Managing Director

Music Theater Works; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Music Theater Works is seeking a Managing Director to carry out the organization's mission behind the scenes, partnering with the Producing Artistic Director to support bold, joyful musical theater. You will steer fundraising, marketing, finances, and community relationships to build the infrastructure for great art to flourish.

As the chief administrative leader, you will guide strategic planning, operate day-to-day business functions, manage staff, and nurture partnerships with donors, venues,

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of nonprofit arts management experience.
• Proven donor and patron relations success.
• Strong marketing, audience development and community engagement.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Experience with QuickBooks and Blackbaud preferred.
• Passion for musical theater and the performing arts.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Producing Artistic Director on strategic planning, season planning and organizational vision.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including budget and financial management, HR and administrative functions.
• Manage staff and ensure clear cross-department communication.
• Implement and monitor organizational policies and procedures.
• Manage relationships with North Shore Center, including subscription processing, billing, ticket setup and reporting.
• Develop and manage the annual budget with board oversight and financial reporting.
• Lead fundraising initiatives with the Director of Advancement and cultivate donor relationships.
• Collaborate with boards on governance and strategic engagement.
• Oversee marketing, communications and public relations to grow audiences.
• Represent MTW in the community, promoting DEIA and external partnerships.

Skills

Donor relations

Financial management

Staff leadership

Marketing

Audience development

Community engagement

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

QuickBooks

Blackbaud

Job description

Position Summary

The Managing Director brings Music Theater Works’ mission to life behind the scenes, working side-by-side with the Producing Artistic Director to support bold, joyful musical theater. As the organization’s chief administrative leader, the Managing Director guides fundraising, marketing, finances, and community relationships, building the infrastructure that allows great art to flourish.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Partner with the Producing Artistic Director on strategic planning, season planning, and overall organizational vision.
• Oversee day-to-day business operations, including budget and financial management, business relationships, human resources, and administrative functions.
• Manage staff and ensure clear communication across departments.
• Implement and monitor organizational policies and procedures.
• Manage relationships with North Shore Center (performance venue) including subscription processing, billing, ticket set up and reporting.

Finance & Governance

• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Producing Artistic Director and Board Treasurer.
• Oversee financial reporting, cash flow, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements along with contracting business management team.

Advancement

• Work with the Director of Advancement and Producing Artistic Director on leading fundraising initiatives including annual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and special events.
• Alongside Director of Advancement and Producing Artistic Director, build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
• Collaborate with the Producing Artistic Director, and Director of Advancement on cultivating supporters and patrons.
• Serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Emeritus Board, supporting board development and governance best practices.

Marketing & Audience Development

• Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to build brand awareness and grow audiences.
• Supervise staff and contractors responsible for marketing, social media, and ticketing.
• Ensure cohesive messaging that reflects the organization’s artistic and community values.

Community Engagement

• Represent Music Theater Works in the community, building partnerships with civic, cultural, and educational organizations.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all organizational practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit arts management or a related field.
• Proven success in donor and patron relations, financial management, and staff leadership.
• Strong understanding of marketing, audience development, and community engagement.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Quickbooks and Blackbaud preferred.
• Passion for musical theater and the performing arts.