistic programming true to United Arts Center’s mission, vision, and values Lead a curation process for season selection and other programming decisions that uphold the theatre’s commitment to diversity and equity Support an equitable and inclusive working environment, ensuring all cast, crew, and staff are held to consistent standards for conduct and treatment Oversee the production process of all theatre productions and related projects, including New Works Northwest commissions Develop and cultivate professional relationships with theatre artists and the broader theatre community Oversee the Education department and related efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals Serve as an engaging community representative, cultivating external relationships to support the theatre’s integration in the arts community Oversee external messaging with the Managing Director to ensure brand development and a cohesive artistic vision across advertising, public relations, and fundraising materials Maintain an active presence in the community to represent Union Arts Center and the wider artistic community Participate in Inclusivity Working Group initiatives and champion Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in all practices Organizational Leadership Partner with the Managing Director to develop a multi-year strategic plan that leverages the merger and opportunities ahead Promote equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and belonging to build an inclusive organizational culture Act as an executive leader in fundraising efforts and guide donor cultivation Collaborate with the Managing Director to lead budget preparation and forecasting with sound financial methods Help guide performance management processes including annual reviews and feedback sessions Lead learning and growth initiatives for individuals and the organization Participate in recruitment and hiring processes for artistic staff Attend and contribute to weekly senior staff meetings and board interactions Preferred Qualifications / Skills Minimum of 5 years’ artistic leadership experience in non-profit theatre with a track record of delivering artistic vision Commitment to creating community connections and engagement Extensive experience collaborating with diverse creative teams Effective ambassador, engaging with patrons, donors, and community members Results-oriented leadership with clear communication Experience developing and leading diverse creative and administrative teams Ability to attend performances and events regularly to act as a spokesperson, including evenings and weekends Willingness to partner with the MD to co-lead in alignment with mission and values Strong feedback skills and growth mindset Flexible, organized, and inclusive presence to support cultural components Ability to translate ideas into concrete plans and communicate with others Willingness to engage in periodic performance reviews with Board oversight Ability to complete a background check per Washington’s Fair Chance Act Other key competencies/qualities Personal Accountability, Diplomacy and Leadership, Resiliency, and Flexibility are valued, with emphasis on self-evaluation, inclusive leadership, resilience, and adaptability in a dynamic theatre environment. This job description is not exhaustive; duties may be added or changed as needed to meet organizational needs. Compensation
Starting salary of $150,000 with a generous benefits package including life and disability insurance, substantial employer contributions to medical coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off and holidays. Application Instructions
The search for the Artistic Director is being conducted by TOC Arts Partners. Please use your cover letter to tell us what you hope to bring to the role and how your background responds to the desired skills. To apply, visit the online application and submit materials. Best consideration by October 20. No phone calls. For general questions or nominations, contact searchteam@tocartspartners.com. No phone calls. Specific questions about the position may be directed to: Cynthia Fuhrman VP, Executive Search cynthia@tocartspartners.com We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply, and we are committed to a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences in the performing arts or non-profit space. Additional Information Regularly required to operate a computer and telephone; ability to work in an open office environment within a theatrical setting including offices, theatres, and backstage areas.
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