Executive Director, Performing Arts Theater (Administrator II)

 

Job Summary:

Provides strategic and operational leadership for CSUSB’s new 500 seat performing arts theater. Combines venue operations, arts management, fundraising, and community engagement to ensure high-quality programming and financial sustainability in alignment with the university’s mission and strategic goals.

Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Collaborate with faculty, university leadership, and stakeholders to shape theater’s mission, vision, and long-term strategic plan.
- Act as senior staff lead, implementing goals set by the university leadership or theater advisory board.

Operations Management
- Oversee day-to-day theater operations: scheduling, front-of-house, technical production, administrative services, and crew logistics.
- Ensure compliance with CSU policies (e.g., state hiring/residency rules, mandated reporter obligations) and safety regulations.

Financial & Resource Oversight
- Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and expense controls. Track financial performance and conduct audits.
- Lead fundraising and revenue generation initiatives (ticketing, grants, donor relations, sponsorships, endowments).

Programming & Artistic Collaboration
- Coordinate closely with artistic leadership (if separate), academic departments, and external partners to develop diverse and audience focused programs.

Marketing & Audience Engagement
- Oversee marketing, audience development, community outreach, and public relations to promote events and grow attendance.

Staffing & Human Resources
- Recruit, supervise, train, and evaluate both faculty/administrative staff and student employees or interns. Manage HR functions including performance, training, and professional development.

Facility & Technical Oversight
- Ensure theater facility maintenance, technical equipment readiness, and operational integrity.

Community & Stakeholder Relations
- Serve as the public face of the theater, cultivating relationships with donors, community leaders, CSU campuses, and external arts organizations.

Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare reports for university leadership or boards. Ensure adherence to legal, financial, and institutional policies.

Minimum Qualifications (Required Education and Experience): 

- Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business, Theatre Arts, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of senior-level experience managing a performing arts venue or similar cultural institution (500 seat scale preferred).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

- Proven leadership in budgeting, fundraising, programming, and operations.
- Experience with staff supervision, event logistics, marketing, and audience development.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder relations skills.
- Knowledge of nonprofit/governmental compliance, CSU administrative processes, and safety protocols.

Compensation and Benefits:

Anticipated Hiring Range: minimum $5,053 - maximum $10,123 monthly.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 14 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Position Information:

Work status: Full-time/Exempt/At-will

Academic year schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), some evenings/weekends.

Summer schedule: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm), some evenings/weekends.

This is a full-time management (MPP) position. MPP employees serve at the pleasure of the campus President. MPPs do not serve a probationary period and never receive permanent status.

This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The scope of responsibilities for this position includes making or participating in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the individual holding this position is required to file an initial Conflict of Interest: Statement of Economic Interests ("Form 700") within thirty (30 days) from the date of hire and on an annual basis. In addition, the individual holding this position must complete the required conflict of interest training within thirty (30) days of their appointment and at least once during each consecu