Associate Programmer, Music

The Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action.

Job Description:

Position Title: Associate Programmer, Music 

Position Type: Full-Time 

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Momentary

Department: Music

Reports to: Programmer, Music

Compensation Range: $48,399 - $62,189

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

The Associate Programmer, Music is an integral member of the Crystal Bridges and Momentary Music team who support the creative and logistical execution of music programming across Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. This role works closely with other members of the Music team to help research, plan, and produce a wide range of concerts, festivals, residencies, and other programs.

This is a hands-on position for someone passionate about live music and innovative programming. A strong interest in and experience with concert programming is required. The ideal candidate will have exceptional organizational and communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and a drive to perform independently as well as within a team structure.

The Associate Programmer, Music regularly performs administrative tasks that are complex in nature and require considerable confidentiality. Any candidate must show consistent professionalism and exceptional levels of discretion. The ideal candidate will also be approachable, proactive, and able to organize and balance multiple tasks. Regularly, this role will require working across overlapping timelines and ensuring all external and inter-departmental communications are clear, timely, and documented. 

Reporting to and working with the Programmer, Music, the Associate Programmer, Music will assist in budgeting, contracting, and reporting on the year’s music season. They will work closely with the other members of the broader team including Production, Operations, Guest Services, Brand Strategy and Communications, Special Events and other colleagues within Crystal Bridges and the Momentary to present inclusive, high-quality, and profitable music experiences that connect with a broad audience base.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Actively developing content for the ongoing program of concerts, performances, festivals, artist residencies, and special projects, both independently and in support of the Programmer, Music. 
  • Supporting the Programmer, Music in maintaining program calendars, artist communications, and internal planning documents.
  • Conducting research on artists, audience trends, and the regional music scene to inform programmatic decision-making.

• Building and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with artists, agents, and community partners.
• Leading or supporting negotiations with agents and artist representatives to secure talent at rates that align with the organization’s budget and goals.
• Reviewing and interpreting artist contracts and deal memos to ensure terms accurately reflect negotiated offers.

Assisting with the development and oversight of the Music team’s operational budgets at both Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Answering inquiries in a prompt, professional manner.
  • Ensuring all inter-departmental communications are clear, timely, helpful, and documented.
  • Occasionally presenting at staff meetings to brief staff and volunteers on program details.
• Providing suggestions to improve processes.
• Keeping supervisor informed as to any issues or changes in pro