Employment Opportunities
Founded in 1926, The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, and its commitment to being a diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) performing arts organization is at the core of our mission to Inspire, Educate and Entertain.
As part of that commitment, the Count Basie Center has established a DEI Task Force comprised of board, staff, and community members. Our purpose is to intentionally embrace and amplify positive change toward diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in every area of our organization, including programming, education, staffing, board recruitment, and community engagement.
The Count Basie Center is determined to provide an inclusive environment in which all who walk through our doors can do so as their most authentic selves. We firmly believe that everyone of all backgrounds and identities deserves access to experience the enrichment that the arts contribute to a full life.
Please note:
- All candidates must be authorized to work full-time in the United States.
- All candidates must apply online by clicking the job application link included with each description.
Director of Community Engagement
Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Community Engagement will write and implement a community strategy plan in alignment with The Basie’s commitment to being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that hinges on The Basie’s mission, values and overall strategic plan. Well aligned candidates will bring a rich and innovative vision for how a major performing arts center can engage in exciting, nimble, and meaningful ways with the widest community. They will possess broad experience in developing strategic, community-based engagement programs. They will also be able to meet communities and build relationships where they are and listen with a high degree of empathy, openness, and sincerity to their needs as expressed on their own terms.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide oversight for all community engagement activities through leadership, strategic vision, planning, and execution.
- Define and track qualitative and quantitative success metrics and report progress; analyze and provide reports on attendance trends, demographics, and feedback.
- Collaborate with the CEO, Programming and Education departments to conceptualize, plan, develop, and execute all community engagement programming to deepen The Basie’s connection to communities through access to theater arts and education.
- Work with the Marketing Department to promote opportunities that highlight the impact of The Basie’s programs. Help guide the design and language to reach targeted markets.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partner organizations, artists, and community leaders through networking and outreach.
- Identify opportunities for enhanced community engagement and partnerships that deepen the community’s connections with The Basie and vice versa.
- Foster a productive and healthy dynamic with stakeholders, including staff, board, and community partners.
- Work closely with the Development Department to cultivate relationships and solicit funding for programs.
- Represent The Basie in professional settings and community organizations.
- Maintain a portfolio of current and prospective partner organizations, keeping contacts, history, and agreements up-to-date and organized.
- Manage and maintain program budget.
- Become an active member in The Basie’s DEI Task Force.
- Inspire, motivate and schedule necessary staff to volunteer for produced events.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in community-based arts programs
- Exceptional communication, public speaking and interpersonal skills
- Mission-minded with a sincere interest and passion for community and performing based arts
- Adept at building collaborative relationships with a diverse array of people
- Keeps informed of and engages in best practices for organizing diverse, equitable, and inclusive public programs
- Affable and calm within a fast-paced and changing environment
- Detail oriented and organized with the strong ability to successfully multitask as necessary
- Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Fluent in Spanish is a plus
- Availability in the evenings and weekends as required
This is a full-time, exempt position and eligible for The Basie’s competitive benefits package that includes paid time off (personal, sick and vacation), insurance (health, dental, vision, life, long and short-term disability) and a 401(k)-retirement plan including company match. This position operates on a hybrid schedule that allows for 1-2 days remote per week unless required to attend events or convenings that fall under the specifications of the job responsibilities. The annual salary range is $70,000 – $80,000.
Usher (Part Time)
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is seeking friendly, professional, and motivated ushers with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Ushers greet and escort patrons to their seats in an efficient and professional manner. Ushers must be knowledgeable about the Basie, its policies, and programs to answer guest questions and to ensure that the rules and regulations of the venue are being adhered to. This is a part-time position and the number of hours worked is dependent upon availability and scheduling needs.
Qualifications: Excellent communication and customer service skills, friendly and positive manner, and physical ability to stand and seat patrons. Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays. Qualified ushers will also be expected to scan tickets, assist with merchandise selling, and help with special events.
Private Instructors / Teaching Artists
The Count Basie Center Academy and Monmouth Conservatory of Music are currently seeking qualified instructors and / or teaching artists for private lessons and group classes. Priority needs are in in the following disciplines:
- Violin / Viola
- Piano
- Vocals
Ideal candidates are responsible for teaching private lessons and group classes to students of all ages and abilities. The ability to teach beginning students is also necessary. Teaching artists and Private Instructors must show organizational skills and an ability to effectively communicate with students, parents and staff.
Qualifications:
- Degree in your art form(s), education, or relevant experience
- At least 2 years of teaching artist experience within a diverse age group and educational and/or studio settings
- Exceptional knowledge of content in your arts genre
- Strong communication skills
- Classroom management skills
- The ideal candidate is someone who has a passion for arts education and can commit to a consistent schedule
- Bilingual a plus
This is a part-time, hourly position. Pay is $40 – $60/hr
Candidates must furnish a complete resume, along with a cover letter summarizing their desire to work for the Basie and the Basie’s Monmouth Conservatory. These materials should describe previous teaching and performing experiences in all art forms, ages and levels, in private or public studios or schools. Candidates should also list experience with English Language Learners or students with special needs
We require that all employees submit to and clear a fingerprint and background check. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Bartenders
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is hiring experienced bartenders/servers to work in a fun, fast-paced environment. Shifts are typically evenings from 6pm-10pm Experience in an upscale restaurant or busy nightclub atmosphere is highly desired. Scheduling is flexible.
The Count Basie Center for Arts is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability, perceived disability, AIDS and HIV status or any other legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment actions including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, training, promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination, and job-related social or recreational programs.