Festivalleitung Zürcher Theater Spektakel — Stadt Zürich
- Location
- Zürich
- Contract
- Full-time
- Posted
- 36 days ago
Full description
For the festival edition 2028, we are looking for an artistically profiled, leadership-strong and internationally networked personality who shapes the festival and develops it together with an experienced team. The Zurich Theater Spectacle is an internationally renowned festival of contemporary performing arts and a special meeting place in Zurich. Since 1980 it takes place in August on the Landiwiese on Lake Zurich. The festival management bears the artistic and strategic overall responsibility for the festival with an annual turnover of around CHF 6 million and shapes its next phase of development and transformation. Further information can be found on the website "Future for the Zurich Theater Spectacle" of the city of Zurich.
Tasks
- They carry the overall artistic and strategic responsibility, develop an independent vision and position the festival in the local, national and international context.
- They are responsible for the programme and artistic orientation, lead the programme group, conduct research at home and abroad and maintain a broad network of artists and partner institutions.
- They develop the festival and the Landiwiese as a place for innovative, accessible and surprising artistic formats and encounters and shape the transformation process within the legal, financial and administrative framework of the city of Zurich.
- Together with the administrative and technical management, you form the management. As festival manager, you will lead the administrative and technical management as well as the festival organization with around eight full-time positions throughout the year and around 160 temporary employees during the festival.
- They combine artistic ambition with organisational and economic sustainability and represent the theatre spectacle towards artists, the public, partner institutions, politics and administration.
Profile
- Several years of curatorial work and management experience with a proven track record in a festival or theatre (including university degree at master level)
- In-depth knowledge of contemporary performing arts, a broad international and intercontinental network as well as experience with challenging programs, formats and collaborations with a focus on encounter and participation
- Strong understanding of the Zurich and Swiss cultural scene, its actors and cultural policy framework as well as interest in local and national creativity
- An open, initiative and visionary personality with an independent artistic attitude, leadership and sense of what is possible
- Experience in strategic leadership of complex cultural organizations and transformation processes
- Ability to bring diverse disciplines, teams and interests together and make sustainable decisions
- Good understanding of financial, organisational and political contexts as well as sensitivity to social developments, participation, diversity and sustainability
- Good knowledge of German and English
- Other languages are beneficial. International travel and time flexibility, especially during the festival, are part of the function.
We offer
A versatile management task with artistic creative leeway and the opportunity to decisively shape an internationally renowned festival in its next development phase. the post is limited to four years; an extension for a further four years is possible.
About us
The Zurich Theater Spectacle has been bringing contemporary performing arts from different regions of the world to Zurich for decades. The Landiwiese is much more than a festival ground: it combines international art with an open meeting place for a diverse audience. Artistic quality, international perspectives, encounter and the special atmosphere of the place characterize the festival and form the basis for its further development. The Zurich Theater Spectacle is part of the cultural promotion of the city of Zurich. Equality, diversity and inclusion are important to us.
Interested?
We look forward to your complete application documents as well as a rough concept (max. 2 pages) with your first thoughts on the artistic and strategic development of the Zurich Theater Spectacle up to 1. November 2026. The interviews (initial interviews) will take place from 16 to 27. November 2026. Kathrin Frey, Co-Director of Culture at [email protected] (vacation absence from 3 to 18) October 2026.
Questions about this listing
What salary does Stadt Zürich offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in Zürich is CHF 73'500 - 111'500 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by Stadt Zürich. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does Stadt Zürich offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with Stadt Zürich during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at Stadt Zürich?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to Stadt Zürich's original listing at jobs.stadt-zuerich.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
