About The Zeiterion
The Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to stewarding its historic theater as a welcoming gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Located in the heart of downtown New Bedford, The Z plays a vital role in the cultural and civic life of the region, serving as both a presenting venue and a community anchor.
Following a major restoration, The Z reopened in January 2026 and is reimagining how a historic performing arts center can serve its community today. The organization presents a wide range of performances across music, theater, dance, comedy, film, and family programming, while also prioritizing education, access, and community partnership. Programming is designed to engage audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of familiarity with the arts, with a strong emphasis on relevance, quality, and impact.
The Opportunity
The Vice President, Programs will play a central leadership role at The Zeiterion, shaping and overseeing the programmatic vision of the organization at a pivotal moment in its evolution. Reporting to the President/CEO, this role is responsible for leading the development and delivery of dynamic, values-aligned programming that reflects The Z’s mission, centers community voice and perspective, and strengthens its identity as a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub.
This is a highly creative and strategic role, grounded equally in vision and execution. The Vice President, Programs will deliver our mission, steward a cohesive programmatic ecosystem that brings together performances, education, community engagement, and production, ensuring these functions operate in concert to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned experiences. With a strong curatorial eye and a clear set of values, the VP will broaden artistic perspectives, diversify talent and audiences, and deepen The Z’s connection to the communities it serves.
Strong candidates will offer:
- A demonstrated ability to lead through change and growth, including building new structures, processes, and relationships within a more highly resourced and evolving organization.
- Experience working effectively within a senior leadership team, collaborating closely with peer Vice Presidents while reporting to the President/CEO.
- Financial acumen and comfort overseeing budgets and resource allocation in a way that supports artistic ambition, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
- The ability to translate programmatic vision into fundable initiatives and communicate that vision clearly to colleagues, donors, and external partners as needed.
- A hands-on, collaborative leadership style, with a genuine commitment to staff development, cross-functional teamwork, and creating a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $90,000 - $140,000 Note: We expect new hires to be brought on at or around the midpoint of this range.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, retirement plan, paid time off, generous holidays, professional development, etc.
- Additional perks: Tickets to performances, remote flexibility, etc.
The Z is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving environment for all employees including, but not limited to, a culture of antiracism in which we build policies, procedures, and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ, in our seats and on our stage.