Executive Director

About MPAC

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, just 25 miles from Downtown Chicago.

In its 25th Anniversary Season, Metropolis has become one of Chicagoland’s leading venues for quality entertainment and professional theater, captivating over 65,000 patrons per year. Metropolis’ programming includes a thriving Main Stage subscription series, an extensive collection of concerts, comedy, and cabaret, and enriching educational productions and performances by its revered School of Performing Arts.

Each year, the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) educates over 2,500 students and offers group classes, individual voice and instrumental instruction, seasonal camps, and theatrical productions. MPAC’s Community Engagement initiatives bring the arts to seniors as well as individuals with special and different needs.

In 2005, the Village of Arlington Heights purchased the Metropolis Theater as well as the second- floor classrooms and administrative offices. As a partner and leading voice in the community’s cultural landscape, MPAC remains committed to its mission of providing professional theater, quality entertainment, inspirational arts education programs, impactful and inclusive community engagement initiatives, and arts accessibility to people of all ages. https://www.metropolisarts.com/

Position Summary

MPAC is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to co-lead the organization alongside the Artistic Director. The Executive Director serves as the operational leader of MPAC and is responsible for ensuring administrative excellence, financial health, community engagement, donor development, marketing, and audience experience. The Executive Director oversees all aspects of operations and financial management, and—critically—advances fundraising efforts in partnership with the Director of Development and the Board. This is a high-impact leadership role ideal for a strategic thinker and community-oriented professional passionate about the arts.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Co-lead the strategic direction and mission fulfillment of MPAC with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Represent MPAC in the community and build partnerships with local arts, business, and nonprofit organizations.
• Ensure operational sustainability and devise strategies and initiatives for institutional advancement.

Departmental Oversight

• Manage Marketing, Development, Finance, Education, HR, and Audience Services departments.
• Lead budgeting, reporting, and departmental staff meetings.
• Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and bylaws.
• Develop marketing and PR communication plans and strategies for promoting productions, growing SOPA, and promoting the theater in general.
• Provide HR guidance to ensure organizational staff are meeting performance expectations.

Financial Management

• Oversee the annual budgeting process and financial reporting.
• Ensure strong financial controls and oversee audit and tax filing processes.
• Set and monitor performance metrics to guide organizational success.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the Board of Directors, Village, staff, and committees as needed.

Fundraising & Development

• In partnership with the Board of Directors, provide strategic leadership to the Development and Marketing Departments, ensuring collaborative execution of fundraising initiatives across all campaigns, including annual subscriptions, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and special events.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners while serving as the lead ambassador for the organization.
• Oversee and guide the development of a comprehensive annual fundraising plan and calendar ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Provide regular progress reports and analysis to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including innovative revenue streams and partnerships to sustain and grow the financial health of the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of nonprofit or theater/arts leadership experience
• Demonstrated track record of success in team leadership, budgeting, development/fundraising, marketing/audience experience, and community relations
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with a passion for arts and culture
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), financial/payroll systems, and database management
• Ability to attend various events and meetings on evenings and weekends

Why Join MPAC?

As Executive Director, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of a beloved cultural institution while making a lasting impact in the community. MPAC offers a collaborative team environment, a strong support network, and the chance to contribute to a thriving arts organization.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Salary Range: $75,000 to $125,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision, Open Paid Time Off, Secure Choice Retirement Program

Other: Relocation assistance may be available for exceptionally qualified out-of-state candidates and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deadline to apply: July 10, 2025.