Producing Director, Artistic Experiences

Status: Full Time, Exempt
Start Date: November 17, 2025
Reports to: Executive & Artistic Director
Submit materials: through our online portal linked here.
Submit all inquiries to: Alex Francis, ForestTheater.Manager@forestforward.org

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization partnering with community stakeholders to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improved outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. The Forest Theater serves as the anchor institution, with an anticipated grand opening scheduled Fall 2026.

We are seeking a Producing Director of Artistic Experiences to join our inaugural leadership team of cultural architects and organizers who collaboratively co-curate, develop and realize an annual season of approximately 180 days of events, programs, presentations, productions and experiences, live at the Forest Theater. Reporting directly to the Executive & Artistic Director, you will be the conductor of a cross collaborative team, driving both the team’s practice and process, from pitch and pre- production thru load-in, opening and strike. Your portfolio includes the launch of Forest Originals, our producing series of annual hallmark live events, alongside presented concerts, festivals, exhibitions, theatrical productions and other events alike. This role demands a deep understanding of the artistic, producing and presenting process, a creative rolodex excited to be activeted, sharp logistical acumen, and a passion for experiential storytelling.

What You’ll Drive

• Artistic Program Production & Logistics (40%)
  • Program Catalyst: Drive the production of seasonal artistic programming, overseeing its journey from initial concept through meticulous execution, encompassing concerts, plays, festivals, exhibitions and original experiences in the Forest.
  • Operational Orchestrator: Develop and manage detailed production schedules, artist contracting processes, and artistic budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely delivery.
  • Cross-Functional Delivery: Coordinate seamlessly with tech, production, brand, impact and campus experience teams to deliver high-quality performances and programs that align perfectly with the overarching artistic vision, ethos and impact goals.
• Creative Collaboration & Artist Development (30%)
  • Artistic Partner: Collaborate closely with the Executive & Artistic Director and leadership team to shape creative direction, contribute to curation decisions, and nurture innovative ideas.
  • Artist Relations: Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with artists, curators, producers and creatives, actively supporting the development and impactful presentation of new or underrated work.
  • Facilitator & Planner: Orchestrate rehearsal scheduling, facilitate creative meetings, and lead interdepartmental planning crucial for the success of artistic projects.
• Institutional Alignment & Artistic Advocacy (30%)
  • Visionary Advocate: Serve as a powerful internal and external representative of Forest Theater’s artistic vision in key meetings and public engagements.
  • Strategic Contributor: Contribute actively to strategic planning, craft compelling fundraising narratives, and advise public communications around artistic programming that amplify our mission.
  • Mission Integrator: Ensure that all artistic activities are deeply rooted in and authentically reflect Forest Theater’s mission, values, brand and unwavering commitment to cultural equity and accessibility.

What You’ll Build (Pre-Opening)

As our inaugural Producing Director of Artistic Programs, you will lay the essential groundwork for our artistic offerings, ensuring a professional, sustainable and impactful launch. Key pre-opening deliverables include:

• Inaugural Artistic Season Curation: Conceptualize and develop the foundational curatorial execution and process for the first artistic season, including identifying key themes, potential artists, and program structures based on our community informed strategic framework.
• Artist Contracting & Engagement Protocols: Design and implement comprehensive contracting processes, fee structures, and engagement protocols for artists and creative teams.
• Production Planning Templates: Build and deploy standardized production schedules, artistic budget templates, logistical checklists and onboarding documentation for multidisciplinary program types.
• Artist Relationship Management System: Establish a system for tracking and nurturing relationships with artists, promoters and partners ensuring a robust pipeline for future collaborations.
• Cross-Functional Artistic Integration Plan: Develop a detailed plan for integrating artistic needs with operations, tech, brand, impact and campus experience teams for commissioning, pre-opening dry runs and the grand opening event.

Your Direct Impact

This role is absolutely central to realizing our artistic vision and fostering a dynamic creative ecosystem. You will directly impact:

• Artistic Standard of Excellence: Ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and culturally resonant artistic programming and production.
• Artists as our Fuel: Cultivate an environment where artists are supported, challenged, and enabled to create their most impactful work and see the Forest Theater as a creative home.
• Audience Engagement: Connect diverse audiences with transformative artistic experiences that resonate deeply and generate reflection and pathways for action within the community.
• Organizational Reputation: Enhance Forest Theater’s standing as a premier destination for Black arts and culture, attracting top talent and national audiences.

Tools We Use

Our team relies on a modern tech stack to stay connected and productive, including Dropbox, Slack, Monday.com, Google Suite, RAMP, and Zoom.

What You’ll Bring

• 6+ years of experience producing live performance, festivals, or multidisciplinary arts events, with a strong portfolio of impact-driven projects;
• Deep knowledge of the entire artistic process, from creative development and curation to intricate production and technical logistics;
• Exceptional administrative and communication skills, adept at navigating both creative and logistical domains with clarity and precision;
• A profound passion for working with Black artists and a demonstrated commitment to uplifting culturally resonant and equitable work;
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizational structures, nuanced production budgeting, and artist-centered practices that prioritize well-being;
• A growing passion for equity, impactful storytelling, and our institutional mission to revitalize communities through arts and culture.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried position with a fixed compensation of $85,000 annually, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Employees who work an average of thirty (30) hours or more on a weekly basis may participate in medical, dental, vision, and other insurance programs. Under these plans, participating employees will receive comprehensive health and other insurance coverage for themselves and their families, as well as other benefits. Forest Forward presently pays a portion of the insurance premium for all eligible employees. Our Employee Benefits Package include the following:

Medical, Dental, Vision and other Voluntary options

Medical Coverage is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Employees are eligible to enroll in the plan within 30 days of their hire date, and the coverage is effective on the first of the following month.

Retirement Plan

Forest Forward offers a 401(k) retirement plan administered by Lincoln Financial Services. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan 90 days after their hire date.

Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Days

All full-time employees are eligible to receive 80 hours of vacation time annually, 40 hours of sick time and three (3) paid personal/ or mental health days per calendar year.

Additional Information

This position will require occasional evening and weekend work, in conjunction with major performances and other special events.

Applications and Inquiries

Submissions will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis, through our online portal linked here. Please submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments. If you are in need of an alternative form of submission, email: ForestTheater.Manager@forestforward.org

Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color,religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.