Assistant to the Artistic Director

DEPARTMENT: Artistic

REPORTS TO: Artistic Director

LOCATION: Onsite in La Jolla, CA on the beautiful UC San Diego Campus

STATUS: Full-time, non exempt (hourly); full benefits

COMPENSATION: $25-$29 per hour

SCHEDULE: Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:30pm (flexible); occasional evenings/weekends

MATERIALS REQUIRED: Cover letter and resume

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Assistant to the Artistic Director provides essential administrative and logistical support that helps keep the Artistic Office running smoothly. This role centers on coordination, organization, communication, and ensuring the Artistic Director has the day to day support needed to focus on artistic priorities. If you enjoy fast paced environments, supporting creative teams, and keeping details in order, this role is a great fit.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Provide calendar support, including scheduling meetings and assisting with calendar updates for the Artistic Director.
• Prepare and format meeting materials, including agendas, briefs, and taking/distributing notes as needed.
• Assist with drafting and proofreading emails and documents with accuracy and professionalism.
• Support digital file organization across the Artistic Department using established systems.
• Monitor incoming messages and requests, escalating timesensitive matters as appropriate.
• Serve as a welcoming point of contact for artists, staff, and visitors, directing inquiries and ensuring prompt follow up.
• Assist with booking travel, processing reimbursements, and tracking receipts and credit card statements.
• Provide logistical support for Artistic Department meetings and small events (gathering materials, printing, signage, hospitality setup).
• Coordinate Artistic Director’s presence at rehearsals, tech, opening nights, and community events; arrange hospitality and seating for visiting artists and VIPs in collaboration with Patron Services/Ticketing.
• Attend select internal events or rehearsals when administrative support is needed.
• Assist with basic departmental research, such as gathering information on local arts events or artists.
• Support general office operations by helping with supplies, printing, meeting room setup, and other routine tasks.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• 35 years of administrative, office coordination, or customer service experience; arts/nonprofit experience a plus.
• Experience coordinating meetings and events with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience preparing travel arrangements and processing expense reports.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple tasks with accuracy.
• Strong communication skills, including clear email writing and comfort interacting with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated professionalism and sound judgment in handling confidential matters.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), Teams, Zoom, and collaborative tools like SharePoint, OneDrive, or similar platforms.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and provide welcoming, friendly service to artists and visitors.
• A calm, flexible approach to shifting priorities in a dynamic arts environment.
• Enthusiasm for theater, the arts, and mission driven work.
• Experience with Tessitura is welcome but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The role works across office, rehearsal, and theater spaces and requires comfort navigating a busy arts environment with shifting activity levels. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be needed to support productions or events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position involves standard administrative tasks (computer work, note taking, moving between spaces) and occasional lifting of materials up to 20 lbs. Some activities may require standing or walking during busy periods or events.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Health and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, and more)
• Complimentary tickets to Playhouse performances
• A collaborative, mission driven team

About La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Artistic Director Jessica Stone and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 37 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. EOE