Literary, Talks & Podcast Talent Buyer
Full-Time | Exempt | 100% time
Reports To: Director of Programming
Location: The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH
Salary Band: Managers/Industry Specialists ($56,000 - $70,000)
Target Start Date: Jul 1, 2025
POSITION SUMMARYThe Literary, Talks & Podcast Talent Buyer is a key programming role responsible for curating, booking, and executing a dynamic slate of literary, talks and podcast events across all of The Music Hall’s venues. This includes the Historic Theater (895 capacity), the Lounge (100 capacity), and other venues including off-site locations. The role is pivotal to the success of cornerstone programs such as the Lit @ the Lounge Series, the Writers on a New England Stage (WNES), and the newly established annual Literary Festival.
Reporting to the Director of Programming and working closely with the CEO & President, this position supports The Music Hall’s mission to offer diverse, inclusive programming that reflects a broad range of voices and viewpoints. The Talent Buyer is responsible for discovering and contracting with talent to, managing event logistics and tracking event profitability.
This role requires someone who is deeply collaborative, strategically minded, and motivated by the opportunity to exceed revenue goals while helping to brand the cultural identity of the organization. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, curious, responsive to evolving trends, and passionate about the power of written and spoken stories to connect communities. The ideal employee will embody the Music Hall’s core values by contributing to a welcoming, and inclusive environment for audiences, artists, supporters and staff.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESProgramming & Booking- Identify, curate, and book high-quality authors, thought leaders, podcasters, and cultural figures that align with The Music Hall’s programming and financial goals.
- Coordinate moderator availability and interest from NHPR for WNES branded events.
- Lead the offer and negotiation process, including proposal writing, tracking responses using specified Music Hall systems, and ensuring timely follow-up.
- Develop and recommend artist fee models, travel stipends, and innovative contract structures to attract top talent while meeting budget constraints.
- Coordinate with the Contracts Administrator position to ensure all events conform to Music Hall contractual standards.
Budget & Financial Management- Create detailed show/event budgets and provide financial projections for all literary, podcast, and talk-related programming.
- Track and report on actual event-level profit and loss performance; work with the Finance and Programming teams to analyze results and adjust strategy accordingly to ensure annual programming goals are met.
- Recommend various pricing strategies based on anticipated expenses, ticketing data, and audience demand.
Event Execution- Coordinate and communicate with internal teams to ensure a seamless experience for all participants—from initial booking through the day of the event.
- Be available to assist the Production department as needed with information/questions pertaining to advancing all event logistics including tech, travel, accommodations, and hospitality.
- Coordinate with a designated member of the Patron Services team for the purchase and inventory management of book sales.
- Draft event scripts, create run-of-show documents, and ensure all public-facing details are accurate and timely.
- Maintain and regularly engage with a list of experienced and trained moderators. Serve as event host or moderator when needed.
- Assist the Production team as needed with liaising with talent once on-site.
Marketing & Promotion
- Collaborate with the Marketing department to develop promotional plans and timelines that increase visibility and drive ticket sales.
- Oversee the Writers Intern to assist with various administrative, data analytics tasks and generate event descriptions, social media content, and press copy.
Community Engagement & Industry Representation- Maintain strong working relationships with publishers, publicists, agents, and authors.
- Represent The Music Hall at festivals, conferences, and networking events to build awareness and industry connections.
- Propose and participate in programming partnership discussions (e.g. NHPR) and community initiatives that expand audience reach and relevance.
Special Initiatives & Program Innovation- Serve as a key programmer to the annual Literary Festival’s planning and talent acquisition.
- Recommend new event formats, podcast guests, or hybrid programming models based on emerging trends.
- Collaborate with the CEO & President and Director of Programming to develop strategies that align content with institutional values.
Music Hall Book Club- Select titles and moderators, manage timelines and logistics, and coordinate promotional materials.
- Moderate discussions as needed and ensure a smooth experience for attendees and guests.
QUALIFICATIONS- Minimum 3 years of experience in literary programming, speaking engagements, or performing arts booking/talent buying.
- Proven success in negotiation, contract management, and event budgeting.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze financial performance and adjust programming accordingly.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with a track record of delivering high-quality events.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, public speaking, and correspondence with high-profile talent/representatives.
- Collaborative and collegial approach with strong interpersonal skills.
- Deep commitment to broad perspectives, equity, diversity, and inclusion in cultural programming.
- A self-starter who is curious, highly adaptable, and eager to evolve with a changing entertainment and cultural landscape.
- Exudes deep passion and knowledge for books, authors, podcasts and/or thought-leaders.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Director of Programming
Collaborates with: Programming, Production, Front of House, Facilities, Finance, and Marketing Departments
COMPENSATION & BENEFITSSalary commensurate with experience. Includes a comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, paid time off, 401k, and access to a vibrant network of writers, artists, speakers and cultural leaders. Opportunities for professional development and industry travel are also available as part of this role.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter and resume to James Paone at jpaone@themusichall.org by June 1, 2025.
The Music Hall is an equal opportunity employer. We highly encourage those traditionally underrepresented in our industry to apply. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, we encourage you to email Joe Gleason at jgleason@themusichall.org.
ABOUT THE MUSIC HALL
The Music Hall, established in 1878 as a Vaudeville theater, has become a cornerstone of Portsmouth’s vibrant arts scene. Over nearly 150 years, it has evolved into a premier performing arts center, featuring two distinct venues: the landmark Victorian-era Historic Theater, designated an American Treasure by the National Park Service, and the modern Music Hall Lounge, an intimate 116-seat cabaret-style space. Together, they host over 130,000 patrons annually, offering a diverse array of live performances and on-screen programming that foster creativity and community.
In 2024, The Music Hall expanded its cultural offerings by taking over the New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF), the state’s longest-running film festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each fall with independent films, panels, and networking events. That same year, it opened a new Members Club with McKeon’s Bar and the Box Office & Ticketing Hub, housed in the historic Kearsarge House on Congress Street. This exclusive speakeasy-style club allows members and sponsors direct access to the Historic Theater.
Since 1987, The Friends of The Music Hall, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, have upheld its mission: to present diverse, high-quality arts programming as a vital cultural hub for the Seacoast community. Today, The Music Hall continues to enrich Portsmouth’s cultural fabric with world-class entertainment.
