Executive Director

Theatre Philadelphia 

Executive Director

Theatre Philadelphia’s Mission
Theatre Philadelphia unites, celebrates, and promotes the Philadelphia region's diverse and growing theatre community. We lead efforts that expand audiences and engage the public to participate in this community's work. Theatre Philadelphia envisions an equitable and inclusive region that champions and nurtures local artists. We aim to promote the health of the world-class theatre arts that enrich the lives of Philadelphia-area citizens.

About the Organization
Founded in 2012, Theatre Philadelphia is dedicated to bringing together and celebrating Philadelphia's diverse and growing theatre community. Theatre Philadelphia envisions a region that celebrates this growing and ever-changing theatre community – nurturing local theatre artists, fostering the creation of extraordinary work, forging stronger connections between our art and audiences – recognizing that a diverse, robust, and thriving theatre community can play a pivotal role in promoting Philadelphia as a world-class city. Theatre Philadelphia's programs include ongoing digital marketing efforts, the annual Barrymore Awards, Philly Theatre Week, professional development offerings, and leading strategies for audience awareness and growth. Through this work, we interact with dozens of theatre companies and hundreds of artists in a 35-mile radius of City Hall, with a variety of backgrounds and artistic disciplines. 

Executive Director Position Description & Duties

Theatre Philadelphia is seeking an Executive Director to serve as the leader and chief administrative officer of a $400,000 (estimate from 2023) organization.  The Executive Director (ED) acts as both the day-to-day manager and the public face of the organization. The ED is the lead fundraiser and strategist, working with staff members, a board of directors, and over 100 volunteers to develop and achieve the organization’s goals. 

Duties include: 

• crafting a strategic plan 
• prospecting and managing institutional and individual funder relationships 
• building connections with the leadership of our theatre community and greater arts & culture community
• attending to inquiries and feedback from members of the Philadelphia theatre community
• managing finances
• serving as producer for the Barrymore Awards Ceremony and Celebration. 
• communicating with the Theatre Philadelphia Board and its committees, which include Anti-Racism Action Committee and the Barrymore Oversight Committee

The ED must be equal parts community organizer, administrator, entrepreneurial executive, and enthusiastic spokesperson. 

Competencies Sought

• 5+ years in arts leadership preferred
• A passion for the Greater Philadelphia theatre community, knowledge of the strengths and challenges of our region’s arts sector, as well as the needs of a diverse group of constituents
• High energy dedication to positioning Theatre Philadelphia as a community leader
• Leadership and decision making based around empathy, equity, dignity, and respect
• Experience managing direct reports, consultants, independent contractors, and a board of directors
• Comfort in financial reporting, grant writing, and public speaking
• Clear project and task management approach to balance multiple concurrent priorities
• Entrepreneurial approach to imagining and realizing unique revenue opportunities while managing expenses
• Ability to work collaboratively and facilitate meetings of all sizes with varied constituencies
• Joy for building long-lasting partnerships and finding ways toward consensus
• The flexibility to switch gears from day-to-day tasks and big picture thinking
• Talent for building consensus through strong emotional intelligence, listening skills
• Ability to cultivate and maintain congenial and collaborative energies

Salary

Mid to High $50s based on experience. Flexible work schedule and optional benefits as part of salary, to be discussed upon hiring. 

Location

Theatre Philadelphia is a fully remote office with frequent in person meetings and events.

Application Deadline is 6pm EDT on August 29th, 2025.

To apply – Please fill out this form with a resume and letter of introduction as a single attachment:  2025 Application for Executive Director

Theatre Philadelphia encourages applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or any other protected status covered by federal, state or local law.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single qualification. Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every criterion. We're committed to finding the best candidate, and that person may come from a less traditional background. We value diverse experiences and may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. If you're interested, please think broadly about how your background aligns with this role.

Any questions? - Please contact [email protected]