What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of the Cowan Center position at The University of Texas at Tyler?
Required Application Materials
A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of three (3) professional references is required to apply.
Important Instructions:
When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.
- Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.
If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.
Job Summary
The UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center is the region’s leading presenter of nationally recognized arts, entertainment, speakers and educational programming. The Cowan Center also hosts concerts and events by the UT Tyler School of Performing Arts, East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Tyler Rose Festival, and other internal and external stakeholders.
The Executive Director of UT Tyler’s Cowan Center will be an inspiring, mission-aligned, collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is responsible for providing visionary leadership for the staff, programming and facility operations. The position works in collaboration with university leadership, Advisory Board and other stakeholders to present engaging arts, entertainment and educational programming. The Executive Director collaborates with University Marketing and Advancement for marketing, donor and community engagement to promote and support programming and operations.
Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks
- A proactive team-builder, provides leadership to the UT Tyler Cowan Center, including management of staff and oversight of facility to maintain regular maintenance and repair.
- Programs, books shows and markets season and individual shows in partnership with university leadership and Advisory Board to grow individual ticket sales and subscribers.
- Negotiates artist and renter contracts and maintains positive relationship with agents, artists and external partners.
- Exhibiting fiscal responsibility, manages budget and forecasts future revenues and costs to ensure sustainable operations.
- Responsible for long-term planning, including management of facility upgrades.
- Plans and facilitates fundraising efforts for performances and capital improvements in collaboration with university leadership and Advisory Board.
- Cultivates and stewards donors and sponsors to support performances, capital improvements and operations in partnership with Advancement and university leadership.
- Manages outreach and community engagement including maintaining a positive service-oriented relationship with external partners.
- In partnership with VP Marketing, ensures active Advisory Board participation and support.
- Advances the UT Tyler Cowan Center brand both internally and externally and acts as a spokesperson.
- Responsible for events, including ticketing, financial management and customer service provided to attendees and performers.
- Works in collaboration with UT Tyler stakeholders to host student events.
- Maintains an active involvement with Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Southwest Performing Arts Presenters, and local, state and regional arts organizations.
- Responsible for other duties and assigned.
Required Education/Experience
- Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in an arts discipline or related degree.
- Five (5) years of experience managing or directing a performing arts center or related experience.
- A combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
- Excellent managerial and financial management skills.
- Excellent communication and marketing skills.
- Excellent strategic planning skills.
- Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate with various stakeholders at UT Tyler and throughout the Tyler community.
Other Information
Responsible for supervising full-time and part-time staff, including student workers.
About The University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 13 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.
Our beautiful Tyler campus features more than 200 acres nestled along a lake and surrounded by thick pine and oak forests, providing a picturesque location for study and recreation. We also offer instructional sites at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and in Palestine, Longview, and Houston.
With more than 80 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs offered, UT Tyler provides a wealth of learning opportunities and dynamic programs.
For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about/.
Additional Information
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
EEO/AA Statement
The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
