Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of State Theatre of Ithaca and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic direction, financial sustainability, and community impact.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Provide strategic leadership and organizational vision in alignment with the Theatre’s mission and long-term goals;
• Execute on vision by setting and achieving measurable goals;
• Partner with the Board of Directors and Strategic Planning Committee to develop, implement, and regularly evaluate the Theatre’s strategic and long-range plans;
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture that supports staff engagement and development, innovation, and accountability;
• Serve as a visible and effective ambassador in the community and regional tourism and arts industry;
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the Theatre’s organizational capacity, audience engagement, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.

• Fundraising & Development

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy to support the Theatre’s operational, programming, and capital needs with an eye toward long-term financial sustainability;
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, grant-making organizations, community leaders, and other supporters;
• Ensure accurate donor stewardship and maintenance of donor records and development systems;
• Oversee annual fundraising initiatives including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, sponsorships, memberships, special events, and capital campaigns;
• Identify, write, and manage grants and funding opportunities, including public and private sources;
• Partner with the Director of Annual Fund & Membership to strengthen donor engagement and membership growth.

• Financial & Operational Leadership

• Provide oversight and accountability for the Theatre’s financial management, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability;
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of organizational finances, including budgets, cash flow projections, and asset management;
• Work closely with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Director of Finance & Operations to prepare and manage the annual operating budget;
• Monitor organizational performance against financial goals and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship;
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations; maintain appropriate insurance coverage, risk management procedures, and organizational policies;
• Oversee contracts, reporting, and financial coordination related to theatre operations and programming activity.

• Theatre Operations & Facilities Management

• Provide oversight to staff who manage day-to-day theatre operations, including front-of-house operations, concessions, ticketing, production, technical operations, and building maintenance;
• Ensure the facility remains safe, welcoming, and well-maintained for patrons, artists, staff, and volunteers;
• Supervise facility repair, restoration, and capital improvement projects, including oversight of public funding and reporting requirements;
• Develop and maintain organizational safety protocols and operational procedures.

• Programming & Artistic Partnership

• Collaborate with the Theatre’s Programming Committee and Exclusive Talent Buyer to support programming strategy and event planning;
• Contribute to the successful presentation of performances and events that align with the Theatre’s mission, audience interests, and financial objectives;
• Support collaborative relationships with artists, promoters, community organizations, and programming partners;
• Represent the Theatre at public events, media appearances, conferences, and community functions;
• Build partnerships across civic, cultural, and donor communities.

• Board Relations & Organizational Governance

• Partner closely with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to support strong governance and organizational leadership;
• Prepare materials and reports in advance of Board and committee meetings and provide regular updates on organizational performance and strategic initiatives;
• Support effective communication and collaboration between the Board, staff, and key stakeholders.

• Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and support a collaborative and high-performing staff and volunteer culture;
• Facilitate a collaborative environment where all supervisors provide coaching and performance management support for direct reports;
• Foster an environment grounded in professionalism, accountability, creativity, inclusivity, and respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or associate’s degree and equivalent professional experience;
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience;
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing organizational operations with adaptability and innovation;
• Demonstrated fundraising, donor relations, and/or grant writing success;
• Experience with strategic planning and organizational leadership;
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and technology skills;
• Appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nonprofit or arts organization leadership experience;
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience;
• Knowledge of the performing arts, entertainment, or live event industry;
• Marketing, sponsorship, or audience development experience;
• Appreciation for historic preservation and community-based cultural institutions.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is anticipated in the $90,000-$120,000 range, depending on experience and qualifications; benefits include optional insurance and a generous time off/flexible work arrangement.

Additional Information

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Kirsten Poirier: kpoirier@corpsteam.com

For more information about State Theatre of Ithaca, visit: https://stateofithaca.org/joinus/