The Talent Machine Company seeks an Executive Director

Position: Executive Director
Organization: The Talent Machine Company
Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Anne Arundel County, Maryland (Flexible/Hybrid)
Status: Full-time (approximately 35 hours per week; flexible schedule with occasional evening and weekend commitments)

Position Overview

The Talent Machine Company is hiring its first-ever Executive Director – a milestone that reflects nearly 40 years of growth, community impact, and organizational readiness. This is a rare opportunity to shape the next chapter of a beloved youth theater organization with deep roots in Anne Arundel County.

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the organization’s chief executive, working in close partnership with a deeply committed Board of Directors. This role is ideal for a builder – someone energized by the opportunity to establish systems, cultivate donors, and create sustainable infrastructure while honoring the volunteer spirit and family-centered culture that has defined Talent Machine for decades.

A central priority of this role is fundraising and development – building sustainable revenue streams through individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and government support. The ED will also oversee day-to-day operations, support Board governance, and serve as a visible ambassador for the organization in the community. The position reports to the Executive Committee of the Board.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide dynamic leadership to advance the organization’s mission, vision, and values
• Oversee day-to-day administrative operations and work with the Board of Directors to implement strategic and annual operating plans
• Ensure legal, financial, and ethical integrity and accountability, including maintaining organizational records, legal compliance, tax filings, and adherence to the Document Retention Policy

Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, special events, and planned giving
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners, ensuring meaningful recognition and engagement
• Develop and implement strategies to expand and diversify revenue streams

Financial Management

• Support the Finance Committee’s work in developing and monitoring annual budget
• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance with nonprofit financial practices

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as primary liaison between the Board and day-to-day operations, attending all Board and Executive Committee meetings
• Support Board recruitment, training, and engagement; provide timely and transparent communication to support informed governance

Community & Artistic Engagement

• Represent the organization in the community, building partnerships with schools, government leaders, civic organizations, and arts institutions
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the theater, strengthening its reputation and impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, arts administration, or related field preferred
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible nonprofit leadership experience, ideally in a performing arts organization
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and development, including major gifts, grants, and sponsorships
• Strong financial management skills with experience in budget oversight
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with Board members, donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders
• Passion for theater, youth development, and advancing the role of the arts in community life
• Comfort working in a “startup” environment – building systems, establishing processes, and wearing multiple hats as the organization’s first professional staff member

Compensation

Compensation will be based on experience level, with an anticipated annual salary range of $68,000-$75,000.

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