TCG Conference Manager

Conference Manager
Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the not-for-profit professional theatre, seeks an experienced creative and/or event producer to join the Conferences and Fieldwide Learning Team. The Conference Manager will report to the Director of Conferences and Fieldwide Learning, and will lead the logistical coordination of TCG’s two cornerstone events: The TCG National Conference and the Fall Forum on Governance. In close collaboration with the department Director and Executive Leadership of TCG, the Conference Manager will play a key role in both the production and programming processes of these national convenings that bring together theatre leaders and practitioners across the country and globally.

About Theatre Communications Group
Theatre Communications Group exists to strengthen, nurture, and promote professional theatre in the U.S. and globally. Since its founding in 1961, TCG’s constituency has grown from a handful of groundbreaking theatres to over 700 Member Theatres and affiliate organizations and nearly 10,000 Individual Members. Through its Core Values of Activism, Artistry, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Citizenship, TCG advances a better world for theatre and a better world because of theatre. In all of its programs and services, TCG seeks to increase the organizational efficiency of its Member Theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field, and promote a larger public understanding of, and appreciation for, the theatre. More info: www.TCG.org. 

About the Department
The Conferences and Fieldwide Learning Department consists of two full-time members: a Director and a Conference Manager. The Conference Manager reports to the Director. Throughout the year, the Department engages interns and temporary, part-time assistance, as needed, to accomplish its goals.

The 2020 TCG National Conference will be attended by 800-1,000 theatre professionals, and will be in Phoenix, Arizona from June 4-6, 2020. The Fall Forum on Governance is in New York City annually in early November, and is generally attended by about 250 executive theatre leaders and their trustees. The department is currently on a host city search for 2021’s TCG Conference.

As a central component of our programming process, the Conferences and Fieldwide Learning department also manages TCG’s rotating Programming Council -- a cohort of theatre professionals who works closely with the Conferences team in reviewing session proposals,  soliciting content ideas from the field, and recommending programming elements for the National Conference.

The Conferences and Fieldwide Learning team also coordinates TCG’s digital learning programs, and designs professional development opportunities for the distance learning space, with the goal of expanding access to TCG’s educational offerings (and that of our sponsors) beyond our in-person convenings. In time, and with demonstration of interest, this role may become more involved in that aspect of departmental work as well.

What You Need for This Role
The Conference Manager should have a commitment to TCG’s mission; core values; and its equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work within the workplace and in the field. They should be collaborative, empathetic, and resourceful, and be able to productively work with a diverse staff, board, and network of external partners. Outstanding interpersonal verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are strong attention to detail and dependability. Optimal candidates will have a commitment to learning and growth for themselves and their colleagues.

The Conference Manager will be working with other TCG departments as part of the Conference production and programming process, most notably Artistic and International Programs; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives; Membership; Communications; and Research, Policy & Collective Action. We are seeking someone with experience in producing events and/or performances, as well as a knack for designing and executing efficient processes and an ability to quickly learn new systems. The ideal candidate calmly interfaces with people and troubleshoots with grace in a fast-paced on-site environment. In addition to these qualities, we are seeking someone who has:

• A minimum of 3 years of producing or stage management experience in events, theatre, and/or immersive entertainment.
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in planning or coordinating large-scale events in a collaborative capacity.
• Familiarity with the theatre field as production personnel, an administrator, or an artist.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving capabilities, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Experience managing budgets and supervising staff, interns, and/or volunteers, in the workplace and/or on site at productions or events.
• Working knowledge of Google Drive and Microsoft Office functionality, and ability to learn new digital platforms with relative ease.
• A sense of humor, a passion for bringing people together, and an interest in creating dynamic in-person experiences for arts professionals.

What You Will Be Doing
As the logistical lead of the TCG Conference producing team, you will manage many projects and event elements at once, and interact with hundreds of people throughout and beyond the theatre field, from attendees, to speakers, to volunteers, to staff. This scope of work refers mainly to the National Conference, but much of it also applies to the Fall Forum on a smaller scale. These projects include but are not limited to:

• Managing all aspects of the Conference venue partnerships, from larger hotels to off-site community and cultural venues.
• Coordinating with all event speakers, including prominent keynote speakers and their representation, from contracts to lodging and travel, with the support of the department coordinator.
• Leading the development of TCG’s sponsor-led Conference programming in partnership with other departments, while supporting in the development of all Conference programming.
• Acting as central communications and support hub between all registrants and the Conferences department.
• Managing all staff at the TCG Conference, from site assignment to travel and lodging, with the support of the department coordinator.
• Facilitate all vendor relationships and bill payments, including with HowlRound, our livestream partner.
• Serve as primary point of contact with our event app developers, and coordinate the flow of programming information into the app.
• Oversee Conference production on site, from soup to nuts.
• Post-Conference, analyze registration data and review attendee evaluations to create comprehensive follow-up reports.
• Assisting with other tasks as necessary to ensure smooth working of the department.

Compensation and Benefits
This position will pay $58,500 annual salary, and will include a comprehensive benefits package with two weeks of vacation and additional paid time-off. Other benefits include a collegial environment that encourages a healthy work-life balance, free TCG books and monthly American Theatre magazines, and events for staff designed by TCG’s “fun committee” to foster a warm, inviting, and friendly office culture.