Managing Director for Gloucester Stage Company

Gloucester Stage is seeking a full-time Managing Director.

Overview of Gloucester Stage

Established in 1979, Gloucester Stage is Boston’s North Shore award-winning professional, nonprofit theatre company. Located in a century-old brick warehouse on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and at the entrance to the Rocky Neck Cultural District, the intimate venue (178-seat thrust stage) has served as the setting for the premieres of award-winning new works and rousing classics over the past four decades.

Gloucester Stage attracts thousands of audience members from June to September for our MainStage season of four productions and stage readings. For the rest of the year, the venue welcomes a variety of free and reduced-price community programs.

Below is an overview of the different tasks and responsibilities that are involved in this position:

Strategic planning

• Co-lead and implement long range and annual strategic planning in conjunction with Artistic Director and Board of Directors

Administration

• Supervise daily administrative operations.
• Personnel management, including, but not limited to:
  • In conjunction with Artistic Director, supervise staff, including coaching, mentoring, conflict management/resolution, performance management, and training.
  • In conjunction with Artistic Director, manage hiring and termination process of employees, including freelance and temporary.
  • Maintain job descriptions and employee records.
• Maintain theatre’s documents (employee handbook, contracts, financial records, etc.).
• Organize and maintain theatre archives.
• Co-lead staff meetings with Artistic Director.
• Provide clear expectations, feedback, and ongoing supervision to staff.
• Manage insurance needs and policies.
• In conjunction with Artistic Director, manage educational and apprentice programs.

Financial management

• Collaborate with the Treasurer and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors on overall financial management. Direct the activities of the Bookkeeper.
• Prepare and implement financial plan in collaboration with Artistic Director and Board, including an annual operating budget which supports the annual production schedule and strategic plan.
• Collaborate with Artistic Director to create production budget for the season, then manage production budgets with the Production Manager throughout the season.
• Manage accounts payable and receivables.
• Manage payroll and payroll tax requirements.
• Manage annual audit with CPA firm.
• Generate monthly financial reports for the finance committee.
• Oversee weekly box office cash, check deposits, and monthly reconciliation reports.
• Manage banking and vendor relationships, including AEA bond.

Marketing

• Co-create marketing plan with Marketing Manager.
• Develop yearly ticketing strategy and advertisement budget.
• Build on current sponsorship strategy. Solicit show and season sponsors.
• Communications with ticketing agency, including negotiating contract, ordering tickets, etc.
• Supervise the maintenance of the website, subscriber database, and ticketing program.
• Strategize relationships with Public Relations Coordinator.

Development

• Maintain and coordinate donor relationships (including acknowledgment and fundraising letters).
• Coordinate and contribute to the writing of grants with the grant writer. Review grant proposals and grant reports.
• Co-lead event management with Board Events Committee.

Board relations.

• In conjunction with Artistic Director, maintain positive and collaborative working relationship with Board of Directors.
• Provide Board with monthly reports to assess progress toward goals and objectives of the yearly goals, staff activity and financial updates.
• Provide logistical support to the Board, including meeting logistics and preparation of supporting materials in advance of meeting dates.

Advocacy

• Serve as a public representative of Gloucester Stage in conjunction with the Artistic Director. Build and maintain positive relationships within the community, including volunteers, donors, sponsors, public officials, and other civic and arts organizations.

Facility management

• In conjunction with the Board, set goals for building upkeep and maintenance.
• Coordinate maintenance/repair projects (with Board approval).
• Ensure compliance and permitting with state and local codes.
• Procure the annual liquor license.

Producing

• Support the Artistic Director in executing the season.
• Act as primary liaison with theatrical unions, including AEA bonding, production and event contracting, and weekly contribution reports.
• Distribute and collect union and non-union artist contracts.
• Manage financial payment to artists (including fees and reimbursement checks).
• Manage off-season programming with rentals, community groups, and outside theatrical productions.

Qualifications

• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• A kind and collaborative attitude.
• Foster a professional and supportive work culture.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and timelines simultaneously.
• Leadership and relationship management experience.
• Strong interest in the performing arts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of finance and managerial accounting.
• Experience with fundraising and development preferred.
• Arts management training preferred.
• A college degree or equivalent experience.

To apply, please submit the below materials by March 1, 2026 to search@gloucesterstage.com

• Cover letter
• CV
• Email and phone numbers for three professional references.

Monthly healthcare stipend, vacation and paid time off.

Proficiency in English.