"This is a moment of extraordinary possibility for Irish arts and culture…"
President Bill Clinton

Careers / Internships

Join our vibrant, talented, and hardworking team for a meaningful career in the arts. We are a rapidly growing nonprofit organization with a passion for Irish art and culture, and are always looking for others who share that same passion. Irish Arts Center is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Irish Arts Center (IAC) offers internships in programming/production, development, and communications/marketing. The scope and schedule for internships is determined by the individual department. Internships usually coincide with the school season (fall, spring and summer) and typically last 3-5 months but can extend up to a year. We usually ask for a time commitment of 20 hours per week during regular business hours of 10am to 6pm.

IAC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or internships without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed (religion), color, sex (including gender expression), national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Associate Director of Development for Major Gifts

Job Summary: 

BACKGROUND AND LEADERSHIP 

Irish Arts Center (IAC), based in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, and renowned for presenting dynamic, inspiring, collaborative experiences of the evolving arts and culture of Ireland and Irish America in an environment of warm Irish hospitality, is seeking an Associate Director of Development for Major Gifts, to join the seven person development team, as the organization completes its third successful year of ambitious programming in a state-of-the-art new home. 

Founded in 1972, Irish Arts Center (IAC) is a national and international home for the presentation, development and support of work from artists and cultural practitioners, established and emerging, who work in Irish, Irish-American and other contexts, in traditional, contemporary, and modern disciplines. We seek to broaden the lens of Irish culture to include artistic work that might not traditionally be seen as “Irish,” but engages the relationship between Irish culture and other cultures represented in New York City and around the world. 

Irish Arts Center aims to provide cultural experiences for artists and audiences that are innovative, dynamic, meet the highest standards of excellence, and celebrate our common humanity, in an environment of warm and welcoming Irish hospitality. We seek to preserve and engage the evolving history and traditions of Ireland and Irish America, while actively embracing the modernity, dynamism, and diversity of the global Irish diaspora, and Ireland’s identity as a modern European country, placing Irishness in dialogue with the broader cultural ecology of New York City and beyond, as we seek to inspire, innovate, and entertain. As we have throughout our history, the Center also provides community education programs in Irish arts and culture and seeks to increase access to the arts for adults and children of all ages and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Having navigated the unimaginable challenges of COVID, Irish Arts Center opened a fully funded $60 million new building, a 21,700 square foot hub for the arts, in December 2021, the culmination of a more than a decade-long transformation into one of New York’s most beloved multidisciplinary cultural institutions. Designed by New York-based architects Davis Brody Bond (National September 11 Museum, The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center), with consultation and support from Ireland’s Office of Public Works, the new Irish Arts Center is an historic collaboration between the people of Ireland and New York, signifying a new era in the cultural life of the global Irish diaspora, and providing an important new canvas for the development and presentation of the performing arts in New York City.

Surrounding its opening, The New York Times called the new Irish Arts Center “a home as big as its aspirations…a major technological upgrade for the center.” American Theatre magazine lauded the Center’s “…bold, forward-looking vision, embodied in a space that marks a welcome addition to the New York cultural landscape.” Time Out New York wrote, “Now, with an extra 21,700 square feet just around the corner on 11th Avenue, Irish hospitality, culture and festivity can blossom.” The new Café at Irish Arts Center, with food and beverage service by Hell’s Kitchen wine bar Ardesia, provides a constant sense of warmth and community. As Time Out New York described, “It's so welcoming that you may want to sit for a couple of hours, but that's the point.” The Center is led by Aidan Connolly, Executive Director since 2007, and a senior team that includes Pauline Turley, Vice Chair; Rachael Gilkey, Director of Programming; Barry Ó Séanáin, Director of Development; Vivian Fong, Director of Communications and Marketing; and Jon Harper, Chief Operating Officer. The Associate Director of Development for Major Gifts will join the development team, reporting to Director of Development, and working in partnership with the Executive Director, Vice Chair, and Director of Development as a team of active lead fundraisers to achieve significant contributed revenue growth for the organization, commensurate with the high standards of our programming and the overall Irish Arts Center experience. 

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

As the Irish Arts Center has experienced significant growth in recent years, new opportunities and challenges have arisen for the organization. These include:

Opportunities 

  • Converting audiences developed over the last three years (numbering more than 44,000) into funders. 
  • Leveraging our track record of successful programming across the disciplines of theatrical performance, dance, live music, as well as visual arts, film, literature and humanities, to develop and cultivate new supporters.
  • Leveraging a growing media profile (with more than 14 reviews or features in the New York Times) to attract new donors, and increase funding levels among existing donors. 
  • Utilizing IAC facilities and reputation for warm Irish hospitality to deepen relationships among new and existing donors.
  • Capitalize on significant public sector funding for the Second Phase of capital campaign to generate additional gifts for the Growth and Sustainability and Endowment campaigns.

Challenges 

  • Ensuring programming sustains quality and continues to excite and inspire a breadth of audiences and supporters.
  • Increasing the velocity of fundraising activity to identify and cultivate new supporters and significantly expand pipelines for less mature contributed revenue lines.
  • Executing with efficiency and strategic focus. 
  • Achieving significant revenue growth while ensuring work-life balance for employees.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions: 

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Associate Director of Development will join the development team, reporting to the Director of Development, and working in partnership with the Executive Director, Vice Chair, and Director of Development as a team of active lead fundraisers to achieve significant contributed revenue growth for the organization, commensurate with the high standards of our programming and the overall Irish Arts Center experience. 

This individual will take a primary role in growing IAC’s funding base at the $2,500 to $10,000 level, with a focus on building out our Claddagh Circle program, while also expanding the pipelines for other contributed revenue lines, including special events.

Essential responsibilities include:

  • Working in partnership with the Director of Development to develop and execute systems to increase the volume of fundraising activity to convert prospects into supporters, with a focus on increasing the pipeline of new donors from $2,500 to $10,000.
  • Conduct direct email and phone contacts to ensure repeat attendance at performances and cultivation events.
  • Solicit meetings, phone, and video calls.
  • Develop and execute meet and greets to build prospect base through networking.
  • Expand our cohort of volunteer fundraising and networkers to expand the base of support
  • Meet KPI’s to achieve increased pipeline growth across key contributed revenue lines at the $2,500 to $10,000 level.
  • Serve as strategic partner as part of the fundraising leadership team on annual fund planning and to ensure efficient, successful execution of IAC priorities.

Qualifications, Special Attributes and Qualities 
Ideally, the successful candidate will possess these skills and experience:

  • Five (5) years of active fundraising experience, ideally in an arts organization, with demonstrated record of results.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to remain focused on essential goals.
  • Willingness to be held accountable for results.
  • Strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills; willingness to share ideas and support colleagues toward shared success.
  • Entrepreneurial in spirit with demonstrated interest and ability to find innovative ways to achieve efficient, transparent operations that fortify growth potential.
  • A collaborative nature, secure in the ability to successfully coalesce strong personalities and opinions.
  • Sales-driven orientation with strong attention to detail. 
  • A passion for the mission and goals of Irish Arts Center. 
  • Experience in the not-for-profit arts sector is preferred. 
  • An understanding of working within a lean, fast-paced, multi-tasking cultural environment.

The following personal attributes are also desirable: 

  • High emotional intelligence, focused prioritization, results orientation, and an ability to build relationships of trust. 
  • A fierce commitment to excellence and an ethic of personal responsibility. 
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented professional with a passion for efficiency, execution and follow-through.
  • Discipline, rigor, and a determined work ethic. 
  • A sense of humor, someone who can laugh at their own foibles.

As IAC is committed to representing diverse identities in its artistic programming, so too is the organization committed to diverse representations in the administrative team. Irish Arts Center is an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed (religion), color, sex (including gender expression), national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Factors: 

Working Requirements (Travel Requirements, Overtime, Shifts, On-Call, etc.): 

  • This is an in-person and hybrid position, requiring on-site attendance at least three days per week.

Compensation and Start Date 

The salary range for the Associate Director of Development is $95,000 – 105,000 commensurate with experience and includes a full benefits package, including four weeks paid vacation, a high-quality health insurance plan (with 100% employer-paid premiums), 403b retirement investment plan, and commuter benefits. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 10th, however, we encourage interested applicants to submit their materials as early as they wish. 

This is a full-time, exempt position requiring on-site attendance at least three days per week. Some evening and weekend work is required. Irish Arts Center currently provides a monthly commuting credit for full-time employees who are either required to or who elect to work on-site at least three days per week as a general rule. Remote work policy in general and the hybridity status of all roles is subject to business and organizational needs and may change at any time at the discretion of management, with input from relevant staff and supervisors. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

About Irish Arts Center: 

Irish Arts Center (IAC) is a national and international home for artists and audiences of all backgrounds. Based in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, Irish Arts Center presents, develops, supports, and promotes work from established and emerging artists, providing cultural experiences that are innovative, collaborative, diverse, authentic, and emotionally and intellectually transporting, meet the highest standards of excellence, and celebrate our common humanity in an environment of Irish hospitality. Founded in 1972, throughout our history the Center has also provided community education programs and access to the arts for adults and children of all ages and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Irish Arts Center recently completed construction of a $60 million landmark new permanent home, including a state-of-the-art flexible performance and arts space for the presentation and development of work across a range of disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, literature and the humanities; classrooms and studio spaces for education programs, development, and collaboration; technology to stream and distribute content on the digital platform; and an avenue-facing lobby café that is a hub for hospitality and interaction between artists and audiences. As part of a second phase, IAC will renovate its adjacent existing 51st Street building to provide a second, intimate performance space—the historic Irish Arts Center theatre—optimized for the most intimate live music and conversation, recordings, podcasts, master classes and special events, and a courtyard entrance on 51st Street where the historic Irish Arts Center and the new building meet. 

As IAC is committed to representing diverse identities in our artistic programming, so too are we committed to diverse representations in our administrative team. Irish Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed (religion), color, sex (including gender expression), national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply:

Please send applications with a cover letter and resume in a single PDF to applications@irishartscenter.org with your last name and “Associate Director of Development” in the subject line (e.g., “Doe, Associate Director of Development”). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a closing date of September 10th. No calls, please.



Stage Supervisor

Job Summary: 

Irish Arts Center is seeking a Stage Supervisor to join its production team. The Stage Supervisor will collaborate closely with the Director of Production and Production Manager to oversee load-ins, technical rehearsals, performance runs, and general theatre operations. This role will be the main liaison between house scenic crews and incoming technical directors/carpenters and will assist in scenic builds when applicable. This position requires a deep comprehension of theatrical production procedures, encompassing both produced and presented works. Exceptional organizational skills and a collaborative approach are essential for working effectively with both local and international teams. 

Start Date: October 1st, 2024.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions: 

  • Work with the Director of Production and Production Manager in running stage crews during load-ins, ensuring efficient and timely completion of set construction, lighting, sound, and prop setup. 
  • Work with the Director of Programming, and the programming team, as well as incoming shows, artistic, and production team as needed to facilitate a production or event. 
  • Act as an on-site production staff member during shows, providing support to the Stage Manager and technicians in addressing any issues or needs that arise. 
  • Maintain a safe working environment for artists, staff, crew, and audience members, adhering to health and safety regulations and best practices. 
  • Implement and maintain tool and hardware organization and inventory. 
  • Collaborate closely with the production team to ensure effective communication and smooth execution of technical elements. 
  • In consultation with show-specific technical directors, perform preventative basic carpentry maintenance, repairs, and paint touch-up notes on all scenic elements of a production during the run. 
  • Ensure on-site production storage spaces are organized. 
  • Troubleshoot technical problems and provide creative solutions in a fast-paced production environment. 
  • Assist in the supervision and training of stage crew members, promoting a positive and productive work environment. 
  • Attendance at a full run-through, technical rehearsals, performances, and other designated meetings or events is necessary. Attendance at rehearsals and production meetings as needed in conjunction with the Director of Production.

Experience and Education: 

  • 2-5 years Previous experience as a Stage Supervisor or in a similar technical production role in a theatre setting. 
  • Strong skills in scenic carpentry construction techniques and materials (wood). 
  • Familiarity with basic theatre rigging techniques and practices. 
  • The ideal candidate would have their E27 pyrotechnic apprentice license. If the candidate does not have this license, they will need to be able to get this license with help and cost coverage from Irish Arts Center within one year (subject to the availability of training sessions). For more information and requirements for the E27 please check FDNY - https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/... 
  • Scheduling flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays determined by the production and performance schedule and other company needs. 
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. 
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures related to theatrical productions. 
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by production schedules. 
  • BA, BFA, or equivalent professional work experience in production · Ability to lift 50 pounds. Ability to sit, stand kneel, climb and bend. Comfortable working on personnel lifts, ladders, scaffolding, and wire tension grids. Ability to work at heights up to 40’. Ability to work in low light conditions. 
  • Computer literate and functional competencies with Mac OS, MS Windows, MS Office, Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD, Lightwright, Qlab, ETC Eos.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary $65k. Benefits include employer-provided medical/dental/vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays, four weeks paid vacation, and commuter benefits.

Working Requirements (Travel Requirements, Overtime, Shifts, On-Call, etc.):

Applicants should be willing to work evenings/weekends as required for performances and special events. 

This is an in-person position. Under certain circumstances, at the discretion of management, remote work may be possible. 

Irish Arts Center currently provides a monthly commuting credit for full-time employees who are either required to, or who elect to work on-site at least three days per week as a general rule. 

Remote work policy in general and the hybridity status of all roles are subject to business and organizational needs and may change at any time at the discretion of management, with input from relevant staff and supervisors. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

About Irish Arts Center: 

Irish Arts Center (IAC) is a national and international home for artists and audiences of all backgrounds. Based in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, Irish Arts Center presents, develops, supports, and promotes work from established and emerging artists, providing cultural experiences that are innovative, collaborative, diverse, authentic, and emotionally and intellectually transporting, meet the highest standards of excellence, and celebrate our common humanity in an environment of Irish hospitality. Founded in 1972, throughout our history the Center has also provided community education programs and access to the arts for adults and children of all ages and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Irish Arts Center recently completed construction of a $60 million landmark new permanent home, including a state-of-the-art flexible performance and arts space for the presentation and development of work across a range of disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, literature and the humanities; classrooms and studio spaces for education programs, development, and collaboration; technology to stream and distribute content on the digital platform; and an avenue-facing lobby café that is a hub for hospitality and interaction between artists and audiences. As part of a second phase, IAC will renovate its adjacent existing 51st Street building to provide a second, intimate performance space—the historic Irish Arts Center theatre—optimized for the most intimate live music and conversation, recordings, podcasts, master classes and special events, and a courtyard entrance on 51st Street where the historic Irish Arts Center and the new building meet. 

As IAC is committed to representing diverse identities in our artistic programming, so too are we committed to diverse representations in our administrative team. Irish Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed (religion), color, sex (including gender expression), national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply:

Please send applications with a cover letter and resume in a single PDF to applications@irishartscenter.org with your last name and “Stage Supervisor” in the subject line (e.g., “Doe, Stage Supervisor”). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a closing date of July 29th. No calls, please.

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