Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc

Background

RuthEckerd Hall, Inc. is anationally recognized, non-profit performing arts organizationdedicated to engaging the community to learn, experience, discover,and explore the performing arts. Guided by its core values ofRespect, Trust, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, Creativity, andFiscal Responsibility, the organization strives to advance the artsand enrich lives through both traditional and innovative performancesand educational experiences that connect with diverse audiencesacross generations.

Foundedon a vision to bring world-class performing arts to Clearwater, RuthEckerd Hall stands as a tribute to Ruth Eckerd, wife ofphilanthropist and entrepreneur Jack Eckerd. Since opening its doorsin 1983, “the Hall” has become a cultural cornerstone of theTampa Bay region. Built through a partnership between the City ofClearwater and local visionaries, it continues to thrive under along-term management agreement. Championed by the passion of itsBoard of Directors, donors, members, and volunteers, “the Hall”remains a place where artistry, community, and education intersect toenrich lives and strengthen the local community.

Today,Ruth Eckerd Hall stands as Tampa Bay’s #1 theater, ranked #7 in theU.S. and #10 worldwide among top-grossing venues, according toPollstar. Each year, more than 750,000 patrons attend 1,000+performances and events spanning comedy, rock, Broadway, country,jazz, and classical music, making it a driving force for culturalconnection and quality of life throughout the region.

Atthe heart of the organization is the Marcia P. Hoffman School of theArts, which serves over 60,000 students annually, offering accessibleand affordable education in music, theater, and dance. Throughclasses, private lessons, master classes, and internships, the schoolempowers individuals of all ages to discover their passions andtransform their lives through the arts.

RuthEckerd Hall also manages several premier performance spaces for theCity of Clearwater. Its main campus features the 2,180-seat RuthEckerd Hall auditorium, along with the Margarete Heye Great Room,Murray Studio Theater, Challener-Morrow Production Studio, andDimmitt Family Atrium Lounge, offering versatile spaces forperformances, rehearsals, and community gatherings. Beyond itscampus, the organization operates the historic Nancy and DavidBilheimer Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater and thestate-of-the-art BayCare Sound, a waterfront concert venueaccommodating up to 9,000 guests.

Fueledby community support and a shared belief in the transformative powerof the arts, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. continues to inspire creativity,connection, and cultural enrichment throughout Tampa Bay and beyond,ensuring that the performing arts remain a vital part of the regionfor generations to come.

Links:https://www.rutheckerdhall.com/

PositionSummary 

RuthEckerd Hall, Inc. is seeking an Entertainment Director (“Director”)to collaborate closely with the Executive Vice President (“EVP”)in programming and booking content across multiple venues,encompassing more than 300 shows annually. Under the EVP’soversight, the Director will assist in identifying and selectingartists, negotiating deals, and securing favorable and profitablecontract terms. The Director will also manage departmental operationsand oversee a staff of two responsible for contract administration,internal communications, and resource coordination throughout thebooking and presenting process.

Theideal candidate will bring exceptional energy, creativity, andstrategic vision to the Entertainment Director role. They willpossess deep industry knowledge and a proven ability to curate anddeliver a diverse lineup of programming that engages audiences anddrives revenue growth. Skilled in artist relations, contractnegotiation, and partnership development, they strike a balancebetween business acumen and an instinct for entertainment thatresonates with communities. A dynamic communicator and naturalrelationship builder, they thrive in fast-paced, collaborativeenvironments and lead with positivity and a hands-on approach. Theyare a leader that fosters a family-oriented culture that drivesexcellence, sparks innovation, and celebrates shared success.

Thisis an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on theentertainment industry and help Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., creatememorable experiences for its patrons.

Dutiesand Responsibilities 

• Work with the EVP to build a programming mix that meets the objectives of the organization’s mission and financial goals, including cultivating opportunities both on and off-site to increase revenue and visibility.
• Maintain close relationships across the spectrum of live entertainment and performing arts with theatrical agents, booking agencies, managers, production companies, and other presenters and promoters to keep informed of current touring information.
• Manage each phase of the booking/presenting process as needed: securing avails, date holds, creating offers, building budgets, contract review and preparation, event management, and settlement.
• Be in the event rotation for on-site promoter representative (often nights and weekends), including but not limited to finalizing settlements with artists.
• Direct, develop, and supervise administrative support staff, including but not limited to dissemination of information, artist hold releases, flexing, budget input, and other delegated tasks.  
• Manage daily “flexing and dynamic ticketing pricing” to optimize show profit potential for all shows on the Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. ticketing platform.
• Ensure data reporting needs are met, including but not limited to event history, industry requests, wrap-ups, etc.
• Provide input to marketing staff for purposes of maximizing the organization’s visibility, presence, sponsorships, and promotion.
• Participate in building the REH, Inc. brand with appropriate opportunities to engage the industry and local community (i.e., trade publications, Rotary, etc.)  
• Coordinate stage availability and calendar with all rental coordinators.
• Ability to lead the programming operation in the absence of the EVP as required.
• Professionally represent Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. at all times.
• Complete all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of the entertainment industry, including awareness of diverse genres and revenue opportunities.
• Experience overseeing production and labor to control budgets and optimize costs.
• Confident, assertive, and persuasive communication style, with excellent networking and relationship-building abilities.
• Proven leadership in people management and team collaboration.
• Skilled in project management, multitasking, and meeting deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a focused, positive, self-motivated, and detail-oriented approach.
• Exceptional communication and active listening skills.
• Strong and strategic problem-solving abilities, with a track record of resolving issues quickly and effectively.

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Background Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in national entertainment event booking and show settling.
• Four-year college degree or equivalent experience required.

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PhysicalDemands:  

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to maintain good attendance is a condition of employment and a function of this position.
• Ability to work irregular hours on a regular basis.
• Ability to travel.
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Other

• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Successful completion of a background check and drug screen.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary & bonus

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ZRG’S Commitment

AtZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithout regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexualorientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin,disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status,military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristicprotected by applicable law. ZRG is an equal opportunity employer andworkplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds &communities to apply. 

ZRG’S Practice Leader

TomTruitt - Managing Director, Music & Live Entertainment

TomTruitt is the Managing Director and Head of ZRG’s Music & LiveEntertainment practice. Based in Nashville, Mr. Truitt has long beenrecognized as the music industry’s top talent recruiter. He focuseson C-Level, EVP, SVP, VP and Mid-Level business and creative roles inall facets of the music and live entertainment business, including:content, licensing, recording, publishing, production, venue &facility management, artist relations, revenue, marketing,communications, data, technology, and many more.

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