Producer - Little Island (NYC, NY)
Who We Are
We are stewards of a beautiful, well-maintained public space that invites all New Yorkers and visitors to develop a personal connection to art and nature. We do this by engaging, educating, and employing the talents of our diverse communities.
Artistic Programming
Little Island’s artistic programming is dedicated to new work in dance, theater, music, and opera. With its inaugural 2024 season, the Island’s new commissioning program saw nine world premieres from creators including Twyla Tharp, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Davóne Tines, Henry Hoke, Pam Tanowitz, Britton Smith, Qween Jean, and Chris Thile. By working with artists across genres and disciplines, the program seeks to build unique collaborations and projects for our outdoor stages, while simultaneously working to set projects up for successful future life.
Producer
The Producer works closely with the Producing Artistic Director on the cultivation and execution of their assigned projects in support of Little Island’s artistic mission. They are an advocate for artists and thrive in the dynamic intersection of creativity and logistics required to bring new work from ideation to fruition. The Producer collaborates with multiple roles and departments to build and execute Little Island’s programming season, ensuring that all performances and events are successful, artists have the resources they need, and that designated projects are delivered on time and within the allotted budget. Outside of the robust programming season from June through September, ongoing creative development, project rehearsals, and season planning continue year-round.
The ideal candidate will have a strong personal artistic perspective, experience producing multi-disciplinary performance, and be an adaptable team member with the flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment. This role reports directly to the Producing Artistic Director.
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About the Role
Annual Salary: Starting at $85,000/year
Job Type: Year-Round
Employment Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Schedule Expectations: Schedule will vary in support of programming needs and will include regular late nights, holidays, and weekends, especially during the programming season June through September
Work Environment: Onsite job with the ability to perform functions of position remotely
Projected Start Date: September 2024
What You’ll Do
Producing
Lead designated commissioned artistic projects from ideation to production
Steward commissioned artists through Little Island’s producing process
Identify and communicate project assumptions to the programming team to inform project budget development
Collaborate with artists to define project scope and priorities
Work closely with commissioned artists to identify and hire collaborators including creative team members, designers, performers, and musicians
Partner with the General Management to devise and enforce project parameters to guide the negotiation of contracts and project execution
Support artists in the finalization of concepts and design elements to ensure decisions are grounded in the artistic priorities and available resources
Build and oversee budgets for assigned projects, collaborating with internal stakeholders and artists to identify cuts where necessary, confirming that projects are delivered within the constraints of frozen budgets without jeopardizing the quality of the work
In conjunction with Production Management, create and manage project schedule to ensure deadlines are communicated clearly and achieved successfully, troubleshooting issues where necessary
Represent Little Island to artists and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with Little Island’s mission and values
Execute and facilitate organizational communication around projects, disseminating important information, strategizing around complex problems, and working closely with assigned Line Producer to manage logistics for each project
Support the communications team in the developing of project specific messaging
Supervise the assigned Line Producer on the tracking and reconciling of project expenses
Attend previews, including tech notes sessions, production meetings, press events, and performances, as well as any other company events as required
Season Planning
Participate in season planning by conceiving, assembling or identifying potential projects for development and producing opportunities
Work in conjunction with producing colleagues to develop and define the Little Island producing process in service to the Producing Artistic Director’s vision
Collaborate closely with the Director of Artistic Programming, Producer and other programming team members on the development and implementation of sustainable policies and practices in all facets of the planning and execution of Little Island’s Artistic Programming Department
Represent the Producing Artistic Director and Little Island while building and maintaining sophisticated artistic relationships
Contribute relevant expertise in planning, strategy, and reporting as a manager, ensuring effective collaboration across programming, park operations, education & community relations, and administrative activities
Participate in regular programming and season planning conversations and management summits
Direct line manage and develop seasonal and year-round staff as assigned
Attend cultural events in the greater New York City area and keep up to date with developments in producing practices relevant to creative industries
Complete any other duties related to the Artistic Programming Department and the park and its operations as reasonably required by the Producing Artistic Director
What You Bring
A minimum 5 years’ producing experience working directly with creative teams and facilitating artistic processes
An affinity for the organizational and artistic programming mission, vision and the work
of Little IslandExperience developing new work from inception to production and commitment to impacting the cultural landscape
Attention to detail and a passion for high level hospitality and relationship
buildingPersuasive communication and excellent relationship management skills, with a track record of strong leadership and personnel supervision
The ability to multi-task, handle multiple large projects at once, and pro-actively problem solve while remaining calm under pressure
Demonstrated expertise in financial management, with experience in budget creation and oversight
Excellent organization and planning skills with proven ability to work flexibly under pressure, to prioritize and to meet deadlines
The ability to work collaboratively and form effective partnerships internally and externally
Exceptional self-motivation with a strong ability to work independently and take initiative on assigned projects
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and Outlook
Ability to work in U.S.
Ability to remain in a stationary position for 50% of working time, traverse stairs, and occasionally lift 10 pounds
A genuine interest and investment to contribute to our culture of camaraderie and excellence by collaborating and problem-solving cross-departmentally
Passion for engaging with visitors and guests, ensuring they feel welcome and have the information they need in service to a memorable visitor experience
Benefits and Perks
15 days’ vacation, 7 sick days, up to 3 personal days (all prorated based on hire date)
Health Benefits (medical, dental & vision care) & other voluntary benefits
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) retirement plan
Commuter benefits
Basic Life Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Partial cell phone reimbursement
Access to discounts at neighborhood businesses
Life at Little Island
Park employees will spend time onsite at Little Island working in outdoor weather conditions, navigating the entire park multiple times a day, and interacting with park visitors to ensure operations are running effectively. Little Island is ADA compliant, and park employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for each other and our park’s visitors.
Little Island’s Headquarters, located near the park, provides an open floor plan office, shared work areas and kitchen, a locker room, and rehearsal space. It is a dynamic and multi-use space where employees and artists can collaborate, connect, and unwind in between shifts, meetings, and events.
Little Island is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. In short, you are welcome here no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. Our park is for everyone, and so is our workplace.
