The Managing Director of Laguna Playhouse will serve as the organization's strategic, financial, and operational leader, co-leading with the Artistic Director to fulfill The Playhouse’s artistic vision and mission. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director will oversee all operational and administrative functions, including fundraising, marketing, human resources, community engagement, technology, and financial sustainability. The Managing Director and the Artistic Director will collaborate on season planning and the development of budgets and educational initiatives. The Managing Director will lead efforts to strengthen partnerships with donors, artists, and community stakeholders and will ensure the fiscal health of The Playhouse through a progressive approach to revenue generation. The Managing Director will champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all areas of the organization. By cultivating a positive, inclusive organizational culture, the Managing Director will work collaboratively with the Board and Artistic Director to shape long-term strategic goals and enhance The Playhouse’s impact and visibility within the cultural landscape.

Roles and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Administrative and Operations Oversight

• Manage and oversee the organization’s financial operations in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Board, focusing on budgeting, financial stability strategies, audit oversight, and reporting and analysis.
• Direct administrative operations, including departmental policies, hiring, supervision, and management of administrative department heads, as well as general oversight of all administrative staff.
• Refine internal communication and reporting structures to ensure clarity in decision-making and empower staff at all levels.
• Develop and implement a system for ongoing review and improvement of organizational policies, ensuring alignment with inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) principles.
• Monitor and evaluate financial performance against established benchmarks, identifying areas for growth and cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, tax, and regulatory requirements, working closely with legal and financial advisors.
• Supervise ticketing strategies and operations, in collaboration with and in support of the ticketing services staff.
• Embrace other financial leadership and administrative and operations oversight responsibilities, as needed.

Board Relations and Board Development

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director and Board to define and execute strategic priorities.
• Ensure regular, transparent, and timely reporting of all relevant information to the Board.
• Develop and implement systems for recruiting new Board members, in partnership with the Governance Committee.
• Provide the Board with regular strategic guidance, helping them understand key organizational challenges and opportunities.
• Facilitate Board training and development initiatives to ensure effective governance and engagement.
• Foster a strong and collaborative relationship with the board while ensuring governance decisions align with The Playhouse’s long-term sustainability and mission.
• Embrace other Board relations and Board development responsibilities, as needed.

Contributed and Earned Revenue

• Guide staff and Board fundraising efforts to develop strategies for increasing contributed revenue, strengthening donor trust, and fostering long-term philanthropic relationships, with a focus on solicitation, stewardship, and cultivation of both existing and new funders.?
• Support and collaborate with the development team to ensure success in annual and capital fundraising goals.
• Partner with marketing staff to ensure effective messaging and promotion of all revenue streams, establishing a system of ongoing pricing evaluation.
• Create and implement donor recognition and stewardship programs in collaboration with development staff to ensure long-term relationships with key funders.
• Identify and secure new earned income opportunities, such as sponsorships, grants, and partnerships.
• Embrace other contributed and earned revenue responsibilities, as needed.

External Relations and Community Engagement

• Serve as a key ambassador for the organization, working alongside the Artistic Director to represent it both locally and in the broader Southern California community.
• Build and maintain relationships with local arts organizations, fostering mutual support and collaboration.
• Strengthen The Playhouse’s community connections, including with community leaders and local businesses.
• Represent the organization at key community events, forums, and networking opportunities.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with media outlets, local influencers, and cultural leaders to enhance the organization’s visibility.
• Embrace other external relations and community engagement responsibilities, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Managing Director will be a dynamic and visionary leader who combines creativity with a strong sense of pragmatism, guiding the organization with both strategic insight and operational expertise. This individual will prioritize building a collaborative and engaged workplace culture, ensuring staff morale and cross-departmental communication are strengthened. Adept at balancing input from staff and stakeholders while maintaining the responsibility for clear, timely decision-making, they will be a decisive and collaborative executive. With a commitment to transparency, the Managing Director will foster open communication and lead with warmth, professionalism, and respect, cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration throughout The Playhouse.

Other key competencies include the following:

• Leadership and Personal Accountability – The facility to inspire others with a clear vision while taking responsibility for personal actions and outcomes.
• Customer Focus – The commitment to anticipate and exceed customer needs with urgency, responsiveness, and strong relationships.
• Conflict Management – The capacity to address and resolve conflicts constructively while maintaining positive relationships.
• Time and Priority Management – The ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and achieve key objectives.
• Interpersonal Skills and Diplomacy – The capability to communicate effectively, build rapport, and handle sensitive issues tactfully.

Qualifications

Demonstrable progressive professional experience in leadership roles and in managing and supervising teams is required. A successful track record working within complex and dynamic organizations, as well as skills in financial management, fundraising, and relationship building, are needed. Strong business acumen and communication skills are needed. Prior experience in the performing arts sector is appreciated, and a strong passion for theater and knowledge of the field are expected. The Managing Director will have a proven track record in community engagement, local arts leadership, fundraising, and guiding and establishing organizational policies, and a record of commitment to the principles of inclusion, equity, diversity, and access is essential.

If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, we encourage you to apply and highlight them in your cover letter and resume. 

Compensation and Benefits

The Laguna Playhouse provides a competitive and equitable compensation package in the range of $175,000 to $200,000, with benefits that include paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, long term disability, 401(k) retirement, and Safe Harbor plans.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit: https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-laguna-playhouse-seeks-managing-director/

The Laguna Playhouse is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, and non-binary candidates.

About The Laguna Playhouse

ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities throughout North America to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise. As specialists in the management of arts and cultural institutions who are personally and passionately committed to the creative industries, we are recognized internationally for our expertise, personalized approach, and extraordinary results.

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