Executive Director, Performing Arts Theater (Administrator II)

 

Job Summary:

The Executive Director is an essential position for the operations of the CSUSB Performing Arts Theater. This position will provide visionary and operational leadership for the university’s new 500-seat venue, overseeing strategic planning, daily operations, programming, finances, and community engagement. This role combines arts management, fundraising, and audience development to ensure high-quality, diverse programming and long-term financial sustainability aligned with CSUSB’s mission. The Executive Director will serve as the public face of the theater, cultivating relationships with donors, community leaders, and arts organizations while managing staff, facilities, and technical operations. Ideal candidates bring a strong background in performing arts or cultural venue management, demonstrated success in budgeting and fundraising, and proven skills in leadership, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.

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 Cal