BE PART OF THE BLACKROCK BUZZ.
At BlackRock Center, we are building an accessible and inclusive community where creative expression, cultural exchange, and a sense of belonging can flourish. We celebrate the diverse voices of Upper Montgomery County, Germantown, and surrounding areas through the arts, fostering artistic growth and cultural understanding. Our mission is to nurture artistic, cultural, and educational experiences that uplift historically excluded communities and dismantle systemic barriers.
We are committed to four core values:
TRUST – We build and maintain accountability to our community, valuing open, honest relationships.
EQUITY – We strive to make art accessible to all, prioritizing populations who have been systemically oppressed.
CURIOUSITY – We embrace learning and creative exploration, constantly evolving through the process.
COMMUNITY – We believe in the power of intentional, inclusive engagement to uplift individuals and transform society.
Our Statement of Equity affirms our dedication to confronting and addressing the exclusionary practices that have long permeated arts and culture, from systemic biases to inequitable access to resources. We are actively working to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background, can engage with and contribute to the world of art.
Join us in creating a space where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and belong.
OPEN POSITIONS
BACK OF HOUSE
Technical Director (Full-time)
The Technical Director (TD) plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and professional technical operation of all performances, special events, exhibitions, and rentals at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Working closely with the Artistic Director and Director of Operations, the Technical Director oversees the maintenance, setup, and execution of lighting, sound, rigging, and video systems across all performance, event, and gallery spaces. This position is ideal for an experienced hands-on technical professional who is organized, collaborative, and passionate about creating high-quality experiences for artists, audiences, and community partners. Evening and weekend work is required and regular. The ideal candidate is passionate about BlackRock’s mission to bring performing and visual arts experiences to diverse audiences and is dedicated to fostering accessible and inclusive opportunities for community engagement through the arts. Key Responsibilities: - Develop Insight into the challenges and opportunities facing diverse communities, particularly in the arts and cultural sectors. - Understand and respect cultural differences while working with all stakeholders. - Foster relationships with community partners. - Serve as technical leadership throughout the program development process (preparation, staging, execution, and strike of all technical elements) for internal and external events. - Ensure program implementation is held to high artistic and safety standards in collaboration with BlackRock’s core leadership team. - Serve as the on-site technical lead for performances, community events, and external rentals. - Schedule, train, and supervise production staff, crew, and over-hire technicians, ensuring adequate staffing for all events. - Train staff in technical procedures, safety standards, and proper equipment use and storage. - Oversee maintenance and inventory of all sound, theatrical, A/V, lighting and rigging equipment. - Identify equipment needs and recommend purchases or services to maintain high technical standards. Track and document repairs, upgrades, and replacements. - Serve as the technical liaison for visiting performers, presenting partners, and rental clients to ensure clear communication and smooth event execution. - Coordinate and schedule use of house equipment; arrange for outside equipment rentals when necessary. - Maintain accurate technical drawings, paperwork, and event documentation. - Develop and maintain budget for the department. - Collaborate with Operations for capital planning and projects. Who You Are: At BlackRock Center, we strive to create a welcoming workplace that inspires curiosity. An ideal individual lives BlackRock’s values daily: care deeply, trust the process, and embrace equity and inclusivity in every interaction. - Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre, production management, or equivalent professional experience - 4+ years of experience in technical direction, production management, or venue operation, preferably in a performing arts center, non-profit arts organization, educational theater setting, or similar venue - Proficiency with stage lighting systems (ETC preferred), audio systems (analog and digital), and video/projection equipment - Familiarity with rigging systems, safety standards, and general stagecraft practices - Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills - Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends We are challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We believe in an employee experience that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose. Compensation and Benefits The Technical Director is a regular full-time exempt position. - The pay range is $55,000 - We offer Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance-BlackRock pays 50% of the employee’s premium. We also provide up to $1200 towards deductibles and co-pay annually. - This position earns vacation pay at 120 hours per year (3 weeks) - 12 paid holidays - Flexible hours - All employees are covered by Maryland’s Sick and Safe Leave Policy. Staff also have access to the Maryland Saves retirement savings program as well as free and discounted tickets and classes.
FRONT OF HOUSE
Bartender (Part-time)
We are seeking friendly and experienced bartenders to provide exceptional and safe service for patrons. Key Responsibilities: = Mix and responsibly serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for patrons. - Communicate with guests using clear words, tone and body language. - Work as part of a team with all BlackRock staff to maintain excellent service in a positive environment. - Set up and breakdown stations, ring drink orders immediately, collect money, and make change as necessary, all while abiding by BlackRock Center cash handling policies. - Ensure bar area/concessions is open and closed cleanly and safely; securely lock any liquor cabinets when not in use. Who You Are: At BlackRock Center, we strive to create a welcoming workplace that inspires curiosity. An ideal individual lives BlackRock’s values daily: care deeply, trust the process, and embrace equity and inclusivity in every interaction. The ideal candidate is reliable, personable, and thrives in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and a commitment to hospitality. Candidates should be organized and capable of thinking quickly and effectively while maintaining composure in a fast-paced environment. They should take pride in their personal appearance and demonstrate a commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for every guest. - Be of legal age to serve liquor according to Maryland state law - Basic mathematical skills, including money handling, and giving correct change - Basic reading and computer skills - Knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits, and be familiar with standard drink recipes. Basic mixology a plus. - Excellent communication and organizational skills - Understanding of workplace safety procedures - Must have a current alcohol awareness certification. We are challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We believe in an employee experience that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose. Compensation and Benefits - Bartender is a casual part-time position, up to 20 hours per week. - The pay range is $16 - $20 per hour depending on experience. - All employees are covered by Maryland’s Sick and Safe Leave Policy. Staff also have access to the Maryland Saves retirement savings program as well as free and discounted tickets and classes.
EDUCATION
Teaching Artist (Independent Contractor, Hours Vary)
BlackRock is currently seeking talented & motivated individuals for our seasonal classes, grant funded Outreach Programs, special events, camps, and field trips that have teaching experience in any of the following disciplines: visual arts, music, theatre and/or dance. This part time role offers the opportunity to teach grant funded after school or camp day programs in BlackRock or at partner schools as well as seasonal classes, workshops, field trips and special events as needed at the center. This position serves as an independent contract role for BlackRock Center for the Arts. The teaching artist will develop programming that will engage youth and inspire love and appreciation for the arts. • Plan weekly lessons aligned with programming in their discipline including age appropriate developmental and pedagogical practice. • Introduce students to various techniques based on a theme or planned topic. • Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that values each student's unique artistic abilities and ideas and provide constructive feedback and support to students as they explore and develop their artistic skills. • Consistently collaborate with BlackRock leadership and staff, including staff meetings as necessary. • Adhere to BlackRock policies to ensure consistency and quality of programming. • Travel to partnering schools at scheduled time. The Teaching Artist will implement safety protocols. • Will be knowledgeable of and adhere to all safety protocols. • Will be responsible for ensuring that students follow safety protocols. The Teaching Artist will Communicate with students' parents/guardians as well as with BlackRock Staff. • Communicate as necessary to student families • Demonstrate outstanding communication skills, using clear, concise, and professional language when interacting with others. The Teaching Artist will foster an environment of excellence and inclusion in a safe “arts-for-all" environment. • Participate as a member of the BlackRock community and will use their presence to engage the student families, staff, and community at large. • Will embrace teaching in a way that aligns to the BlackRock vision and mission. The Teaching Artist also will: • Adhere to budget allocation for demonstrations, class needs and tech. • Work closely with and understand facilities and proper usage and guidelines for instructional use. • Implement prepared lessons with fidelity. • Encourage and support vulnerability that accompanies trying something new. • Observe the peer culture to diagnose problems and implement solutions as necessary. • Follow procedures for handling all difficulties related to health, behavior, and other problems and report incidents. • Monitor and ensure appropriate student behavior and adherence to BlackRock guidelines and policies. • Handle emergency situations in conjunction with facilities, Patron Services, and the Director of Education by documented incident reporting. • Assess the overall program to see if there are any changes that need to be made for optimum functioning. • Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor's degree in an arts related field, or related certifications is strongly preferred • Previous experience planning, implementing, and providing arts instruction. • Familiarity with and deep knowledge of artistic techniques. • Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and time management skills. • Ability to work independently and in teams. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Agility to make modifications to adapt in changing work environment. Compensation and Benefits The salary for this position starts at $20 - $25 per hour for camps, and $20 - $60 per hour for seasonal classes, special events, Outreach, and field trips based on experience, credentials, programming and grant funding, etc. Hours are dependent on grant requirements, scheduling, etc.
HOW TO APPLY
To submit your application, email jobs@blackrockcenter.org with the following:
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Job Title as Subject Line
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Cover Letter
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Three References, including email and telephone contact information
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Attached Resume (.PDF or .DOC)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Blackrock Center for the Arts has an institutional commitment to the principle of diversity. In that spirit, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.