Director of H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center

Join a vibrant and purpose-driven community at Shippensburg University, located in the scenic Cumberland Valley and spread across a beautiful 210-acre campus with over 40 buildings. We offer a dynamic academic environment with 45 undergraduates, 22 graduate, and 2 doctoral programs. At Shippensburg, our mission is more than words—we are committed to inclusive collaboration, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and celebrating the achievements that drive positive change in our communities. Be part of a team that values innovation, impact, and shared success

Shippensburg University offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees!

• Effective first day of employment: low-cost medical insurance plus free dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage.
• Choose from two generous retirement plans:
  Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP): 5% employee contribution, 9.29% employer contribution, Immediate vesting.
• State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS): 8.25% employee contribution, 2.25% employer contribution + pension calculation, 10-year vesting requirement.
• 100% tuition waivers for you and your eligible dependents upon completion of probationary period!
• Generous paid time off, employer-paid life insurance, and so much more!

See full details in link below (for PASSHE Benefits)

Full Benefits Summary (PDF)Shippensburg University is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to serve as Director of the Luhrs Performing Arts Center, the region’s premier 1,488-seat performing arts venue. The Director is responsible for the management, promotion, and efficient operation of the Center, including booking and negotiating contracts for events, developing and maintaining relationships with promoters, agents, and community partners, and fostering an inclusive performing arts environment that engages both the university and the surrounding region.

This position oversees all aspects of the Center’s operations, including programming, booking, marketing, finance, production, and box office operations, while cultivating partnerships that bring high-quality performances and events to campus and the broader community. The Director works collaboratively with university leadership, community partners, artists, and promoters to expand programming and enhance the Center’s reputation as a destination for performing arts.

The Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Performing Arts Center, ensuring its continued success as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community engagement. Additional responsibilities include supporting fundraising and sponsorship efforts with the Shippensburg University Foundation, coordinating marketing and branding with the university, and also serves as the manager of the Center’s alcohol license. The Director must also be available to support events during evenings and weekends.

A full job description will be provided at the time of the scheduled interview.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in business, administration, entertainment, or a related field, and a minimum of ten years of experience in a senior management position in a performing arts center or related public assembly facility; five years of which must include booking and contract negotiation experience is required.

A proven track record of developing, cultivating, and maintaining strong relationships in the entertainment industry and booking high-profile events is also required.

The ability to research, develop, and maintain relationships with artist agents, artist management, and local, regional, and national agents/promoters is required. Possession of a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in the successful, profitable management of a public assembly facility is required. Demonstrated knowledge of event solicitation and presentation, public relations, advertising, media relations, event planning, facility operations, budget preparation, and personnel management is also required.

Proven leadership skills, including the ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills in a team-oriented environment, and the ability to express ideas clearly through both oral and written communication, are required. Knowledge of budget preparation and control, sales and marketing, and venue safety regulations and risk management is required. The ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and to engage with the university, community, and foundation partners, is required. A solid working knowledge of computer applications and the ability to communicate with a diverse campus and community population are required.

Must be able to be approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to manage the center’s alcohol license. Background clearances, federal and state.