Theatre West is seeking a full‑time managing director who is passionate about theatre and adept at handling the day‑to‑day operations of a nonprofit membership company. Reporting to the artistic board, the managing director will develop strong working relationships with members and the community to ensure the company continues its mission to expand theatre artists’ skills through workshops and public performances.
The managing director is responsible for managing the administrative and financial operations of the company while maintaining oversight of its 3,600 square foot leased facility. The $400,000 budget is diversified with multiple revenue streams, of which 55% are from earned sources (ticketing, member dues, rentals) and 45% are from contributed sources (grants, donations).
The managing director also maintains relationships with the resident publicist, graphic designer, social media coordinator, producers, and part‑time employees and volunteers. The MD manages all fundraising, community engagement programs, and marketing efforts both for the theatre itself and its individual shows. The position is accountable to Theatre West’s membership and artistic board, which consists of seven elected Theatre West members who serve staggered 2‑year terms.
We present live productions at our theatre in Hollywood. Our season consists of two to three fully staged productions of new plays, as well as revivals, special presentations, musical shows, WestFest, and our Storybook program of Equity children’s theatre. We conduct weekly workshops in acting, musical theatre, Shakespeare, and writing, which provides the wellspring of new plays for our members. Theatre West is also looking to reinstate its education program, which provided theatre instruction to Title 1 public schools, and served nearly 1500 students at its height.
Theatre West is seeking an ambitious collaborator and skilled generalist to build upon the company’s 60‑year legacy. The managing director will have an enterprising spirit with a business, arts administration, and/or nonprofit management background. They will be able to see the big picture while also being mindful of the details.
Roles and responsibilities
- Manage the financial operations of Theatre West, including organizational budget creation, data tracking, cash‑flow projections, preparing payroll, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting and forecasting, insurance, and preparing financial reports and statements to the artistic board.
- Collaborate with external accountants for annual audit and tax return preparation.
- Ensure the company is in full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing nonprofit organizations.
- Support the work of office staff, including monthly member invoicing, office supplies and database maintenance, issuing of payments, deposits, monthly bank reconciliations.
- Oversee marketing and promotional campaigns for the company productions including: weekly eblasts, quarterly newsletters, print and web‑based advertising, direct mail, collateral distribution, social media posting, and radio campaigns.
- Negotiate and prepare all artist contracts, rental agreements, and co‑productions, in addition to ensuring Theatre West is in full compliance with its Actors Equity TYA Tier 2 per performance agreement.
- Create and solicit mutual beneficial partnerships including promotional arrangements and co‑production agreements.
- Manage individual giving program including preparing an annual appeal, donor cultivation, solicitation, and organizing special donor events.
- Coordinate with resident grant writer to research, write, and submit grant proposals and applications to support Theatre West’s general operations and programs.
- Support Theatre West’s efforts to grow its membership and ensemble with a 21st Century approach to inclusive casting as well as engagement with diverse audiences throughout its productions and programs.
- Cultivate and recruit potential candidates to serve on Theatre West’s executive board.
- Represent Theatre West at select community events including presentations, panels, and conferences.
- Oversee maintenance, upkeep and operational needs of our venue.
- Respond to general office and rental inquiries.
- Attend AB meetings as needed to report on the theatre’s plans, projects, and finances.
The ideal candidate will have
- Bachelor’s degree
- Previous experience working in nonprofit theatres and/or arts organizations.
- Passion for live theatre.
- Working knowledge of social media PayPal, EventBrite, Gusto, MS Office, Google Docs, and Dropbox.
- An extensive understanding of QuickBooks.
- Proven history in fundraising through grants and private donors.
- Experience managing a team of volunteers.
- Strong project management experience and the ability to juggle multiple projects concurrently.
- A collaborative spirit and an ability to inspire and engage the company to achieve its ambitions.
- Must live in the greater Los Angeles area
Special note: This position is offered for 6 months, at which time terms may be renegotiated for an additional 6 months. Renegotiation based on additional funding to be secured by the MD via grants, partnerships, or donations.
Theatre West strongly encourages applications from historically under‑represented populations including but not limited to BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
Deadline to apply: August 31, 2026
Documents required to apply: Resume, Cover Letter, References
How to apply: Email cover letter, resume, and 3 references as a PDF at The subject line should be: (MD Search – Last Name, First Name)
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