General Manager - The Acting Company

The Company:

The Acting Company, est. 1972, is the only professional non-profit touring theater in the United States, and the only professional theater dedicated to the development and empowerment of the American actor. Founded by John Houseman and Margot Harley with the first graduating class of the Drama Division of The Juilliard School, The Acting Company has launched the careers of hundreds of professional actors who are in constant demand on and off Broadway, in film, and on television. The Company has performed in the United States from coast to coast, in major cities and small towns. In addition, it has served at various points in its history as the touring arm of New York City Center, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and The Guthrie. It has been in-residence with many regional theaters and at universities. It also has toured abroad to Russia, Poland, Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Australia, Canada, Bermuda, and London. For its dedication to touring the Company received the 2003 Tony Honor.



The Acting Company is currently producing two shows in rotating repertory with a single ensemble of twelve in 2022-23: a new adaptation of THE THREE MUSKETEERS, written by Kirsten Childs and directed by Kent Gash; and a new production of Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET directed by Leah C. Gardiner. Both productions are touring nationally, as well as playing in NYC.



As an equal opportunity employer, The Acting Company is committed to opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position. The Company has a commitment that all employees have the right to work in an office, theater, or any situation without discrimination.



We are looking for generous and open-minded team members who prioritize collaboration and care for the group above all else.



Job Description: General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for all financial management and reporting; personnel and human resources management; negotiation, preparation and maintenance of all contracts; and oversight of all administrative support mechanisms for productions and office functions. The General Manager serves as the liaison to the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. The GM reports to the Managing Director and Artistic Director, and oversees the Company Manager and part-time Bookkeeper/Office Manager.



Specific Duties include:

Production and Artistic Support

• Negotiates, prepares, and tracks the compliance of all contracts including actors and stage managers, directors and designers, seasonal crew, and others requiring a contract.

• Negotiates contracts with unions including AEA, Society of Directors and Choreographers, and United Scenic Artists.

• Coordinates with booking agents to process contracts with touring venues.

• Negotiates and prepares contracts with New York venues, royalty providers, and special projects.

• Supervises all company management aspects of productions (hospitality, travel, logistics).

• When required, works with Company legal counsel to negotiate contracts.

• Participates in season planning with artistic staff as needed.



Finance

• Develops and maintains compliance of accounting systems and controls.

• Prepares, tracks, and updates the annual budget for review by the finance committee.

• Prepares long-term financial forecasts as needed.

• Forecasts cash flow and determines cash needs; oversees purchasing.

• Oversees bookkeeper’s duties: A/R, A/P, contributions, deposits, bank and credit card reconciliations.

• Maintains banking and investment accounts. Liaises with account managers.

• Prepares the year-end close and supports the auditors in preparation of the annual audit, and federal and state tax filings.

• Prepares financial information for grants including budgets, financial reports, and cash request in coordination with the Director of Development.

• Provides other financial information as required by the board and staff members.



Administration & HR

• Prepares and processes payroll.

• Maintains and administers all employee benefit packages including insurance policy renewals, updates, and compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Updates the employee handbook as needed.

• Establishes HR processes, including hiring and onboarding procedures for seasonal and part-time employees.

• Works with Company insurance broker to maintain adequate general liability insurance coverage.

• Works with outside auditing agents, as required, including insurance providers, state agencies, and funding agencies.

• Files and follows claims, as required, for workers compensation and other policies, prepares “additional insured” certificates.

• Oversees computer needs and purchases. Liaises with company’s IT consultants.

• Supervises office cleaning and general maintenance; acts as liaison with building management and maintenance, when bookkeeper is not present.

• Supports fundraising and programming events as needed.



Requirements:

• Experience with Quickbooks or a similar accounting software and working familiarity with nonprofit financial best practices.

• Understanding of the theatrical unions and their agreements.

• Experience preparing budgets and projecting cash flow is essential.

• Knowledge of HR procedures (payroll, onboarding, employee benefits).

• Ability to calmly multi-task and focus on small details while also keeping in mind the big picture.

• A sense of humor and the ability to work with confidence and optimism in a fast-paced environment.

• A sincere interest and respect for the theater industry is highly preferred.



Salary:

$75,000 annually, overtime exempt. The Acting Company provides two options for health insurance; a dental HMO plan at low cost to employees; a 403b plan with a company match up to 3% after one year, vested at 3 years; ten vacation days per year to start, plus 13 paid holidays (including two floating) and five personal days; and transit benefits. The GM is expected to work in person in the office in midtown Manhattan, though occasional work-from-home days may be possible. Office hours are 10am – 6pm Monday – Friday; occasional evening and weekend work is required.



All employees of The Acting Company are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.



The hiring decision will be made by the Artistic Director and Managing Director, though multiple staff members will be involved in the interview process.

Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter detailing interest and experience with nonprofit finances to careers@theactingcompany.org with the subject line “General Manager – [Your Name]”. Interviews will take place in October with the goal start date of early December.


Salary: 75000