Managing Director: People’s Light

People’s Light (PL) in Malvern, Pennsylvania seeks its next Managing Director (MD) to partner with Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman in leading an exciting regional treasure with a unique campus, year-round productions, a long-standing Company of artists, and a meaningful role in both its community and the national theatre field. People’s Light serves as one of Pennsylvania’s largest professional non-profit theatres, known for its eclectic mix of productions and innovative work with young people. The next MD will be a key partner to Berkman, with both leaders reporting to the Board of Trustees, to guide the organization during a dynamic model shift from acclaimed regional theatre to prominent cultural and civic center.

The ideal candidate for Managing Director will bring expertise in the non-profit theatre field, from revenue generating and financial acumen to creative strategic thinking to a human centric leadership ethos and a commitment to civic connection. As a collaborative but decisive leader, the Managing Director will be open to listening to diverse and new perspectives, opportunities, and innovation while effectively leveraging organizational, human, financial, and technological resources. This individual will have the capacity to discern competing priorities, provide clarity in support of the company’s mission, and be a pro-active and inclusive communicator.

Job Description

The Managing Director is responsible for the overall business, administrative, and operational management of the organization. This includes leadership and oversight in the areas of fundraising, marketing, budgeting, financial management, operations/facilities, HR, board relations, and civic connection. The Managing Director is the driver of long-range planning and strategic goals for the organization, in collaboration with the Producing Artistic Director, General Manager and the Board.

The Managing Director will be an inspirational and experienced theatre leader, who has demonstrable achievements connected to their arts nonprofit leadership. The MD will be a strong collaborative partner of Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman. The person in this role has a sense of adventure and curiosity, excels at working through challenges, and thrives in building both collegial and collaborative internal relationships while also serving as one of PL’s primary external ambassadors. An innovative and collaborative leader with a passion for theatre in all its forms, the Managing Director understands the importance of financial stability and transparency while ensuring that the artistic product and the People’s Light team are supported and nurtured. The Managing Director must be a values-driven human being whose experience is grounded in equity, access, and inclusion and who embodies the values of the company.

Duties & Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the Producing Artistic Director to build trust, and provide inspirational leadership and direction to People’s Light staff and Company
• Represent People’s Light as a leader in the larger local and national theater and performing arts industry, including interfacing with key government and funding bodies
• In conjunction with the Board, Producing Artistic Director, Leadership Team and staff, develop and ensure the implementation of the theater’s strategic plan in alignment with the organization’s resources, mission, and values
• Lead ongoing evaluation of strategic initiatives and goals against established success metrics
• Along with the Producing Artistic Director and General Manager, play an active role in strengthening a work culture that is committed to excellence, inclusion, professional development, and joy, as well as continuous individual and collective growth
• Oversee the General Manager’s development of policies that strengthen internal work culture
• Work with the Leadership Team to develop programs that reflect the organization’s commitments to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion

Budget and Finance

• Evolve, introduce and refine effective budget development and management tools and processes to ensure financial transparency, timeliness, and collaboration on financial planning and decision making
• Lead the organization’s annual budget process and work with department heads to create budgets with clear revenue goals and realistic expense budgets
• In collaboration with the Leadership Team, monitor progress to earned and contributed revenue goals and expense projections for individual shows and overall season production budgets
• Prepare and present financial results and forecasts for the organization on an ongoing basis to the Finance Committee and the Full Board
• Work with the Controller to supervise and oversee all financial reporting and recordkeeping
• Lead the General Manager and Director of Production in anticipating and planning for ongoing building maintenance and capital improvements

Development and Marketing

• Along with the Producing Artistic Director, engage the entire revenue generating team in strategic discussions on opportunities in a growing and diversifying region
• Partner with the Director of Development to create effective strategy and financial goals for annual fundraising
• Be a primary thought leader in the evolution of People’s Light’s fundraising efforts
• Actively participate in donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitations
• Provide leadership with Board and Director of Development on capital needs
• Working with the Producing Artistic Director, provide articulation to the Marketing team of the PL brand that is compelling, clear, and engaging

Board Relations and Coordination

• Serve, in conjunction with the Producing Artistic Director, as primary liaisons to the Board
• Plan Board meeting agendas with Board Chair and Producing Artistic Director
• Review and finalize Board meeting minutes
• Work with Committee Chairs and staff to plan Board committee meetings
• Participate in the interview and hiring process for key organizational roles

Qualifications:

• Significant experience in performing arts or non-profit leadership, especially in theatre
• Demonstrated fundraising abilities and successful participation in direct individual and institutional strategies
• Experience with all facets of modern fundraising
• Fluency in analyzing data and trends to inform strategies in audience development, marketing initiatives, and community engagement
• Significant knowledge and experience in non-profit financial management
• Strong written and oral communication skills

People’s Light offers competitive compensation for this position, with a salary range expected between $145k and 160k, and a generous benefits package.

To apply, visit the online application and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include relevant experience, including any direct experience you’ve had with similar roles and institutions. For best consideration, please apply by September 6, 2024. No phone calls, please.