Managing Director

Music Theater Heritage; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A prominent theater company in Kansas City seeks a Managing Director to oversee financial health, operations, and fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate has significant nonprofit management experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for the arts. This role involves strategic collaboration with the executive team and a commitment to fostering philanthropic support. Competitive salary and opportunities for professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of senior-level nonprofit or arts administration experience.
• Demonstrated strength in nonprofit fundraising or finance.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the financial health and operations of MTH.
• Oversee fundraising strategy and donor cultivation.
• Supervise onboarding and HR administration.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Nonprofit fundraising

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

QuickBooks

Spektrix

ADP

Job description

Music Theater Heritage (MTH) is a professional theater company located in the heart of Kansas City. With an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million, MTH is committed to producing artistically ambitious music, theater, concerts, and education programs that resonate with contemporary audiences. MTH is known for artistically adventurous work, immersive audience experiences, and a commitment to storytelling that connects across generations.

Position Summary

The Managing Director is the senior operational leader of MTH and is responsible for the financial health, earned/contributed revenue strategy, business operations, and administrative oversight of the organization. The Managing Director plays a visible role in cultivating, stewarding, and securing philanthropic support, working closely with the Chief Executive & Artistic Director (CEAD), Board of Directors, and supervising the development staff to ensure the organization’s sustainability and growth. In close collaboration with the CEAD, the Managing Director helps shape the strategic direction of the company and ensures its systems, people, and resources are aligned in support of MTH’s mission and artistic vision.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, helping to set and implement strategic plans across all departments.
• Act as thought partner to the CEAD on operational and financial matters.
• Lead cross-departmental collaboration and foster a culture of shared responsibility and accountability.

Finance & Accounting

• Lead financial planning, management, and reporting for the organization.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget (~$2.5M) in coordination with CEAD, department heads, and third party vendors.
• Oversee all financial functions, including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger management, payroll, credit card reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and relevant federal/state/local regulations.
• Prepare and present quarterly financial reports for the Board of Directors including cash flow tracking.

note: candidates with stronger fundraising backgrounds will collaborate closely with staff and consultants to ensure financial integrity while deepening their own financial leadership capacity.

Development & Marketing

• Provide leadership in fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and marketing alignment.
• Direct and supervise the Audience & Donor Relations Manager (ADRM) in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Provide strategic oversight of development operations, including annual fund campaigns, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, planned giving, and fundraising events.
• Provide managerial oversight to the ADRM, ensuring timely and compelling donor communications, grant applications, and stewardship practices.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager and CEAD to align marketing and fundraising campaigns, strengthening both audience development and contributed income efforts.
• Monitor and report regularly on progress toward contributed and earned revenue goals.

note: Candidates with stronger financial/operational backgrounds will partner with development staff and the CEAD to support and expand their fundraising skills while ensuring institutional goals.

Operations & Administration

• Maintain oversight of all non-performance operational functions: IT systems, facilities, vendor contracts, bar operations, permits, inspections, and compliance.
• Manage contracts, vendor relations, insurance, permits, inspections, and safety protocols.
• Develop, maintain, and improve systems for inventory and internal controls.

Human Resources

• Supervise onboarding, payroll administration, benefits, and time tracking.
• Oversee hiring and evaluation of all operations and administrative personnel.
• Ensure accurate W-2 and 1099 processing and filing for all employees.
• Coordinate annual employee benefits review and open enrollment with external providers.
• Maintain up-to-date HR policies and procedures; ensure workplace compliance with all employment laws.

Patron Services & Front of House

• Provide leadership to the Patron Services team, ensuring a positive and consistent audience experience across ticketing, front-of-house, bar, and ushering operations.
• Develop and implement service standards and training protocols for public-facing staff and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; nonprofit management, arts administration, or business preferred, but not required. (accounting experience or advanced degree a plus)
• At least 5 - 7 years of senior-level nonprofit or arts administration experience, with clear responsibility for financial and operational oversight.
• Demonstrated strength in either nonprofit fundraising/development or finance/operations, with the ability and willingness to grow in the complementary area.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and board engagement, with the ability to translate artistic vision into compelling cases for support.
• Deep understanding of nonprofit financial systems, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, audits, and compliance.
• Demonstrated success in managing teams, budgets, and strategic operations.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong technical proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks), ticketing systems (e.g. Spektrix), payroll services (e.g. ADP), and donor management tools.
• Passion for live performance and the role of the arts in public life.
• MTH supports ongoing professional development to strengthen skills in finance, fundraising, and leadership.

To Apply

Please send a résumé and cover letter to Tim Scott ([e-mail]), Chief Executive & Artistic Director. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 15, 2025.

Or for more info on how to apply, visit: https://musictheaterheritage.com/about/#work-with-us

No phone calls, please. This position will remain open until filled.

EEO Notice

• MTH is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.