Managing Director

Managing Director

Berkeley Playhouse

About Us

Berkeley Playhouse is seeking a strategic, organized, and positive leader with strong management skills to join our leadership team as Managing Director. Our mission is to create theater and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving arts education department, professional mainstage season, and community outreach. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, equity, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work.

Position Overview

In support of the Artistic Director's vision, the Managing Director oversees operations, institutional development, and fundraising functions at Berkeley Playhouse. As one of the front-facing leaders, you will represent our core values and mission, develop and implement business systems strategies, facilitate departmental coordination, and help create and maintain a positive and professional working environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. OPERATIONS

Financial Management

• Create, implement and oversee the annual budget in collaboration with the Artistic Director
• Deliver final budget draft to the board of directors on time with realistic, quantifiable revenue and expense projections
• Provide direct oversight of day-to-day financial and business operations in consultation with the financial manager
• Meet regularly with Finance Committee to discuss financial status, communicate variances from projections, and seek approval for changes when necessary

Strategic Planning & Coordination

• Create the master calendar for Berkeley Playhouse with input from Artistic Director and Education Director
• Lead and oversee marketing plans for Professional Season productions and Theater Education productions and programs
• Meet with specialized consultants as needed (e.g., data analysts regarding season box office pricing)

Contracts & Relationships

• Negotiate, administer and execute all commercial tenant contracts and oversee tenant relations
• Handle all licensing and contract negotiations with theatrical licensing companies
• Maintain healthy relationships with the City of Berkeley and Berkeley Cultural Trust regarding community, neighborhood, and civic engagement issues
• Maintain strong relationships with Theatre Bay Area and other Bay Area Managing Directors

Legal & Administrative

• Serve as a legal agent of Berkeley Playhouse, Inc.
• Serve as signer on checking accounts and other business documents
• Serve as company representative for insurance, workers' compensation, IRS, EDD, etc.
• Oversee and sign lease agreements with major tenants and short-term renters

Human Resources

• Oversee all HR functions and administration, including insurance and Personnel Policy Manual
• Manage onboarding/orientation and exit processing
• Execute background clearances, processing, and filing
• Meet regularly with each department under supervision and conduct annual staff reviews

Facilities & Patron Services

• Oversee and prioritize maintenance of the historic Julia Morgan Theater
• Oversee patron services and front-of-house patron experience

1. FUNDRAISING

Development Strategy

• Oversee all fundraising activities, including donor programs, annual campaigns, and fundraising events
• Work with Marketing Manager and Development Director on sponsorships and in-kind support for various campaigns
• Spearhead additional revenue stream strategic initiatives

Donor Relations

• Along with Director of Development & Outreach, identify potential new foundations, corporate and government support
• Coordinate special events and Gala, cultivating donor relations with emphasis on large donor giving

Grant Management

• Oversee grant calendar with Director of Development
• Approve all grant applications and final reports
• Oversee budgets for each special event and development campaign

1. LEADERSHIP & BOARD DEVELOPMENT

Team Leadership

• Meet weekly with Artistic Director and Leadership Team
• Develop and administer strategic plan with Board of Directors and leadership team

Board Relations

• Prepare and supervise board reports for meetings as needed
• Maintain company records

Community Engagement

• Attend all Professional Season Opening Nights
• Attend occasional Youthstage performances and shows throughout the professional run to interface with staff, monitor front-of-house and box office operations, and meet patrons and parents

1. ADDITIONAL DUTIES AS REQUIRED

Desired Qualifications

Experience

• Extensive knowledge and experience in theater and theater education or similar organizational experience
• Minimum of 5 years managerial and supervising experience, with expertise in working with both programs and people
• Previous experience in a non-profit of similar size and scope to Berkeley Playhouse (preferred)

Skills

• Exceptionally strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a high degree of emotional maturity and flexibility
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent time management skills and great attention to detail
• Strong marketing and fundraising knowledge and skills (preferred)

Personal Attributes

• Positive attitude and ability to remain effective, calm and diplomatic under pressure
• Growth mindset with eagerness to continuously improve
• Commitment to education as a core value (preferred)
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule occasionally for performances or programs

Position Details

• Employment Type: Full-time, salaried, exempt position with benefits
• Salary Range: $80,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• Schedule: Requires some evening and weekend hours
• Equal Opportunity: We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following to jobs@berkeleyplayhouse.org:

1. Resume
2. Minimum of 2 references (email and phone number)
3. Introductory letter answering the following:
   • Why are you interested in working at Berkeley Playhouse?
   • How does your skill set match the demands of the Managing Director?