What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Duluth Playhouse?
DESCRIPTION
The Duluth Playhouse is seeking a dynamic and mission‑driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to steward one of the region’s most important cultural institutions while strengthening organizational health, community impact, and long‑term sustainability.
About Duluth Playhouse
Founded in 1914, the Duluth Playhouse is one of the oldest nonprofit theaters in the United States and a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life. Through mainstage productions, youth and education programming, and community partnerships, the Playhouse connects artists and audiences and enriches the creative fabric of the Northland.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of the organization. The ED is responsible for overall strategy, operations, financial stewardship, fundraising, people and culture, and community engagement, while working in close partnership with artistic leadership to ensure excellence on and off the stage.
The Executive Director will play a critical role in fostering a healthy, collaborative culture and ensuring the Playhouse is well positioned for long‑term success.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership aligned with the Playhouse’s mission and values
- Operates as a revenue architect – moving beyond donations to build diversified revenue streams, consistently identifying ways to strengthen the organization’s financial model.
- In partnership with Development, drives comprehensive fundraising, sponsorship and grant program development and strategy.
- Fosters a healthy, inclusive, and professional workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability and collaboration.
- Serves as a leading public representative of the Duluth Playhouse, strengthening its visibility, reputation and community impact. Is an advocate for the Playhouse’s role in the cultural life of Duluth and the region.
- Collaborate closely with artistic leadership to align artistic vision with organizational capacity
Qualifications
Required
- Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, or mission‑driven organization with broad operational responsibility.
- Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, financial management, organizational health.
- Knowledge of nonprofit finance and development is especially helpful.
- Strong leadership skills with a commitment to healthy, inclusive cultures.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Committed to Duluth, equity, inclusion and community engagement.
- A bachelor’s degree in business, arts administration, non profit management or a related field is required; Masters degree (MBA, MPA, MA) preferred.
Leadership Attributes
- Stead and principled: able to lead with calm, clarity, and integrity
- People centered: values trust, respect and healthy working relationships.
- Collaborative: skilled at partnerships with all stakeholders (community members, sponsors, artists, staff)
- Mission Driven: deeply committed to the role of the theatre and arts in the region
SALARY
$85,000.00 – $110,000.00 per year
- NON-UNION