Operations Manager/CAO

Synetic Theater is seeking a full-time Operations Manager, or for an experienced candidate, a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This is a hands-on anchor role at the heart of a small but durable company with a nationally recognized artistic identity. The organization has a 25-year history of achievement and is at a foundational moment in its history as it transforms its operating model and develops towards a new space. This role will be highly involved in that process and will have an outsized impact on the future of the organization.

About Synetic Theater

Synetic is structured around the work of master artists whose innovation and teaching have shaped a generation of physical theater artists in the DC region. Its signature artistry fuses narrative, traditional acting, and conceptual design with the training discipline and company ethos of a dance company. Unlike a conventional resident theater, Synetic’s business model more closely resembles that of a dance ensemble: a core of master artists drive the creative work, supported by an extended community of performers, designers, technicians, teaching artists, students, parents, donors, and volunteers.

This means that joining Synetic is not simply stepping into an administrative role, but into an established artistic culture with its own traditions, rhythms, and values. The Operations Manager must be both pragmatic and adaptive — honoring the company’s identity while ensuring the day-to-day systems support its productions, residencies, and education programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee company-wide calendar and scheduling across productions, residencies, and education programs.
• Manage and negotiate contracts with artists, teaching artists, designers, and contractors.
• Serve as liaison with partner venues for performances, rehearsals, and classes.
• Support box office operations, ticketing systems, and customer service.
• Coordinate with external finance/bookkeeping partners; maintain working knowledge of budgets, expense tracking, and approvals without serving as the primary bookkeeper.
• Maintain storage, assets, and organizational systems.
• Partner with the entire staff on marketing and development campaigns and events.
• Collaborate with Artistic Director/CEO and Managing Director on organizational planning (including season and venue strategy).
• Engage with the Board of Directors on operational matters

Flexible Scope

The exact balance of duties in this role will be tailored to the strengths of the successful candidate. Candidates with production backgrounds will take on more direct Production Management responsibilities, with additional contractors supporting development and education functions. Candidates with development, marketing, or education backgrounds may emphasize those areas, with production contractors supporting technical and logistical needs.

The Ideal Candidate

• Brings 3–5 years of progressive experience in arts administration, arts education, production management, nonprofit operations, or related fields.
• Skilled at juggling multiple priorities and communicating clearly with stakeholder groups including artists, staff, donors, parents, audience and schools.
• Values efficiency, accountability, and collaboration.
• Flexible and resilient, excited to support both tradition and new growth.
• Thrives in a small-team environment where multiple competencies are called upon.
• Is willing to work flexible hours in an environment that is rarely nine to five but still respects a work/life balance.
• Is willing to engage with a group that see themselves as more than just professional colleagues but partners in creating art.
• Has supervisory or management experience and can collaborate with team members at a variety of experience levels.
• Experience with PatronManager or similar ticketing databases preferred, but not required.

Why This Role Matters

This position is central to Synetic’s future as it grows toward new venues, tours, and eventually a new space of its own. The right candidate will become a trusted leader in a company defined by its artistry, community, and adaptability.

Synetic is dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply for roles that align with their interests and career trajectory. If you meet a majority of the qualifications and see yourself in this role, we would love to see your application.

Hybrid work model: Combination of in-person and remote work, with flexibility based on production and program schedules.

Provided technology: Company-issued laptop and necessary software tools.

Health & dental coverage: Comprehensive employee health and dental insurance.

Retirement plan: 401(k) employee contribution plan.

Paid time off: Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

Collaborative, creative environment: Work alongside nationally recognized artists in a company that values innovation, adaptability, and community.

Growth potential: Opportunities to expand leadership and management responsibilities as the company grows.