Business Manager & Production Manager

theatreWashington; Washington; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit theater organization in Washington seeks a Business & Production Manager to oversee operations and production logistics. The role includes managing finances, coordinating production processes, and facilitating communication between departments. The ideal candidate will have experience with QuickBooks, strong organizational skills, and a background in arts administration or theater production. Passion and adaptability are essential for success in this dynamic role.

Qualifications

• Experience working in professional administrative or production environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with the Washington, D.C. arts community.

Responsibilities

• Oversee business operations and production logistics.
• Maintain bookkeeping functions using QuickBooks.
• Supervise the Company Manager on payroll and logistics.
• Coordinate with artistic teams and funding efforts.

Skills

Financial competency

Organizational skills

Communication

Project management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business, or Theater Production

Tools

QuickBooks

Google Workspace

Klaviyo

Givebutter

Shopify

Job description

Position Overview

The Business & Production Manager oversees both the business operations and production logistics of Spooky Action Theater. This role ensures that the organization runs efficiently, remains financially sound, and stays technically equipped to support the artistic programming at the heart of our mission. The person in this position keeps our systems organized, budgets balanced, productions supported, and communication flowing between administrative and artistic teams.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Financial Management

• Maintain all bookkeeping functions in QuickBooks, including categorizing income and expenses, reconciling accounts, and preparing monthly reports.
• Manage all banking activity, including monthly reconciliation with statements, making deposits, and ensuring accurate transaction tracking.
• Coordinate payroll processing with the Company Manager, ensuring accurate and timely payments to staff and contractors.
• Work with the accountant to maintain tax compliance: prepare and file quarterly payroll tax reports, verify ledgers, and supply documentation for annual tax returns.
• Track and renew business licenses with the DC Office of Taxation and other agencies to ensure all local taxes, assessments, and registrations remain current.
• Review and maintain insurance policies, coordinating with the insurance agent to keep coverage updated and payments current.
• Monitor the organizational budget, track project expenses, and prepare reports for the Artistic Director and Board.
• Support fundraising by preparing grant financial reports and budget narratives, and collaborating with the Artistic and Associate Artistic Directors on donor and campaign planning.
• Maintain and optimize administrative systems, Google Drive, Klaviyo (email marketing), Givebutter (donations), and Shopify (ticketing/sales), to ensure smooth donor, audience, and sales data flow.

Production Management

• Oversee all technical and logistical aspects of production, working closely with designers, stage managers, and contractors.
• Maintain and organize the company’s technical inventory (lighting, scenic, and sound equipment).
• Create and track production budgets, ensuring alignment with overall financial goals.
• Supervise the Company Manager and coordinate with them on contracting, payroll submissions, and production logistics.
• Serve as the main point of contact for production contractors and vendors.
• Lead production meetings, ensure schedules are followed, and maintain safety and efficiency throughout the production process.

Seasonal Workflow

• Administrative Season (approx. 6 months): Focused on budgeting, grant reporting, fundraising support, and remote systems management.
• Production Season (approx. 6 months): Shifts to in-person work centered on technical production management, coordination of crews and contractors, and day‑to‑day oversight of rehearsals and performances.
• Supervises: Company Manager
• Collaborates with: Artistic Director, Associate Artistic Director, designers, stage managers, and vendors

Skills, Experience & Competencies

The ideal candidate combines strong administrative and technical theater skills with excellent communication and adaptability. They are detail‑oriented, organized, and equally comfortable handling spreadsheets or stage plots.

Technical & Administrative Skills

• Strong financial competency and experience with nonprofit QuickBooks.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Drive, Sheets, Docs).
• Familiarity with Klaviyo, Givebutter, and Shopify.
• Strong data organization, digital literacy, and comfort learning new tools.

Soft Skills

• Excellent time and project management; able to balance multiple deadlines.
• Highly independent, adaptable, and thrives on small, collaborative teams.
• Clear, proactive communicator with both creative and administrative colleagues.
• Strong written and verbal communication; confident in correspondence with artists, donors, and partners.
• Proactive problem‑solver who can embrace ambiguity and stay adaptable.
• Understanding of scenic design, lighting, and sound systems is a plus.

Professional Experience

• Experience working in professional administrative or production environments with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business, or Theater Production preferred; equivalent professional experience also considered.
• Familiarity with the Washington, D.C. arts community and its broader cultural landscape.
• Note: Passion and curiosity go a long way. We value learning and initiative as much as experience. If you think you could excel in this position but don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter answering the following questions: “Why do you think you would be a good fit for Spooky Action, and why would Spooky Action be a good fit for you?”

Due to the specialized nature of these skill sets, Spooky Action Theater is also open to considering applicants interested in one track or the other (business management or production management) for part‑time hourly positions. If your experience aligns strongly with one of these areas, we encourage you to apply for that track specifically.