Special Projects Manager

Job Summary

The Count Basie Center for the Arts, in the ever-growing and beautiful downtown Red Bank, New Jersey, is seeking a Special Projects Manager that will play a key role in supporting the mission by planning, managing, and executing special projects that drive organizational impact. This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications/Content Strategy and works closely with executive leadership to ensure projects align with strategic goals and are completed efficiently. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with a passion for nonprofit work and community engagement.

Organizational Background

Founded in 1926, The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, with a mission to Inspire, Educate and Entertain through its variety of live events, opportunities in arts education and community engagement. Every year, tens of thousands of students and more than a quarter million eventgoers experience Count Basie Center programming.

Over the last decade, the Basie Center organization has grown to include two performances spaces (the historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre and The Vogel), Basie Center Cinemas, community theatre company Phoenix Productions, and the Grunin Arts & Education Building, home to all Turner Academy of the Arts programming, including the Count Basie Center Conservatory of Music.

The Count Basie Center embraces and amplifies positive change through diversity and inclusion — from our offerings onstage, to our work in the community and our efforts to recruit the best possible workforce for our nonprofit organization.

Key responsibilities:

Project Management & Coordination:

• Produce programs and projects that benefit the organization, its Centennial celebration and the community.
• Plan and oversee special projects, ensuring alignment with the Basie Center’s mission and strategic initiatives.
• Develop project timelines, track milestones, and manage deliverables to ensure timely completion.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, volunteers, and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Partner with existing vendors and source potential new vendors to support programs and special events.
• Identify potential risks and challenges, providing solutions to ensure project success.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement:

• Work with community partners, funders, donors, and government agencies to support collaborative initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between departments, ensuring clear communication and cooperation on projects.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and special events related to projects.
• Work with the development team to coordinate special initiatives that support fundraising efforts.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of project activities, establish and monitor project budgets.
• Prepare project reports, presentations, and impact assessments for leadership and stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Strategic Support:

• Identify opportunities for improving internal processes and increasing organizational efficiency.
• Assist in developing new initiatives and programs that support the Basie Center’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3 years in project coordination, nonprofit administration, or a similar role.
• Experience at a performing arts producing or presenting venue with event producing or event management preferred.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management tools
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience coordinating events, volunteers, or community programs.
• Evening or weekend work may be required for events and community programs.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, site visits, or outreach activities.

This is a full-time, exempt position and eligible for The Basie’s competitive benefits package that includes paid time off (personal, sick and vacation), insurance (health, dental, vision, life, long and short-term disability) and a 401(k)-retirement plan including company match. This position operates on a hybrid schedule that allows for remote work 2 days a week. The annual salary range is $60,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates should apply on The Basie website at https://thebasie.org/jobs/. No phone calls please.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Administrative: 2 years (Preferred)
• Project coordination: 3 years (Required)
• Working at a Performing Arts Venue: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Red Bank, NJ 07701 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Red Bank, NJ 07701

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000