Executive Director - Community Theatre

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of the community theatre, responsible for its strategic direction, financial health, operational excellence, and community impact. Working closely with the Board of Directors, and staff, the ED ensures the organization’s long-term sustainability, cultivates philanthropic and community partnerships, and maintains a strong, value-driven culture that reflects the theatre’s commitment to artistic quality, education, inclusion, and community engagement. This role oversees all business, administrative, and development functions while partnering closely with the Artistic/Program Director to ensure the organization delivers high quality, and engaging theatrical and educational programming. The ED upholds the theatre as a cultural anchor for the region—expanding visibility, stewarding donor and patron relationships, and ensuring accessible, transformative theatre experiences for all.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Organizational Leadership

● Ensure a collaborative working relationship with the team; support artistic vision with practical resources,

structures, and community-forward priorities.

● Provide leadership to staff, volunteers, and board members, Fostering a healthy, inclusive, innovative

organizational culture that values transparency, communication, and accountability.

● Collaborate with the Board of Directors to create, implement, and regularly update a multi-year strategic

plan aligned with artistic and financial growth goals.

2. Fundraising and Revenue Growth

● Serve as the theatre’s chief fundraiser, working closely with the Development Director and Board.

● Build and manage deep, authentic relationships with major donors, sponsors, foundations, and civic

partners.

● Drive annual fundraising strategies including Major gifts, Annual fund, Corporate sponsorships

● Foundation and government grants, Special events, gala, Planned giving initiatives

● Expand earned-income revenue streams (tickets, tuition, concessions, rentals, new programs).

● Develop a clear, actionable roadmap to reach the annual budget targets within realistic timelines.

3. Financial Management

● Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and reporting.

● Work with the Finance Manager and Treasurer to ensure accurate, timely financial statements and audits.

● Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with all legal, fiscal, and nonprofit governance

standards.

● Regularly evaluate financial performance and recommend adjustments to meet organizational goals and

maintain sustainability.

4. Operational Management

● Ensure sound daily operations across all departments: operations, production, box office, marketing,

administrative offices, education, facilities, and volunteers.

● Oversee human resources: hiring, onboarding, evaluations, conflict resolution, training, and staff culture.

● Maintain safe, efficient, and well-functioning facilities, including long-term capital planning.

● Ensure compliance with labor laws, safety regulations, licensing and insurance.

5. Board Relations and Governance

● Support the Board’s effectiveness by providing clear, timely information and recommendations.

● Work with the Board Chair to set meeting agendas, strategic conversations, and governance priorities.

● Ensure alignment between Board decisions, administrative operations, and organizational vision.

6. Marketing, Communications and Public Visibility

● Oversee all communications, branding, and marketing strategies for consistency and to increase visibility,

ticket sales, enrollment, and donor engagement.

● Serve as a primary spokesperson for the theatre with the media, community organizations, city leadership, and partners.

● Represent the theatre at community events, arts networks, conferences, and civic gatherings.

● Strengthen the theatre’s narrative, reputation, and positioning as a vital, beloved cultural institution.

● Build meaningful relationships with community groups, schools, local government, hospitality partners,

and businesses.

● Champion outreach efforts that expand access to theatre education and performance opportunities.

● Support collaborations that reflect the community’s diversity and enrich the theatre’s impact.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE…

● The theatre is financially stable with diversified revenue streams and strong donor relationships.

● Staff feel supported, valued, and engaged, contributing to a healthy, collaborative, and mission-driven

culture.

● Board and Executive Director work as aligned partners, with clear communication, shared goals, and

effective governance.

● The team is empowered to produce high-quality, mission-aligned work with appropriate resources and

support.

● Audiences and community stakeholders recognize the theatre as essential, vibrant, and welcoming.

● Fundraising goals are met or exceeded through strong relationship-building and compelling cases for

support.

● Operational systems run smoothly, and the theatre delivers excellent patron, student, and artist experiences.

● Community partnerships expand, increasing visibility, engagement, and impact.

● The theatre’s reputation grows, reflected in increased attendance, program participation, and community trust.

● The mission remains at the center of all strategic and operational decisions.