Executive Director, Arts Programming & Theater Operations

Wesley Mingledorff Talent Partners; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesley Mingledorff Talent Partners partners with a dynamic organization to recruit an Executive Director who will oversee arts programming, theater operations, and strategic partnerships in Atlanta. The role demands a visionary leader capable of curating exceptional cultural experiences and engaging high-profile guests, sponsors, and donors.

You will plan calendars, manage venues and budgets, and nurture community partnerships to expand the organization’s presence in the city’s arts landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in art, theater management, arts administration, business, or related discipline.
• 10+ years in theater operations, cultural events, arts programming, and partnerships.
• Proven success with diverse, high-caliber event calendars for discerning audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with industry leaders and sponsors.
• Deep knowledge of Atlanta’s performing arts landscape and community.
• Exceptional leadership, organization, and team management.
• Polished presence engaging high-profile guests, donors, and partners.
• Strong advance-planning skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, forward-looking programming strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and priorities.
• Curate a calendar of screenings, performances, lectures, festivals, industry conversations, events, and cultural experiences.
• Plan programs months in advance to support audience engagement, goals, and operational readiness.
• Identify opportunities for exclusive screenings, premieres, special events, and collaborative partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal departments to develop programs that enhance the experience and interdisciplinary engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with entertainment industry leaders, studios, streaming platforms, networks, distributors, filmmakers, artists, producers, alumni, and community partners.
• Engage high-profile guests and influential stakeholders to advance partnerships, fundraising, and sponsorships.
• Deliver exceptional hospitality and guest experiences that strengthen visibility and reputation.
• Develop relationships with local arts organizations to strengthen presence in Atlanta’s arts community.
• Support festivals and major initiatives that expand industry engagement and community outreach.
• Oversee daily venue operations and planning/execution of performances, screenings, festivals, rehearsals, rentals, and events.
• Manage venue scheduling, operational logistics, guest services, and building readiness.
• Lead and develop teams across departments.
• Manage theater operations budget and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Oversee contracts, leases, and theater rentals.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Event programming

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, theater management, or related field

Job description

We’re partnering with an organization to identify an Executive Director to lead arts and entertainment programming, theater operations, and strategic partnerships. This person will curate exceptional cultural experiences, build relationships across the entertainment industry, and oversee venues hosting screenings, performances, festivals, lectures, and special events.

The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of creative programming, operational leadership, and relationship development, along with the polish and confidence to engage high-profile guests, industry leaders, sponsors, and donors.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, forward-looking programming strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Curate a calendar of screenings, performances, lectures, festivals, industry conversations, events, and cultural experiences.
• Plan programs months in advance to support audience engagement, goals, and operational readiness.
• Identify opportunities for exclusive screenings, premieres, special events, and collaborative partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal departments to develop programs that enhance the experience and encourage interdisciplinary engagement.

Industry Relationships & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with entertainment industry leaders, studios, streaming platforms, networks, distributors, filmmakers, artists, producers, alumni, and community partners.
• Engage high-profile guests and influential stakeholders to advance partnerships, fundraising efforts, and sponsorship initiatives.
• Deliver exceptional hospitality and guest experiences that strengthen the organization’s visibility and reputation.
• Develop relationships with local arts organizations and cultural partners to strengthen the organization’s presence in Atlanta’s arts and entertainment community.
• Support festivals and other major initiatives that expand industry engagement and community outreach.

Theater & Venue Operations

• Oversee daily venue operations and the planning and execution of performances, screenings, festivals, rehearsals, rentals, and special events.
• Manage venue scheduling, operational logistics, guest services, and building readiness.
• Lead and develop teams while fostering collaboration across departments.
• Manage the theater operations budget and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
• Oversee the implementation of contracts, lease agreements, and theater rentals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in art, theater management, arts administration, business, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in theater operations, cultural events, arts programming, and business partnerships.
• Proven success developing and executing diverse, high-caliber event calendars for discerning audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships with industry leaders and influential stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of the performing arts landscape, entertainment industries, and Atlanta’s arts and cultural community.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and team management skills.
• A poised, polished presence and confidence engaging high-profile guests, sponsors, donors, and partners.
• Strong advance-planning skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Film festival or entertainment industry experience.