Managing Director

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all operational and administrative functions, including fundraising, marketing, human resources, community engagement, technology, and financial sustainability.
• Collaborate on season planning and the development of budgets and educational initiatives.
• Lead efforts to strengthen partnerships with donors, artists, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure the fiscal health of The Playhouse through a progressive approach to revenue generation.

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.
• 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.

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.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with media outlets, local influencers, and cultural leaders to enhance the organization's visibility.

Leadership and Personal Accountability

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.

• 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.
• Foster open communication and lead with warmth, professionalism, and respect, cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration throughout The Playhouse.

Requirements:

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

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.

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.