Program Coordinator

About LANGSTON

LANGSTON is a community-conceived and -designed nonprofit arts organization. Our mission is to strengthen and advance our community through Black arts and culture in service to cultivating Black brilliance. We provide multigenerational, multi-genre programming that is responsive to community needs and desires. We promote artistic expression, encourage artistic excellence, cultivate leaders, practice radical inclusivity, and facilitate cultural education and possibility in our practices, policies, and partnerships. 

Langston was born from the legacy of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI), a historic institution that served as the hub of Seattle’s Black performing arts community and experiences for over 40 years. Langston is fortunate to be housed and host its programming in this historic building which still exists as a cultural space rental facility. Langston proudly honors this legacy and seeks to maximize the activation of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute through our mission, vision, and values.

 

The Role

LANGSTON’s Program Coordinator reports to the Program Director and is responsible for coordinating the logistics and administrative operations for a variety of programs.  Responsibilities include gathering tech and marketing needs from partners and artists; coordinating space and equipment usage with our building partners on the LHPAI team;  making sure all utilized spaces are prepared for performances, classes, and workshops; communicating event needs to the internal team; creating a welcoming environment to patrons, artists, and partners. 

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader and have experience in successfully managing relationships and projects across multiple arts disciplines. They will be self-motivated to ensure all logistical matters are handled as they arise and within the constraints of budget, time, and space available. The Program Coordinator will ensure that all programs deliver desirable experiences for LANGSTON’s various constituencies in accordance with the mission of cultivating Black brilliance and strengthening and advancing community through Black arts and culture. 

The Program Coordinator will work directly with the LANGSTON team, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute staff, and various communities and champions to achieve desired goals and communicate progress.

Responsibilities

  • Maintaining a working knowledge of the complex technical and logistical needs of a wide variety of events
  • Establishing and maintaining positive supportive relationships with local and visiting artists during their engagement with Langston
  • Ensuring all visitors and patrons experience a positive, welcoming, and hospitable environment in our space
  • Opening and closing the building for each event, 
  • Prepping all spaces to meet event needs and restoring all spaces to “better than you found it” condition
  • Running the box office with integrity for each event and greeting guests.
  • Setting up the green room and assisting with catering pre and or post-show.
  • Coordinating with talent, partners, staff, and crew day-of-show and troubleshooting and resolving issues as they arise
  • Reporting attendance, maintenance issues, and demographics from each event to the appropriate source. 
  • Communicating effectively with our city partners to ensure the scheduling of rooms and technicians is up to date.

 

 

Ideal Experience: 

Successful candidates will have command of a majority of the following skills and experience: 
  • Extensive knowledge of nonprofit operations 
  • Building relationships and negotiating partnerships 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; experienced public speaker 
  • Working knowledge of Google Workspace; ability to learn program/project management software
  • Outstanding organizational skills
  • Excellent problem-solving ability

 

 

Skills and Qualifications

In order to fulfill the aforementioned duties and responsibilities, the Program Coordinator must possess an extensive skill set and qualifications that work together to manage events efficiently, including:
  • Working Knowledge of Theater, Music, or Dance Productions: The ideal candidate will have working experience in stage managing, house managing, or technical theater work.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Required to network with a wide variety of entities in the course of their job. 
  • Team Management: Delegating to volunteers and staff properly and making sure everyone has what they need to do their job
  • An Eye for Logistics: skill to properly plan the setup and execution of events and anticipate potential problems that may arise to ensure that everything in an event is set up in a practical, safe, and useful manner for the guests and talent alike.

Compensation, Hours, and Benefits  

This is a half-time, exempt position with an annual salary of $25,000. This position will average around 20 hours a week. During slower event times this may be less, and during busier times like festivals and long-running productions, it will be more. LANGSTON provides comprehensive benefits, including paid time off and health coverage. 

 

Work Location 

This role is based in Seattle, WA. LANGSTON’s office is in the Central District neighborhood at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.  Evening and weekend availability in MANDATORY. Most of the work will be done in person at the theater, however, weekly meetings and other check-ins can be made remotely and during the day. 

 

How to Apply  

Please send your application packet to jobs@langstonseattle.org with the subject line: Program Coordinator. Your application packet should include a resume, any applicable portfolio or work samples, and a statement of interest (written not to exceed 1 page or audio/video not to exceed 3 minutes), which answers one or more of the following questions: 

  • What draws you to LANGSTON’s mission of cultivating Black brilliance and how would you demonstrate it in this role?
  • How would your work and lived experiences and community connections contribute to your ability to be LANGSTON’s Program Coordinator? 

 

The priority deadline to apply is 9/8/2023, with a goal of a starting date in late September or early October. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

If you need assistance and/or accommodations during the application or recruiting process due to a disability, please email our hiring team at jobs@langstonseattle.org. 

 

LANGSTON is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO); LANGSTON provides equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to social and economic background, political affiliation or belief, race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, mental or physical disability, national origin, current and/or former service member status, sexual orientation, health status, age, physical characteristics or marital status, and promotes the full implementation of this policy through a positive, continuing program of inclusion.