Managing Director

San Diego Organizing Project; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Professional development

Job summary

The Star Theatre Company seeks a Managing Director to serve as the executive operational leader, responsible for the financial health, operational efficiency, and administrative excellence of the organization in Oceanside, CA.

Working with the Producing Artistic Director and Board, the MD will implement STC’s mission, build a cohesive strategy, and foster collaboration among staff, board, and artists to ensure sustainability and artistic ambition.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) with 2+ years senior management experience.
• Financial modeling, fund accounting, and organizational leadership.
• Proven track record in cultivating major donors and securing institutional support.
• Exceptional interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts.
• Experience in nonprofit arts/theatre preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting and long-term financial planning with the Producing Artistic Director and Finance Committee.
• Manage payables/receivables, accounts reconciliation, and accounting data entry.
• Prepare timely financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) for the Board.
• Lead fundraising strategy with the Board Development Committee and Development Director to meet budget goals.
• Oversee operations, HR, contracts, and staff performance to ensure organizational efficiency.
• Engage Board in governance, recruitment, education and development.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Communication

DEIA

Strategic thinking

Organization

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Job description

Managing Director
Organization: The Star Theatre Company (STC)

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Oceanside, CA

Salary Range: $72,000 – $76,000 (Full-time, Exempt)

Position Overview

Working in a strategic partnership with the Producing Artistic Director (PAD) the Managing Director (MD) serves as the executive operational leader of the Star Theatre Company. The MD is responsible for the financial health, operational efficiency, and administrative excellence of the organization.

As a critical ambassador to the Oceanside and Greater San Diego communities, the MD will operationalize STC’s mission and develop a cohesive strategy for its next chapter. The MD facilitates an environment of collaboration and excellence for staff, board members, and artists, ensuring that artistic ambitions are always matched by organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Management & Planning

• Budgeting: Develop and oversee annual and long-term budgets in partnership with the Producing Artistic Director and Finance Committee.
• Daily Fiscal Tasks: Manage payables/receivables, perform account reconciliations, and oversee accounting data entry.
• Reporting: Prepare timely, accurate financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and budget-to-actual analysis for the Board.
• Strategy: Monitor cash flow, manage investments, and ensure compliance with all fiscal policies and internal controls.

2. Fundraising & Development

• Strategy: Create a comprehensive fundraising plan with the Board Development Committee to meet budget goals via individual gifts, grants, and corporate giving.
• Team Building: Working with Development Director, PAD and Board to accomplish Development goals.
• Donor Stewardship: Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, institutional funders, and corporate sponsors.Special Campaigns: Design and implement capital, endowment, and special campaign initiatives.

3. Operations & Human Resources

• HR Management: Create and enforce HR policies, the Employee Manual, and job descriptions; ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Administration: Manage payroll, staff scheduling, and performance reviews.
• Personnel Oversight: Hire, mentor, and supervise administrative and production staff, fostering an accountable and wellness-focused culture.
• Volunteer Operation: Design and manage the recruitment, training, and appreciation of the volunteer staff.
• Contracts: Negotiate and execute all contracts, including rights agreements, rental agreements, vendor services, and insurance requirements.

4. Audience Development & Marketing

• Revenue Generation: Partner with marketing staff to execute season ticket programs and show-specific campaigns to maximize revenue.
• Partnerships: Develop local business partnerships, program ads, and crosspromotional opportunities.
• Public Relations: Execute a PR plan to advance relationships with government agencies, business groups, and the press.

5. Theatre Rental Business

• Business Growth: Show rental spaces to prospective clients and negotiate contracts to maximize venue utilization.
• Logistics: Schedule staff to support rentals and ensure contractual conditions are met. Be available as needed to ensure a successful rental booking.

6. Board Relations & Governance

• Liaison: Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board; attend all meetings and support committee work (Finance, Development, Facilities). Provide reports including financials and updates on operations and development as established and requested by the Board.
• Governance: Assist in the recruitment, education, and development of Board members.

Qualifications

• Experience: Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience), 2+ years of senior management experience (in a non-profit arts or cultural organization/theatre preferred).
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated success in financial modeling, fund accounting, and organizational leadership.
• Fundraising: Proven track record in cultivating major donors and securing institutional support.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• DEIA: Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts.

Personal Qualities

• A charismatic relationship-builder who thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and results oriented.
• A strategic thinker with a passion for the transformative power of theatre.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $72,000 – $76,000 commensurate with experience.
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time Off.
• Professional development opportunities.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Paul Friedman, Managing Director – Star Theatre Company [e-mail]