Managing Director

Breathe Project; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Part time

Job summary

Arcade Comedy Theater, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in downtown Pittsburgh, seeks a collaborative Managing Director to lead business operations and organizational administration. The role is the senior on-site operator, partnering with programming, education, and production, reporting to the Board of Directors.

The position requires regular on-site presence for events, with daytime hours and evenings/weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Financial management: oversee budgets, financial planning, performance analysis.
• Team leadership: evaluate and optimize team structures for program goals and operations.
• Culture and fit: appreciation for comedy and creative communities; balance rigor with arts enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership for operations, staff, and volunteers to ensure effective running of Arcade's mission.
• Lead, support, and develop staff and volunteers; foster inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Improve systems, processes, and workflows to enhance efficiency and alignment across departments.
• Oversee day-to-day organizational decision making and ensure departments align with shared goals.
• Support fundraising, sponsorship, grant and earned revenue initiatives with the Board.
• Partner with the Board to implement strategic vision and governance; provide regular operational updates.
• Represent Arcade within the community, build donor and audience relationships, and grow visibility.

Skills

Financial management

Team leadership

Culture and fit

Fundraising & sponsorship

Nonprofit operations

Comedy expertise

Digital fluency

Theater management

Marketing & audience engagement

CRM

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Arcade Comedy Theater is seeking a collaborative, organized, and financially minded Managing Director to lead the theater’s business operations and organizational administration.

The Managing Director will serve as the organization’s senior operational leader, working in partnership with Arcade’s programming, education, and production leaders and reporting to the Board of Directors.

This role is designed for a leader who can advance the structure, coordination, and financial discipline of a creative organization. The Managing Director is not expected to personally lead all artistic programming or independently carry responsibility for the organization’s fundraising success. Instead, they ensure that Arcade’s people, programs, finances, and systems are working together effectively and sustainably, while maintaining the theater’s culture of inclusivity.

This role requires a regular on-site presence during evenings and weekends for events and performances. While the schedule is flexible, candidates must have some availability during daytime business hours. The position is initially part-time (20 hours per week), with potential for increased hours depending on the theater’s financial standing.

ABOUT ARCADE COMEDY THEATER

Arcade Comedy Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in downtown Pittsburgh dedicated to presenting fun, accessible, and affordable live comedy. With an annual budget of approximately $350,000, Arcade employs five part-time staff, engages numerous volunteers, and contracts with dozens of local producers to bring programming to life. The theater’s artistic focus is rooted in comedy across forms, with a special emphasis on improv (both short form and long form), alongside sketch, stand‑up, and other comedic performance styles. Through performances, classes, and community engagement, Arcade provides an inclusive space where artists and audiences connect, create, and celebrate the art of laughter.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Provide day-to-day leadership for Arcade's operations, staff, and volunteers, ensuring the organization runs effectively and in alignment with its mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead, support, and develop Arcade's staff and volunteer leaders.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture.
• Improve systems, processes, and workflows that help Arcade operate efficiently.
• Ensure departments are aligned and working toward shared goals.
• Oversee day-to-day organizational decision making.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

Guide Arcade's financial health while working alongside the Board and volunteer leaders to build long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and monitor the annual operating budget.
• Review financial performance and recommend adjustments when needed.
• Support fundraising, sponsorship, grant, and earned revenue initiatives in partnership with the Board.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen revenue through programming, rentals, partnerships, and classes.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial and operational requirements.

BOARD PARTNERSHIP & STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

Partner closely with the Board of Directors to implement Arcade's strategic vision and strengthen organizational governance.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff.
• Keep the Board informed through regular operational and financial updates.
• Help execute strategic priorities and annual goals.
• Collaborate with the Board on major organizational decisions.
• Support board committees and organizational planning as appropriate.

COMMUNITY & ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH

Represent Arcade within the community while strengthening relationships that support the organization's mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Build relationships with donors, volunteers, artists, community partners, and supporters.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Arcade throughout the Pittsburgh community.
• Support audience growth, community partnerships, and organizational visibility.
• Ensure Arcade remains a welcoming, inclusive environment for performers, students, volunteers, and patrons.
• Maintain a regular presence during performances, events, and major theater activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Executive Director role requires regular on-site presence during events and performances, which may involve periods of standing and walking, as well as time spent at a computer for administrative tasks. The role also occasionally requires transporting supplies and materials, including lifting items up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Financial Management:Proven ability to oversee budgets, financial planning, and performance analysis, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and organizational goals.
• Team Leadership and Communication:Experience evaluating and optimizing team structures to support program goals and operational efficiency. Strong interpersonal skills, including: conflict resolution, de-escalation, ability to effectively communicate, and an inclusive leadership style. Demonstrated experience leading teams and organizational operations, 5-10 years of experience preferred.
• Culture and Fit:An appreciation for comedy, live performance, and creative communities. This is a comedy theater! Yes, we need to build systems, and we need a candidate with a genuine appreciation for comedy and creative spaces, bringing a balance of operational rigor and enthusiasm for the arts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Fundraising & Sponsorship:Experience leading fundraising initiatives (including individual giving and/or grant applications), securing sponsorships, and building relationships with donors.
• Experience with Nonprofit Operations:Experience navigating nonprofit governance, collaborating with boards, and leading mission-driven organizations.
• Comedy Expertise:Deep familiarity with comedy in all its forms, with an emphasis on: Improv, Sketch, Stand Up.
• Digital Fluency:Aptitude for quickly learning and effectively using software systems to support business operations.
• Theater Management:Experience managing theater operations, programming logistics, and venue oversight.
• Marketing & Audience Engagement:Demonstrated ability to create and execute sales and marketing strategies and drive audience engagement to grow Arcade’s reach and community presence.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM):Experience using CRM platforms for donor cultivation, audience communications, and organizational reporting.