Executive Director - HB Studio

Executive Director

HB Studio | New York, NY | $100K-120K/year | Full-Time 

Best Consideration Deadline: March 7, 2025

Welcome to HB Studio 

Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary.

 - Uta Hagen 

HB Studio, founded in 1945 by Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen, provides a workspace for actors, playwrights and directors to hone their skills; and a haven, free from commercial pressures, for the long-term growth of working professionals. HB is committed to an ongoing process of training and practice that nurtures the development of theater and performance artists. Our goal is to contribute to a theater that is vital and relevant, and that expresses the social, moral and political realities of the world in which we live. We offer a rigorous, well-rounded, diverse and inclusive curriculum of study for committed students of all levels where the actor’s unique potential is cultivated and encouraged. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, access and inclusion in all aspects of our organization and to eradicate all sources of inequality and discrimination. We seek to foster a performing arts community that shares this commitment and makes meaningful contributions to a more just, equitable and inclusive society.

The organization is led by the Executive Director and reports directly to HB Studio’s Board of Directors.  You can find out more about the board and staff via this link. 

The Job  

The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in supporting HB Studio’s mission by providing visionary leadership, championing the education and training of students in the craft of acting and the performing arts, managing operational excellence, and fostering an inclusive and vibrant artistic community. This role requires a balanced operational innovation, community and culture development, strategic planning, revenue generation, and program oversight to maintain HB Studio’s legacy as a world-class training and practice hub for theater and performance artists. 
 

Your Roles and Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership 

• Lead HB Studio in setting the direction of curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and student engagement.  
• Provide overarching leadership for executive, financial, development, and operational activities in alignment with HB Studio’s mission and vision.
• Establish short- and long-term strategies to enhance program efficacy, visibility, and student participation.
• Build HB Studio’s funding portfolio to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining affordability for artists from diverse backgrounds.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to set priorities, present annual budgets, and monitor financial health through regular reports.
• Act as a key ambassador for HB Studio, fostering relationships with artistic, nonprofit, financial, civic, and business communities.

Operational and Programmatic Leadership 

• Collaborate with faculty, faculty chairs, and the Artistic Council to plan and implement classes, workshops, and events.
• Develop comprehensive marketing strategies in partnership with the Marketing Manager to promote offerings and increase enrollment.
• Create and supervise planning goals for all administrative functions, ensuring alignment with the Studio’s mission.
• Represent HB Studio in public forums, advocating for the arts and fostering partnerships.
• Promote the Studio’s role in advancing social, moral, and political discourse through theater.

Development and Revenue Generation 

• Lead all fundraising activities, including institutional and individual giving programs, donor cultivation, and benefit events.
• Identify opportunities for new revenue streams, including space rentals and other services.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders to support HB Studio’s financial objectives.

Organizational Culture and Staff Development

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness across departments.
• Support staff development by providing training, setting performance goals, and facilitating communication.
• Serve as a resource for faculty and staff, promoting an environment of inclusivity and respect.
• Promotes an effective culture for HB Studio that places foremost the pursuit of excellence in artistic practice and embraces responsive service for our constituents, who include our students and professional observers; participating playwrights, directors, and performers; educational colleagues; audiences, renters, donors, and other members of the Studio’s community.

Infrastructure and Resource Management

• Ensure the maintenance and functionality of HB Studio’s physical spaces, IT systems, and administrative infrastructures.
• Develop and enforce policies for students and faculty, addressing complaints and resolving conflicts.
• Oversee capital projects, ensuring timely completion and alignment with institutional needs.

Who are we looking for? 

The top candidates will have the following qualifications: 

• Leadership experience in arts organizations, with a preference for those who have worked with educational and training institutions.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively engage stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and implement creative solutions.
• Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a practical approach to problem-solving.
• A deep commitment to promoting inclusivity in the arts.

A Note on Qualifications 

HB Studio believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we understand that unique perspectives and experiences contribute to our success. If you are passionate about organizational development and growth, eager to lead, and committed to making a positive impact, we welcome your application. We encourage you to be curious about what you can offer the role and apply if you meet the majority of the qualifications listed above. 

HB Studio is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals and do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our aim is to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission of telling powerful, diverse stories that challenge and inspire

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000/year. 

Benefits Package includes: Health insurance, retirement plan, FSA, commuter plan.

How do I learn more? 

Visit emcforward.applytojob.com/apply/  to submit your application. Applications for best consideration are due no later than March 7, 2025. The application will remain open until the role is filled. 

Salary : $100,000 - $120,000