Vice President, Programs

About The Zeiterion
The Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to stewarding its historic theater as a welcoming gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Located in the heart of downtown New Bedford, The Z plays a vital role in the cultural and civic life of the region, serving as both a presenting venue and a community anchor.

Following a major restoration, The Z reopened in January 2026 and is reimagining how a historic performing arts center can serve its community today.  The organization presents a wide range of performances across music, theater, dance, comedy, film, and family programming, while also prioritizing education, access, and community partnership. Programming is designed to engage audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of familiarity with the arts, with a strong emphasis on relevance, quality, and impact.

Learning and education are core to The Z’s mission. Through school partnerships, student matinees, artist residencies, workshops, and community-based learning opportunities, The Z uses the performing arts as a tool for exploration, expression, and lifelong learning. These programs are designed to complement classroom learning, spark curiosity, and create meaningful access to the arts for young people and families across the region.

Equity is central and the organization is committed to reducing barriers to participation, amplifying underrepresented voices, and ensuring that its programs, partnerships, and workplace practices reflect and serve the diversity of the Greater New Bedford community. This commitment to equity inclusion, and anti-racism shapes decisions across programming, education, audience engagement, hiring, and governance.
The Z’s work is guided by five core values: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery. These values inform not only how the organization delivers on its mission, but also how its team works together day to day.

The Z is a hybrid organization, with staff in the office a minimum of 2-3 days per week. This role will also include hours outside of 9:00am–5:00pm, reflecting the unique needs of a vibrant performing arts center.
 
Learn more here: https://www.zeiterion.org
 
The Opportunity
The Vice President, Programs will play a central leadership role at The Zeiterion, shaping and overseeing the programmatic vision of the organization at a pivotal moment in its evolution. Reporting to the President/CEO, this role is responsible for leading the development and delivery of dynamic, values-aligned programming that reflects The Z’s mission, centers community voice and perspective, and strengthens its identity as a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub.
 
This is a highly creative and strategic role, grounded equally in vision and execution. The Vice President, Programs will deliver our mission, steward a cohesive programmatic ecosystem that brings together performances, education, community engagement, and production, ensuring these functions operate in concert to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned experiences. With a strong curatorial eye and a clear set of values, the VP will broaden artistic perspectives, diversify talent and audiences, and deepen The Z’s connection to the communities it serves.
 
The organization is intentionally shifting toward programming that is more by and for the community. This role will lead that cultural change, inviting a broader and more diverse set of artists, partners, educators, and community members to the table. The Vice President, Programs will approach programming entrepreneurially, with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, balancing respect for tradition with a future-forward mindset. As the next chapter at The Z continues to take shape, this leader will help imagine and build new possibilities for serving our broader community.
 
The Vice President, Programs will join a deeply committed, passionate team with a strong mix of long-tenured staff and newer leaders who are invested in building something lasting together. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is eager to jump in, manage and support a team, and work collaboratively across the organization. It is an especially exciting moment to join The Z, as both the institution and the broader community are transforming, creating a rare opportunity for a leader who is energized by creativity, connection, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
 
Compensation & Benefits
• Salary: $90,000 - $140,000  
 
Note: New hires expected to be brought on at or around the midpoint of this range.
 
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, retirement plan, paid time off, generous holidays, professional development, etc.
• Additional perks: Tickets to performances, remote flexibility, etc.

Requirements

Candidate Profile
 
The Z deeply values working with individuals from a rich mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and believes this diversity strengthens the institution and enriches the community. While this outlines the qualifications and experience The Z believes will help someone thrive in the role, the organization also recognizes that talent comes in many forms. Candidates whose backgrounds do not align perfectly with every requirement are still encouraged to apply, as a unique perspective may be exactly what The Z needs.

Strategic Programmatic Leadership

Ability to translate The Z’s mission and vision into a compelling, future-forward programmatic strategy. Demonstrates a strong curatorial eye and clear values, positioning The Z as a vibrant civic and cultural hub through programming that is engaging, relevant, and reflective of the community it serves.

Inclusive Curation and Community-Centered Programming

Proven capacity to curate balanced and compelling programs and presentations that amplify diverse voices and perspectives. Works to broaden audiences and advance equity, accessibility, and inclusion by bringing together national and global touring artists, local and emerging talent, resident companies, and guest curators in ways that deepen community connection.

Operational Integration and Program Execution Excellence

Skilled at overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs, ensuring that production, and theater operations work seamlessly together. Balances creative ambition with operational rigor, safety, fiscal responsibility, and audience experience.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organizational Leadership

Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across departments, including:

• Leading:
o Education and Community
o Production
o Theater and Event Management
 
• Collaborating with:
o Mission Advancement (Development, Marketing, and Engagement)
o Mission Critical (Finance and Operations)
Effectively aligns vision with branding, communications, audience engagement, and fundraising priorities, while managing and developing internal teams and external advisory partners.

Innovative and Future-Building Mindset

Entrepreneurial and curious leader who identifies and activates new opportunities for program growth, building use, and earned revenue. Supports the evolution of education programs and workforce pathways, leverages new spaces and resources, and helps prepare The Z to thrive as a performing arts center built for the future.
 
In addition, strong candidates will offer:  
• A demonstrated ability to lead through change and growth, including building new structures, processes, and relationships within a more highly resourced and evolving organization.
• Experience working effectively within a senior leadership team, collaborating closely with peer Vice Presidents while reporting to the President/CEO.
• Financial acumen and comfort overseeing budgets and resource allocation in a way that supports artistic ambition, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
• The ability to translate programmatic vision into fundable initiatives and communicate that vision clearly to colleagues, donors, and external partners as needed.
• A hands-on, collaborative leadership style, with a genuine commitment to staff development, cross-functional teamwork, and creating a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture.

Application Instructions

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Alicia Salerno.  Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by https://apptrkr.com/6987368. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
 
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NPSIsearchoperations@dsgco.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
 
The Z is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving environment for all employees including, but not limited to, a culture of antiracism in which we build policies, procedures, and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ, in our seats and on our stage.
 
About DSG | Koya

DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
 
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
 
Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm’s https://www.dsgco.com/industry/nonprofit-and-social-impact/.
 
To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6987368