Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Organization: The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Bridgeport, CT

Salary: $80,000 - $105,000 plus bonus potential

About The Klein Memorial Auditorium

The Klein Memorial Auditorium’s mission is To Enrich, Educate and Entertain Through Arts and Ideas. For 85 years, The Klein has been a cornerstone of the cultural life of Greater Bridgeport, serving more than 70,000 patrons annually through performances, community events, rentals, and a unique children’s performing arts education program.

The Klein is a Broadway-scale theater with 1,437 seats and a modernized facility and technical infrastructure. Operating more than 350 days per year, The Klein balances a carefully managed mix of self-presented programming and rentals, relying on both earned and contributed income to fulfill its mission and sustain long-term financial health.

The Opportunity

The Klein Memorial Auditorium seeks an experienced, visionary, and community-centered Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive and public ambassador of the organization, responsible for strategic leadership, financial sustainability, fundraising, diversified programming, community engagement, and operational excellence.

This role is ideal for a dynamic nonprofit leader who thrives in a fast-paced performing arts environment and brings a strong track record in fundraising, production, relationship-building, and organizational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• • Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategic goals aligned with mission and financial sustainability.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and inclusion among staff, artists, volunteers, and community partners.
  • Support Board engagement, development, and effective governance.

Fundraising & Development

• • Serve as chief fundraiser for the organization, leading all contributed revenue efforts including individual giving, major gifts, foundations, corporate sponsorships, and government funding.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and institutional funders.
  • Work closely with Board members to strengthen a culture of philanthropy and active Board participation in fundraising.
  • Oversee development strategy, systems, and staff and/or consultants to grow contributed income.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• • Act as the primary ambassador and public face of The Klein.
  • Build and sustain strong relationships with community leaders, civic organizations, educators, funders, media, and audiences.
  • Enhance The Klein’s visibility, reputation, and role as a trusted cultural institution serving Greater Bridgeport’s diverse communities.

Operations & Financial Management

• • Oversee an annual budget of approximately $1 million+, ensuring sound fiscal management, transparency, and timely reporting.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the facility, including all personnel and administrative activities and workflow.
  • Lead earned revenue strategy including rentals, self-produced programming and ancillary income.
  • Balance rental and presenting activity to support both mission and financial stability.
  • Provide oversight of facilities, capital needs, vendor relationships, and risk management for a Broadway-scale venue.

Programming & Education

• • Support accessible, high-quality programming and education initiatives that reflect community interests and diversity.
  • Strengthen The Klein’s impact through partnerships and programs that expand audience reach and deepen community engagement.
  • Increase our audience base through programming and marketing that attract a wide range of interests in greater Bridgeport and beyond.

Qualifications & Experience

• • Significant senior leadership experience in a nonprofit organization; performing arts or cultural institution experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts and institutional support.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and complex operations.
  • Ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors.
  • Excellent communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience in working with talent and labor unions on a day-to-day basis and in contract negotiations.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Personal Attributes

• • Passionate advocate for the arts and community enrichment.
  • Strategic, collaborative, and hands-on leadership style.
  • Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfortable with a demanding schedule that includes frequent evenings, weekends, and public-facing responsibilities.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:

Executive Search Committee

The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Email: Careers@TheKlein.org

The Klein is an Equal Opportunity Employer

English