Artistic Director, Portland Revels

Portland Revels is embarking on an exciting new chapter and is seeking a visionary Artistic Director to lead us forward!

Since 1994, Portland Revels has celebrated the seasons and our shared humanity through song, dance, story, and ritual — creating community across generations and cultures. As we look to the future, we are excited to invite applications from dynamic, collaborative artistic leaders who are passionate about honoring traditions while inspiring new ones.

The Artistic Director is a co-equal leader alongside our Executive Director, working together to shape the artistic vision, programming, and community engagement of Portland Revels. We are committed to building a season of performances that reflect the richness of global traditions and the vibrancy of our diverse Portland community.

Key qualities we seek include:

A passion for music, story, ritual, and celebration across cultures and histories
A commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for performers and audiences
Experience leading multidisciplinary productions with both community and professional artists
Collaborative community leadership
Experience in financial management and budget development
The Artistic Director of Portland Revels is a collaborative leader, creative guide, and cultural steward who shapes the organization’s seasonal artistic programming and vision. Working in partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, production staff, and community members, the Artistic Director curates performances and rituals that honor cultural traditions, invites joyful participation, and builds lasting, intergenerational community.

This role requires a strong collaborative spirit and a passion for storytelling through music, dance, and seasonal celebration. This leader will have an understanding of the deep traditions of the Revels while forging new traditions that represent the organization’s present values.

Unlike many theater companies, Portland Revels engages a mix of professional and volunteer artists and centers community as an integral part of its productions. The Artistic Director is a co-equal leader alongside the Executive Director, and reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities include:

Artistic Leadership

Design and oversee the Portland Revels season, including Midwinter Revels, Spring Revels, Children’s Revels, pub sings, and other programming and events.
Research, audition/interview, and hire all artistic and production personnel.
Direct one or more Revels productions each season.
Oversee and manage the artistic team including the Music Director, Children’s Director, Production Manager, and other collaborators.
Ensure cultural authenticity and respectful storytelling across all programming.
Balance creative innovation with the legacy and format of the Revels tradition.
Set and uphold high artistic standards for all Portland Revels productions.
Community & Collaboration

Foster an inclusive, collaborative creative process with staff, volunteers, and community performers.
Build and sustain relationships with chorus members, musicians, and tradition-bearers.
Engage with Portland Revels’ intergenerational, culturally diverse community as a listener and participant.
Represent the organization publicly, both locally and nationally, as an artistic ambassador.
Strategic Planning & Evaluation

Set artistic goals in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Participate in strategic planning processes and long-range organizational visioning.
Establish and assess benchmarks for artistic quality, cultural inclusion, and audience engagement.
Production & Operations

Produce or line-produce all productions in partnership with production staff.
Create and manage production schedules and timelines.
Negotiate and execute contracts for artistic and production personnel and performance venues.
Develop and manage artistic and production budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director.
Development & Communications

Collaborate with development staff and Executive Director on fundraising, donor engagement, and grant writing by articulating the artistic vision.
Support marketing and promotional efforts by providing artistic insight and review of content.
Communicate the artistic mission clearly and authentically across public platforms.
Board Relations

Attend Board and committee meetings as needed.
Prepare reports and updates for the Board of Directors.
Participate in Board-led planning and policy discussions relevant to programming and mission alignment.
Compensation/Benefits

$60,000 per year
$6,000 in annual health insurance stipend
20 days PTO
12 Federal Holidays, including 2 floating holidays
To apply, please submit the following to jobs@portlandrevels.org with “Artistic Director Application” in the subject line:

Resume or CV
Cover letter outlining why you’re interested in this role and your relevant experience working in a collaborative community.
Submit the above materials by end of business on August 5, 2025.
Search timeline:

Applications open: July 8, 2025
Deadline to apply: August 5, 2025
Part-time contractor shadowing begins November 1, 2025
Full-time Artistic Director appointment begins January 1, 2026