Assistant Director, Nutcracker Market

Come work with us at Houston Ballet
Join a leading nonprofit arts organization that's redefining what ballet can be. We're committed to inspiring a lasting love of dance through bold performances, new choreography, and nationally recognized education programs. At Houston Ballet, your creativity meets purpose—and your passion takes center stage. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role here contributes to something bigger.

Your Passion. Our Stage.

Visit: for more information.

* * * For full consideration, please be sure to combine your resume and cover letter into one document to upload when you apply.

*Please note: This position requires work outside normal business hours

Summary:

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is one of the largest and most iconic holiday shopping events in the nation, welcoming more than 100,000 attendees annually and supporting Houston Ballet Foundation's mission through critical fundraising. Its success relies on exceptional logistics, vendor coordination, operations management, and guest-experience execution.

We are seeking an Assistant Director, Nutcracker Market who will also serve as our Master Logistics & Event Manager, leading two large-scale event operations, the annual November Nutcracker Market and the Spring Nutcracker Market. Both events strive for precision, creativity, and excellence. This is an in-person position in Houston, Texas

This role is responsible for the full operational planning, logistics strategy, vendor and merchant management, and on-site execution of both Markets. The ideal candidate is organized, highly detailed, solutions-focused, technologically savvy, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This position operates within Houston Ballet's Development Department and plays a key role in supporting major fundraising events. Work on evenings and weekends is required.

Reports to: Senior Director, Special Events

Direct Reports: Two Full-time Nutcracker Market Managers; One Part-time Nutcracker Market Associate

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Event Logistics & Operations

• Develop and implement the full operational and logistical strategy for both Markets.
• Create, manage, and execute detailed event timelines, run-of-show documents, and contingency plans.
• Lead all aspects of load-in/load-out operations, facility logistics, floor plan layouts, safety compliance, and contractor coordination.
• Collaborate closely with NRG Park staff, security, decorators, electricians, transportation teams, and other service providers.
• Ensure all ADA requirements, safety regulations, permitting, and fire marshal guidelines are met.

Merchant & Vendor Management

• Serve as the primary contact for merchants from application through event completion.
• Track, organize, and manage merchant information, compliance, booth assignments, and communication.
• Oversee the Merchant Chairmen, Merchant Review Committee, and all merchant approval and fulfillment processes.
• Manage relationships, reporting protocols, and procedures related to Merchant Reporting.
• Provide on-site support and troubleshooting for merchants throughout the Markets.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage two Market Managers and a part-time Associate, providing oversight, mentorship, and delegation.
• Collaborate with Communications, Development, and Special Events teams to support operational and promotional needs.
• Coordinate and train temporary staff, volunteers, and on-site teams as needed during the Markets.
• Operate as a key member of the Development Department, participating in meetings, planning, and cross-departmental initiatives.

Event Execution & Guest Experience

• Support front-of-house operations including ticketing flow, signage placement, visitor experience, and crowd movement.
• Provide timely solutions to operational issues and ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Attend assigned Houston Ballet events and performances, including the full run of both Markets.

Administrative & Budget Support

• Assist with budgeting for operations, vendor contracts, invoicing, and cost monitoring.
• Maintain operational documentation, merchant databases, and event inventory.
• Prepare reports, materials, and correspondence with exceptional accuracy.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the success of the Markets and the Development Department.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in project management or a related field, OR a minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in event operations, logistics, trade shows, large-scale events, or similar environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-day, high-traffic event logistics with complex vendor and merchant needs.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Intermediate to advanced experience with Adobe Suite is a significant plus.
• Intermediate proficiency in Tessitura is a significant advantage.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills.
• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons (primarily September–November and during Spring Market).
• Ability to perform hands-on event work, including walking the event floor and overseeing setup operations.

Benefits:

Houston Ballet presents an enticing benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:

• : We've got your back (and your teeth and your eyes) Embrace our comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care. Choose from plans with low-cost or zero monthly premiums, complemented by provisions for paid life and AD&D insurance, and versatile spending accounts.
• : Secure your future through our 403(b) plan, bolstered by a substantial 5% annual contribution from Houston Ballet, empowering you to save and thrive.
• : Embrace a healthy work-life balance with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid sick days, and 10 paid holidays. Paid parental leave is also available to support your personal milestones.
• : Fuel your career ambition with access to online training and professional growth resources specific to arts management, empowering you to advance your career on your terms.
• : Immerse yourself in the vibrant Houston performing arts scene with discounted and complimentary tickets to captivating ballet performances and other Houston theater district venues. Enjoy exclusive partnerships with local businesses and eateries for unforgettable experiences.
• : Prioritize your well-being with access to our on-site gym and counseling services through our employee assistance plan, providing comprehensive support for your physical and mental wellness.
• : Acknowledging the evolving nature of work preferences, certain positions offer flexible work hours and remote work options.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Statement:

Houston Ballet is dedicated to creating meaningful change by cultivating a space that honors what is unique in all of us. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are instrumental in the fulfillment of our mission and values. We recognize our responsibility to be an inclusive and open organization for students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Join us, together we are Houston Ballet.

Core Values:

Houston Ballets shared values are essential to our success as a world-class ballet company and academy. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape our culture.

• : We are passionate about results. Our programs are recognized and awarded for excellence. We are committed to delivering quality programs at the highest standard. Work in all departments matches the caliber of the programming on stage.
• : We are proud to be a part of a company that produces art and trains artists. We attend performances and are tremendous advocates for the education and community engagement programs we offer. We are all in and well-versed in the mission of Houston Ballet.
• : We are driven to take goals and run with them. We are excited to deliver results beyond expectations. We are accountable for our actions and work. We reinvent Standard Operations Procedures, leaving our jobs better than we found them. Much of our work product becomes the standard for individuals who will fill our roles in the years to come.
• : We unite around Houston Ballets mission and support each other in reaching goals. We share information widely and generously and treat our team members, customers, and patrons with respect and sensitivity. We embrace inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. We recognize our responsibility to be an open, welcoming, and anti-racist organization where students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds collaboratively learn, work and serve. We nurture the growth and understanding of how each of us fits into the larger picture and we celebrate organizational achievements.
• : Our patrons (subscribers/supporters/donors/stakeholders) are at the center of all we do and are at the top of our minds in our decisions and actions. Our patrons are delighted by the excellent customer service they receive at every interaction at Houston Ballet.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending