Job Location : New York,NY, USA
Brass Jar Productions, the team behind the hit comedy Drunk Shakespeare, is seeking a strategic and design-savvy Lead Architect & Head of Venue Development to join our growth team.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of America's fastest-growing immersive theater companies, sourcing and developing new venues from early concept to opening night. You'll work closely with our Founders (Scott Griffin & David Hudson) to scout new markets, negotiate leases, design architectural test fits, and manage permitting, licensing, and construction.
We're looking for a hands-on leader who thrives at the intersection of commercial real estate, design, and creative infrastructure, someone who can see both the blueprint and the big picture.
Who You AreYou're an entrepreneurial architect, project manager, or real estate developer with a sharp eye for opportunity and an obsession with execution. You love spreadsheets and SketchUp. You're equally excited by deal-making, problem-solving, and building something from scratch. You thrive in fast-paced environments, work independently, and love collaborating with driven, creative people.
Must-Haves5+ years relevant experience in architecture, development, or venue-based real estate
Demonstrated success managing commercial real estate negotiations and leases
Proficiency in architectural software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.)
Familiarity with local and national building codes, including:
Egress & ADA compliance
Health & safety regulations
Budgeting and financial modeling skills
Strong communication and project management abilities
Proven ability to self-direct and manage multiple complex projects
Comfort reporting to C-level leadership and interfacing with brokers, vendors, and government agencies
Ability to travel for site visits, openings, and inspections
Bonus PointsA degree in Architecture or related field
Experience developing entertainment, hospitality, or nightlife venues
Prior success securing permitting, liquor licenses, and COOs
Experience managing cross-functional teams during venue launches
What You'll DoThe Lead Architect & Head of Venue Development will own the end-to-end process of expanding Brass Jar's physical footprint across the country.
Market Research & Site Selection: Lead exhaustive searches in target cities to identify promising real estate for new venues.
Broker & Vendor Relationships: Manage broker communications and cultivate strong partnerships to ensure a high volume of qualified leads.
Lease Negotiations: Analyze deal structures, define acceptable terms, and negotiate leases in collaboration with the Founders.
Test Fit & Design: Prepare conceptual layouts to evaluate venue feasibility and inform decision-making.
Permitting & Licensing: Oversee the process of obtaining permits, liquor licenses, health code approvals, and other regulatory needs.
Project Management: When a site is greenlit, coordinate construction timelines, manage vendors, and ensure launch-readiness on time and on budget.
Reporting & Systems: Develop and maintain transparent processes and documentation that track progress and guide decisions.
What You've Already DoneYou could be the right fit if you've previously worked as a:
Commercial Architect
Venue Development Manager
Hospitality Project Manager
Design & Construction Director
$90,000 annual salary (based on experience)
Performance-based bonuses
25 paid vacation days per year
Company-sponsored health insurance (or equivalent stipend)
Complimentary tickets to Drunk Shakespeare
Paid travel for site visits, launches, and inspections
LocationThis role is remote, but we strongly prefer candidates based in or near one of our current markets (NYC, Chicago, DC, Phoenix, Houston). Travel for site visits and venue launches will be required.
To ApplyEmail [email protected] with [Your Name – Lead Architect & Venue Development] in the subject line. Include:
A brief description or portfolio sample of a venue or development project you've led
About UsDrunk Shakespeare is a critically acclaimed comedy playing in five cities across the U.S., blending high art and lowbrow humor to create unforgettable experiences. Our shows take place in custom-built cocktail bars and theaters, and we're on a mission to expand our reach to new audiences and new cities. Learn more at drunkshakespeare.com .
DURATIONAug 1, 2025 -
SALARY$90,000.00 – $90,000.00per year
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