Examples of theatre companies who have found ways to highlight the importance of diversity in their searches, by highlighting cultural competency, using diversity as a frame of reference, and focusing on inclusive values. We hope these examples will help you craft more inclusive job descriptions in the future.

Sample Job Description #1 – Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Camps and Community Programs Manager
This example job description highlights and elevates diversity and inclusion in places, going beyond the typical diversity statement often included at the end of a job listing. 

Sample Job Description #2 – NC Theatre Director of Marketing and Communications
This example job description frames the position and job responsibilities through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Sample Job Description #3 – Oregon Shakespeare Festival Director of Individual Giving
This job description focuses on organizational values, one of which is inclusion and a commitment to diversity.

Examples of diversity statements taken from theatre company job listings that go beyond that standard “Everyone is welcome to apply.” Potential job applicants will look for diversity statements that seem to speak to them and reflect their values, so a strong statement is important for attracting applicants from underrepresented groups.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Woolly complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Woolly Mammoth seeks a broad spectrum of employees and is strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, and people of color – as well as members of underrepresented groups – to apply.

Cleveland Play House is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, marital or familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. CPH is on a journey to become an anti-racist theatre that actively promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Children’s Theatre Company is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities.

Center Of Creative Arts is committed to actively and intentionally operating as an anti-bias, anti-racist institution. As such, we promote policies, practices, and programs that create courageous spaces for our COCA community to dialogue toward understanding. We know art is a powerful instrument for social justice. It is a means for people to share history, culture, and perspectives, celebrate differences, challenge assumptions, and find common ground. We aim to be a home to people from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, national or ethnic origin, citizen status, veteran status, ancestry, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination. COCA is dedicated to advancing anti-bias, anti-racism work as we grow. As a learning institution, we understand that this work is an iterative journey. We will continue to evolve our strategies in collaboration with our communities in order to remain relevant and impactful.

Places to advertise your open positions:

• • TCG ArtsSearch ($70 for TCG members, $90+ for nonmembers)
  • NCTC (free for NCTC members, $75 for nonmembers)
  • ArtsNC (free for ArtsNC members, $100 for nonmembers)
  • Local arts councils
  • Local nonprofit consortiums

We also recommend building a list of the following sources you can personally reach out to when you have an opening:

• • University alumni groups, including NC’s 10 HBCUs – program administrators can usually forward a job listing to a listserv
  • University professors who can forward job listings to alumni and current students
  • Professional organizations
  • Multicultural organizations

Positive Industry Trend: Listing Salary Ranges
NCTC and many other job listing boards now require organizations to list the salary range or starting salary to advertise open positions. When employers are transparent about salary ranges, it allows the field to take steps towards the elimination of wage gaps for BIPOC and women theatre workers. If you’d like to read more about this trend, this 2019 NY Times article from Kristin Wong links to various good sources including studies, and this 2015 article from Vu Le on Nonprofit AF covers it well. 

Examples of hiring rubrics that can help eliminate unconscious bias during interviews.

The Management Center Hiring Rubric Starter Kit

UNC Charlotte ADVANCE diversity hiring resources (includes multiple rubric examples)

Using a Hiring Rubric from Helbling & Associates (blog post with examples)

Questions you can ask about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion during a job interview:

• • [Our organization] is committed to building a culturally diverse environment. How would you further this goal?
  • How do you think diversity relates specifically to this job, and how would you incorporate diversity into your day to day work?
  • What do you see as the most challenging aspect of increasing diversity in theatre? Follow up: What initiatives have you taken in previous roles to help meet such challenges?