We’re hiring!

Managing Director — Theater in the Open

DESCRIPTION

Theater in the Open (TITO), a performing arts organization located in Newburyport, MA seeks a full-time Managing Director to lead the continued expansion of this thriving and dynamic organization.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced nonprofit leader with an entrepreneurial mindset to spearhead TITO’s strategic growth, day-to-day operations and fundraising. As the organization’s senior administrative leader, the Managing Director will represent the organization in public, cultivate community engagement, build relationships with a variety of stakeholders and collaborate with the leaders of partner organizations in the arts and culture space.

POSITION SUMMARY

Overview:

The Managing Director is responsible for ensuring that Theater in the Open’s artistic, educational, administrative and financial operations advance the organization’s mission. Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director, the Managing Director will successfully operationalize the organization’s vision—leading day-to-day administration, financial management, fundraising and marketing.

Responsibilities:

Operations & Financial Management

  • Co-lead and implement long-range strategic planning with the Board of Directors and develop annual operational and financial plans in partnership with the Artistic Director.

  • In partnership with the Board, lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring that mission impact is aligned with healthy earned and contributed revenue goals and strategic investment in capacity growth.

  • Lead all aspects of business operations, including budget management, resource allocation, performance monitoring and staff management.

  • Supervise day-to-day administrative operations, ensuring efficiency and accountability across:

  • Personnel Management: Supervise and mentor staff, conducting performance evaluations, training and background screenings. Maintain job descriptions and employee records.

  • Records Management: Manage administrative policies and key business documents (employee handbook, contracts, financial records, etc.). Manage insurance needs and policies.

  • Financial Management: Prepare financial and operational reports for the Board and monitor performance to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Work with the Treasurer on annual financial review and tax filings with CPA firm, and direct the activities of the payroll provider.

  • Accounting: Manage accounts payable and receivables. Direct the activities of the bookkeeper and oversee monthly reconciliation reports.

  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive and mission-driven culture across the organization.

Marketing

  • Work with the Board’s Marketing & Development Committee to guide marketing, branding and public relations outreach efforts that highlight the organization’s impact in the community and amplify its reputation for excellence.

  • Direct the work of contract marketing and event support consultant.

  • Co-lead special event management with Board’s Marketing & Development Committee and staff.

Development & External Relations

  • Increase awareness of TITO’s brand by clearly articulating the organization’s mission, vision, programs and positive impacts across the community.

  • Lead the organization's fundraising strategy, identifying contributed revenue opportunities with the Board and Artistic Director, and defining target goals for individual and corporate giving.

  • Establish personal relationships with key funders and donors to support strategic goals.

  • Expand the pipeline of new and prospective donors by identifying philanthropic opportunities.

  • Develop compelling grant proposals and impact reports.

  • Solicit show and season sponsors and underwriting.

Board & Community Relations

  • Maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship with Board of Directors.

  • Provide monthly reports to assess progress toward goals and staff activity.

  • With the Artistic Director, serve as a public representative of TITO, building and maintaining positive relationships within the community across key stakeholder groups (volunteers, donors, public officials and other nonprofit leaders).

  • Identify and embrace new stakeholder cultivation and community engagement opportunities.

Artistic Operations

  • As the organization's senior administrative leader, serve as a strategic thought partner to the Artistic Director to ensure that innovation and creativity have the time and space to flourish.

  • Develop and maintain systems, timelines and organizational practices to successfully support the Artistic Director in the planning and execution of annual performance and education programming.

  • Work closely with the Artistic Director, Workshop Director and education staff to oversee administration of education programs and ensure that students and parents have a positive experience and that the organization meets revenue targets.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • An experienced nonprofit leader with executive management experience, ready to work collaboratively to grow a mission-driven organization that has a long track record of success.

  • Comfortable balancing operational, day-to-day demands with strategic thinking.

  • Skilled at developing relationships and helping mission-driven teams succeed.

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation.

  • Strong financial management and budgeting skills.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Outstanding organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs and competing priorities.

  • A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

  • A collaborative leadership style rooted in integrity, transparency and partnership.

  • Strong interest in the performing arts and a curiosity to learn.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the below materials by November 21, 2026 to jobs@theaterintheopen.org

Cover letter
Resume
Three professional references (include email and phone numbers)