Executive Director, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

APPLICATION DEADLINE
November 13, 2026, for Best Consideration
POSITION
Staff Regular
SALARY RANGE
$235,000-$275,000
The Clarice Overview The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (The Clarice) at the University of Maryland (UMD) is part of the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) and is the academic and artistic home of the School of Music (SOM);
the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS);
the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library (MSPAL);
and The Clarice’s own artistic platform Clarice Presents (CP). At the time of its construction, the 318,000-square-foot facility on 17 acres of land was the largest construction project undertaken by the State of Maryland, and remains one of the most complex projects in recent Maryland state history.
The Clarice opened in 2001 and is named in honor of visual artist and philanthropist Clarice Smith (1933-2021). From its founding, The Clarice was conceived as a “creative village” that brought a robust series of outside artists and performers to campus, supported the academic and performance programs of SOM and TDPS and collaborations with MSPAL, and built bridges between UMD and its surrounding community. The Clarice, through its dynamic outreach programs, manifested UMD’s commitment to meaningfully contribute to those communities through the arts and the encouragement of cultural citizenship. The Clarice continues to strengthen its role as the central home for performing arts at UMD, supporting the academic and performance needs of SOM and TDPS, ensuring the excellence and social relevance of all of its programs, and enhancing its leadership position in the field despite the political and financial headwinds for the arts in this country.
The Clarice hosts more than 1,000 public performances and events each year, the majority featuring the artistry of SOM and TDPS students and faculty. The Clarice’s artistic platform, Clarice Presents (CP), offers uniquely integrated performances, digital, civic and community engagement programming. MSPAL, often in partnership with CP and M‐NCPPC, also presents events at The Clarice. All presentations and events are supported by the administrative, production management, and technical staff of The Clarice.
Professional staff across artistic planning, operations, and finance report to the Executive Director, who works in close collaboration with College senior leadership, academic partners, and marketing, communication, and development staff.
Position Summary/Purpose Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, the Executive Director is ultimately responsible for the management of The Clarice’s staff, operations, facilities, budget, and fundraising. In these roles, the position balances educational, public, and financial priorities to ensure that operations and programming simultaneously enhance The Clarice’s stature as a national leader among performing arts presenters and contribute meaningfully to the resident academic units’ missions;
reflect the values of collaboration, belonging, and community;
and align with the goals of the college and institution. In collaboration with the Directors of the resident academic units, the position is responsible for the Clarice’s artistic programming and works to ensure that this programming and other initiatives respond to curricular needs. The Executive Director works alongside Directors of the School of Music;
the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies;
and the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, as well as the Executive Director of Arts for All to develop and refine a strategic and innovative vision that enhances the curricular experience for faculty and students, engages the campus, connects with the community, and further enhances the reputation of the University of Maryland. The Executive Director should bring significant knowledge of the changing performing arts landscape and a fierce dedication to collaborative leadership models. The Executive Director meets monthly with the Dean and annually with the Provost and Dean to ensure that the performing arts have a campus and community-wide agenda and impact. For more detailed information about The Clarice please visit this website.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or University.
Experience: Twelve (12) years of professional experience, including at least six (6) years supervising or managing professional staff.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to make sound decisions, solve complex problems, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and best practices.
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