Executive Director Houston Theater District

HOUSTON THEATER DISTRICT - Houston is one of only five cities in the United States that boasts permanent, professional resident companies in all major performing arts disciplines. Houston’s premier cultural destination, the Theater District spans 17 blocks, and its four flagship venues house more than 13,000 seats. Houston Theater District (HTD) advocates for, partners with, and promotes the arts and cultural organizations, performance venues, events, individuals, and businesses within the Theater District, as well as serving as their advocate on the city and state level. 

Houston Downtown Improvement Inc. d/b/a Houston Theater District's mission is: Through partnership, advocacy, and strategy, the members of Houston Theater District – a diverse group of arts organizations who perform in the District, businesses, and policy leaders – work collectively to ensure that the Theater District is an active, vibrant, destination for dynamic, world-class cultural experiences.

JOB SUMMARY

Seeking a resourceful and creative individual to serve as administrator and lead placemaking/public space activator for Houston Theater District, the General Director is responsible for the development and execution of Theater District Open House and other placemaking and public art projects that advance a sense of community in Downtown Houston’s Theater District. The position is highly collaborative and requires regular interaction with municipal entities across the city, as well as area stakeholder institutions, arts and cultural groups, businesses, and residents.  The Director will be tasked with implementing the recently adopted placemaking and place activation strategy for the Theater District.

This position can be carried out as either a regular W2 employee or as a 1099 independent contractor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administer all aspects of Houston Theater District monthly board meetings including creation of agenda and meeting materials, correspondence, meeting logistics, minutes and follow up.
2. Manage and direct all aspects of Theater District Open House, relaunching in March 2025, including grant applications and fundraising, programming coordination, collaboration with all Theater District stake holders, marketing and PR strategy and implementation, and execution of annual event.
3. In collaboration with Theater District Chair, Board, and Programming Committee, implement public placemaking activations throughout the Theater District as outlined in the Theater District/Resonance 2022 Placemaking Strategy Document.
4. Administer all aspects of permanent and temporary public art projects, including timelines, project budgets, and processing payments.
5. Support administrative processes associated with the Theater District Open House and placemaking program such as preparing reports, presentations, records, maintaining databases, contracts, applications, letters, and other documents.
6. Facilitate coordination of artist selection processes (artist calls, selection panels, commissioning processes, and criteria for selecting art and artists).
7. Serve as a liaison between artists, architects, contractors, developers, city departments and community groups in the selection of artists and commissioning of public art objects.
8. Research artists, fabricators, and art suppliers; order and maintain public art materials and equipment.
9. Research grant opportunities related to placemaking and public art and complete grant proposals where appropriate.
10. Coordinate programming and activation strategies with Houston First, Downtown Houston +, the City of Houston, et al. especially with regards to Lynn Wyatt Square, Market Square Park and other places within the public realm within the vicinity of the Theater District.
11. Research and communicate the local permitting, permissions, and approval landscape for placemaking projects, becoming familiar with the requirements of the City of Houston.
12. Establish and maintain a signage and maintenance program for new and existing public art, working with Houston First, Downtown Houston+, and other City of Houston operations teams as needed.
13. Create and update placemaking information for Theater District website(s) and other communication and promotional materials as needed to promote and support placemaking and activation efforts.
14. Assist Marketing and Communications Managers with partner institutions in communicating placemaking project information, research, effectiveness of placemaking efforts, and other pertinent information to the District’s stakeholders and residents.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education in arts administration, business administration, urban planning, public administration, or related discipline.
• Professional experience in place management, arts management, or related field.
• Strong competency in public art and placemaking field, including familiarity with various artistic media, arts project planning, and arts community engagement.
• Knowledge of public arts grants opportunities and experience researching and writing grants.
• Strong and willing collaborator
• Great attention to detail
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude; problem-solver
• Ability to take initiative, set and meet independent goals, and to work as part of a team
• Effective communication skills
• Experience working with artists and/or cultural organizations
• Familiarity with downtown Houston a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer