Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

Entertainment Director
Clearwater, FL

Reports to Executive Vice President & Chief Programming Officer

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Background

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a nationally recognized, non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to engaging the community to learn, experience, discover, and explore the performing arts. Guided by its core values of Respect, Trust, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, Creativity, and Fiscal Responsibility, the organization strives to advance the arts and enrich lives through both traditional and innovative performances and educational experiences that connect with diverse audiences across generations. 

Founded on a vision to bring world-class performing arts to Clearwater, Ruth Eckerd Hall stands as a tribute to Ruth Eckerd, wife of philanthropist and entrepreneur Jack Eckerd. Since opening its doors in 1983, “the Hall” has become a cultural cornerstone of the Tampa Bay region. Built through a partnership between the City of Clearwater and local visionaries, it continues to thrive under a long-term management agreement. Championed by the passion of its Board of Directors, donors, members, and volunteers, “the Hall” remains a place where artistry, community, and education intersect to enrich lives and strengthen the local community. 

Today, Ruth Eckerd Hall stands as Tampa Bay’s #1 theater, ranked #7 in the U.S. and #10 worldwide among top-grossing venues, according to Pollstar. 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 cultural connection and quality of life throughout the region. 

At the heart of the organization is the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, which serves over 60,000 students annually, offering accessible and affordable education in music, theater, and dance. Through classes, private lessons, master classes, and internships, the school empowers individuals of all ages to discover their passions and transform their lives through the arts. 

Ruth Eckerd Hall also manages several premier performance spaces for the City of Clearwater. Its main campus features the 2,180-seat Ruth Eckerd Hall auditorium, along with the Margarete Heye Great Room, Murray Studio Theater, Challener-Morrow Production Studio, and Dimmitt Family Atrium Lounge, offering versatile spaces for performances, rehearsals, and community gatherings. Beyond its campus, the organization operates the historic Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater and the state-of-the-art BayCare Sound, a waterfront concert venue accommodating up to 9,000 guests. 

Fueled by community support and a shared belief in the transformative power of 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 region for generations to come. 

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

 

Any interested candidates should contact ZRG directly. 

Contacting Ruth Eckerd Hall Inc. will only delay consideration of your qualifications. 

 

Position Summary

Ruth Eckerd 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’s oversight, the Director will assist in identifying and selecting artists, negotiating deals, and securing favorable and profitable contract terms. The Director will also manage departmental operations and oversee a staff of two responsible for contract administration, internal communications, and resource coordination throughout the booking and presenting process. 

The ideal candidate will bring exceptional energy, creativity, and strategic vision to the Entertainment Director role. They will possess deep industry knowledge and a proven ability to curate and deliver a diverse lineup of programming that engages audiences and drives revenue growth. Skilled in artist relations, contract negotiation, and partnership development, they strike a balance between business acumen and an instinct for entertainment that resonates with communities. A dynamic communicator and natural relationship builder, they thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and lead with positivity and a hands-on approach. They are a leader that fosters a family-oriented culture that drives excellence, sparks innovation, and celebrates shared success. 

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the entertainment industry and help Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., create memorable experiences for its patrons.  

Duties and 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. 

Background Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in national entertainment event booking and show settling. 

• Four-year college degree or equivalent experience required. 

Physical Demands

• 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.

Other

• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record. 

• Successful completion of a background check and drug screen. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary & bonus 

ZRG’S Commitment

At ZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. ZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.