Demo

Managing Director

Music Theater Works
Wilmette, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 5/30/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/23/2026

Managing Director

Reports to: Producing Artistic Director

Status: Full-time, exempt

Salary Range: Expected salary range: beginning at $65,000, with flexibility based on experience, plus benefits package.



Position Summary

The Managing Director brings Music Theater Works’ mission to life behind the scenes, working side-by-side with the Producing Artistic Director to support bold, joyful musical theater. As the organization’s chief administrative leader, the Managing Director guides fundraising, marketing, finances, and community relationships, building the infrastructure that allows great art to flourish.



Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

•Partner with the Producing Artistic Director on strategic planning, season planning, and overall organizational vision. 

•Oversee day-to-day business operations, including budget and financial management, business relationships, human resources, and administrative functions. 

•Manage staff and ensure clear communication across departments. 

•Implement and monitor organizational policies and procedures. 

Manage relationships with North Shore Center (performance venue) including subscription processing, billing, ticket set up and reporting. 


Finance & Governance

•Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Producing Artistic Director and Board Treasurer. 

•Oversee financial reporting, cash flow, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements along with contracting business management team. 



Advancement

•Work with the Director of Advancement and Producing Artistic Director on leading fundraising initiatives including annual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and special events.  

•Alongside Director of Advancement and Producing Artistic Director, build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners. 

•Collaborate with the Producing Artistic Director, and Director of Advancement on cultivating supporters and patrons.

•Serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Emeritus Board, supporting board development and governance best practices. 


Marketing & Audience Development

•Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to build brand awareness and grow audiences. 

•Supervise staff and contractors responsible for marketing, social media, and ticketing. 

•Ensure cohesive messaging that reflects the organization’s artistic and community values. 


Community Engagement

•Represent Music Theater Works in the community, building partnerships with civic, cultural, and educational organizations. 

•Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all organizational practices. 



Qualifications

•Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit arts management or a related field.

•Proven success in donor and patron relations, financial management, and staff leadership.

•Strong understanding of marketing, audience development, and community engagement.

•Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

•Experience with Quickbooks and Blackbaud preferred. 

•Passion for musical theater and the performing arts.



Salary : $65,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Managing Director?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Managing Director career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$219,423 - $248,819
Income Estimation: 
$280,031 - $485,657
Income Estimation: 
$131,109 - $175,337
Income Estimation: 
$173,166 - $238,672
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Managing Director jobs in the Wilmette, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • Gullwing Growth Partners Chicago, IL
  • Company Description Gullwing Growth Partners is a consumer-focused investment platform that partners with exceptional founders and emerging brands during p... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Kroll Chicago, IL
  • In a world of disruption and increasingly complex business challenges, our professionals bring truth into focus with the Kroll Lens. Our sharp analytical s... more
  • 12 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!