Job Postings

Live Arts theater in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia is seeking an experienced executive director to lead this remarkable, 33-year-old theater into the next era of “forging theater and community.” The executive director is responsible for the business and fund development aspects of the organization and reports directly to the Board of Directors. The executive director works closely with the artistic director, who oversees the creative and production aspects of the organization and reports to the executive director. Competitive salary and benefits. To apply, email a current resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Visit www.livearts.org to learn more about Live Arts.

ABOUT LIVE ARTS

Powered by nearly 1,200 volunteers, Live Arts is a national model for engaged community theater. For more than three decades, we’ve dedicated ourselves to the mission of “forging theater and community” in downtown Charlottesville. Our engagement in local communities runs deep, and we happily attract participants and audiences from across Central Virginia. We’re known for exceptionally high caliber productions that reflect the remarkable talent of our volunteer actors, designers, and production teams. We’re also known for our provocative programming that makes us unique among community theaters.

Live Arts is a hub for creativity, theater education, and community connection. Each year, we present a compelling season of plays and musicals. Since 2023, we have presented an ambitious, multi-week festival of new works that attracts playwrights from across North America. We welcome students of all ages to our year-round classes and workshops, offer teen and young adult playwriting programs, and run award-winning youth summer camps that introduce young artists to all aspects of theater.

We support the development of local works and provide resources for volunteer-led groups including the Playwrights' Lab, Readers’ Circle, Costume Guild, and Scenic Guild. And for more than 25 years, we have provided tech support to high school and college theater groups performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.

We aspire to be “a welcoming home for all stories and storytellers.” Our work is guided by six core values and beliefs:

- Community—We believe in forging community connections by engaging people in the creation of locally produced, volunteer-powered theater.

- Creativity—We believe in the power and beauty of creative expression in all its forms.

- Equity—We believe that advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is essential to the creation of relevant theater.

- Social Change—We believe in theater as a platform for social change and a way to explore the pressing issues of our time.

- Learning—We believe in the joy of learning, personal growth, and the value of education at every stage of life.

- Artistic Courage—We believe in artistic excellence, pushing boundaries, and taking risks in all aspects of our work.

It takes more than $1.1 million annually to fund this remarkable nonprofit theater. In a typical year, half of our income comes from ticket sales, education fees, rentals, and concessions. Grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic gifts make up the other half.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Under the direction of the Board, the executive director is accountable for the overall success and viability of the theater. Leading a team of 11 full-time and part-time employees (plus contractors), the executive director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization, advancing its mission and vision, ensuring its long-term fiscal health, and executing the priorities in its strategic plan.

Responsibilities include: Fundraising, Financial Management & Stewardship, Strategic Planning & Management, Board Engagement, Community Relations, Human Resource Management, Volunteer Management, Marketing, Education Management, Vendor Management, and Facility Management. Refer to the full position description.

QUALIFICATIONS

Attributes
- A love of theater and the people who make it.
- An appreciation of Live Arts’ mission, provocative programming, and legacy as a volunteer-powered community theater.
- An abiding commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Live Arts and in the community.
- A collaborative, transparent leadership style that exemplifies kindness and respect.
- A strategic, innovative approach to change management and problem solving.
- High emotional intelligence and an ability to build relationships of trust.
- Resiliency, positivity, and confidence.

Desired Skills
- Strong financial management experience, including budgeting.
- Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising.
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, manage, inspire, and lead a diverse team.
- Track record of community engagement and outreach.
- Strong nonprofit management experience, including working with a Board.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
- Excellent organization skills and ability to meet a deadline.
- Strong technology and data management skills.
- Highly developed listening skills and empathy.
- Volunteer management experience.
- Experience in managing a facility and building operations.
- Marketing, media relations, and social media experience.

Qualifications
- At least five years of arts administration experience, with at least three years of direct staff management experience.
- At least four years of budget and/or financial experience with decision-making authority.
- Track record of successful nonprofit fundraising, including securing grants, sponsorships, and major gifts.
- Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Board of Directors. The salary is $70-80,000 (firm). Benefits include: health and dental insurance; 20 days of paid time off annually during the first five years of continuous employment; nine paid holidays each year; subsidized downtown parking; and complimentary tickets to shows.

Live Arts is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual based on any non-merit factor. We are committed to an equitable workplace where everyone is treated as a respected and valued member of the team. We actively seek to build and retain a diverse staff with regard to race, culture, ethnicity, class, religion, physical ability, age, gender, and sexual orientation. As an organization working to advance equity, we are committed to elevating the voices of people of color, Native people, LGBTQ+ and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people; and people with disabilities.