TheaterWorks Hartford - Managing Director - TheaterWorks Hartford

TheaterWorks Hartford

Managing Director

Position Profile



The First Managing Director for Hartford’s Downtown Independent Theater



TheaterWorks Hartford (TWH), a thriving, Obie-award-winning regional theater known for its thought-provoking, exceptional productions is seeking a leader to become its first Managing Director. You will work as part of a close-knit Senior Leadership Team to unlock the full breadth of what this innovative company and its talented staff can be and achieve. Together, you will expand TWH’s audience, engage a broader community, and build sustainable administrative processes and practices. TWH’s ongoing commitment to DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) and fostering true belonging runs deep throughout everything the company does–believing that storytelling in all its forms creates a connected community. Producing provocative plays is one of the ways TWH aims to do so. TWH is actively envisioning where theater is going post-pandemic and how its community of storytellers shape what comes next.



As the Managing Director, you report to the TWH Board of Directors, collaborating as an equal partner together with the company’s Producing Artistic Director, Rob Ruggiero. Alongside the Senior Leadership Team (Marketing, Development, Production, and General Management), the need is recognized for additional expertise and focus in critical areas as the company continues to evolve. TWH seeks a dynamic leader who brings strong leadership, fundraising, financial acumen, innovative spirit, and ability to draw from their experiences to elicit collaborative achievements. You will partner with dedicated staff who are excited about the future and committed to supporting your success. The TWH team believes in boundless possibilities and embraces this opportunity for growth.



In this role, you will shape the strategic direction of the theater, oversee operations, cultivate staff, and bring the mission to life with an expansive vision for what theater can be and where it is heading next. The company wants those who bring and inspire fresh ideas, exploring new formats and approaches to deliver high-quality programming and impact. By furthering a culture of passion, care, and equity, this role plays a vital role in the company’s future and direction.



Joining TheaterWorks Hartford as Managing Director means becoming part of an extraordinary arts organization and making a significant impact on the local arts and culture community. If you see yourself in these pages and possess the vision and drive to lead TWH into the future, you are encouraged to apply for this position.

About TheaterWorks Hartford



Welcome to TheaterWorks Hartford (TWH), a vibrant and forward-thinking theater company fueled by creativity and an independent spirit. With a budget that defies its size, TWH has consistently demonstrated its extraordinary artistic capacity and potential for national recognition. Operating with an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million, TWH proudly employs a dedicated full-time staff of 17, bringing the magic of theater to an audience of around 35,000 per year.



Nestled in the heart of Connecticut’s capital city, TWH is deeply committed to the power of storytelling. Since its establishment in 1985, the theater has consistently produced exceptional live performances, captivating audiences with its unwavering dedication to the craft. Even in the face of challenging times, such as the recent pandemic, TWH fearlessly embraced innovation and delivered a full season of imaginative and thought-provoking virtual productions. TheaterWorks believes that sharing stories can change our world.



Operating from its newly renovated building, which it proudly owns, TWH not only houses the theater itself but also accommodates a scene shop, administrative offices, and spaces rented by various not-for-profit organizations. With a seating capacity of 188, TWH’s theater invites audiences to experience live performances in an intimate setting. The modified thrust stage creates a unique environment, furthering a profound sense of shared humanity between the actors and the audience.



TheaterWorks Hartford’s Artistic Impact



TWH has always been a space for the creation of new work and a home for new voices. Two if its productions have ultimately moved Off-Broadway including Make Me a Song and Ella, which went on to great acclaim around the US and a national tour. High with Kathleen Turner had its pre-Broadway world premiere production at TWH. Notably, the theater garnered national acclaim during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for its co-production of Russian Troll Farm, earning the esteemed Critics’ Pick in The New York Times and receiving an Obie Award in 2023. Additionally, TWH’s immersive production of Walden, set outdoors on the banks of the Connecticut River, also received Critics’ Pick recognition.



TWH is much more than just a theater—it is an integral part of a dynamic and diverse community. The TWH team takes its role seriously, working tirelessly to bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. Through meaningful partnerships with community organizations, TWH continuously strives to expand its impact and contribute to the thriving community it serves. Over the years, the company has cultivated a loyal following and cherished traditions, while also embracing the opportunity to create new ones. Importantly, it does so with the care of its staff and guest artists front and center, notably keeping the staff employed throughout the pandemic while it produced virtually.



Join us at TheaterWorks Hartford, where we celebrate the power of live theater, nurture artistic excellence, and build connections that enrich us all. We have proven time and again that passion and creativity know no bounds.

TheaterWorks Hartford’s Commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice



Reflect. Listen. Name. Act. Come Together.



TheaterWorks Hartford is cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). We join in an anti-racist, anti-hate, pro-justice movement that is bringing about a sense of belonging for everyone through the experience of theater. This pushes us to design a framework to pursue a more just and equitable workplace—one that contributes to a more just and equitable world.



We dedicate the time to reflect on our challenges by questioning and evaluating our current systems. We engage thought leaders to guide us through tough conversations as we continue to re-examine our processes and our work culture. We commit to listening better and naming the obstacles we face in order to inspire new ways of working together, hiring, and decision-making while honoring each other. We will continue to ensure our intentions are accountable, and will continue to seek support, guidance and training so that our intentions become actions.



Empathic, honest dialogue guides us. We are storytellers generating hard, thoughtful, and inspiring conversations that celebrate our differences and transform how a community comes together. We will continue to center all our stories in great theater and experiences, we will inspire positive action, as well as open minds and hearts. We aim beyond the goal of inclusion and aspire to land in a place of genuine belonging.



We invite you to join us on this journey.



TheaterWorks Hartford’s Mission, Vision, and Values



MISSION: WHAT WE DO

We create and share stories that can change our world.



VISION: WHAT WE ASPIRE TO

To create a more thoughtful, more empathetic, and more connected community through our shared humanity.



VALUES: HOW WE DO IT

● ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE – We go about our work onstage and off with exceptional rigor, craftsmanship, attention to detail and design in constant pursuit of great art.

● BRAVE CHOICES – We take chances, question what we know and infuse our work with a sense of adventure, believing that theater at its best involves a fearless interrogation of the human experience.

● COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT – Inspired by the culture of the rehearsal studio, we foster an environment where we collaborate with generosity and trust, challenge each other respectfully, and hold one another accountable.

● EMPATHIC DIALOGUE – We create robust, authentic conversations with our community which are anchored in trust and in direct response to the work we produce.

● GENUINE INCLUSION – We welcome all communities, cultures, and audiences to join us in celebrating the differences that enrich our society and our art.

● FISCAL MINDFULNESS - We value the resources entrusted to us and responsibly sustain the company’s dual legacies of entrepreneurship and fiscal accountability.



About Hartford, Connecticut



Hartford is Connecticut’s capital city and was ranked #8 in Best Places to Live for Quality of Life by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to TWH, Hartford’s communities are served by a wide array of arts and cultural landmarks and attractions including Hartford Stage, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (the oldest continuously operating public museum in the US), Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Mark Twain House and Museum, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Connecticut Science Center, and many more. Hartford is a richly diverse city culturally, racially, and ethnically, and embraces all its constituents, including its strong LGBTQ+ community.



Two hours from New York City and ninety minutes from Boston, Rhode Island beaches, and the ski resorts of Vermont, Hartford is immersed in the history and culture of New England. Fast, frequent, and reliable passenger rail is accessed just steps from TWH to NYC, via New Haven, home to Yale University, as well as Yale Repertory Theatre, Long Wharf Theater, Yale University Art Gallery, and much more. For nature enthusiasts, Hartford is also in close proximity to many state parks for hiking and off-road biking. The culinary scene in and around the city is exceptional.



For sports fans, Hartford and nearby Storrs represent the “Basketball Capital of the World,” with UCONN men’s and women’s basketball at home in Hartford’s XL Center Arena. The XL Center Arena is also home to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the minor league Affiliate of the New York Rangers. Hartford’s Dunkin’ Park is home to the Yard Goats, the Double-A Affiliate of Colorado Rockies, and is a mere five minutes from TWH.



Historically the insurance capital of the world, the Hartford area also has a rich business history that continues to flourish, with companies such as Aetna, Cigna, The Hartford, Travelers, and Stanley Black and Decker making significant contributions to arts and culture in the region.



More information on points of local interest and accolades can be found at the linked articles below:



Hartford: #8 in Best Places to Live for Quality of Life:

https://tinyurl.com/3y25cvhc



MetroHartford Alliance: what the Hartford region has to offer to businesses and their employees:

https://tinyurl.com/mr3d73d8



West Hartford: Hartford’s acclaimed next-door suburban neighbor

https://tinyurl.com/mt932vfp



Job Description



The Managing Director’s specific duties include the following:



Organizational Leadership

● Inspire and demonstrate a culture of teamwork, generous collaboration, clear and transparent communication, and mutual support; overall, serve as a compass for the organization along with the Producing Artistic Director

● Mentor and sponsor the staff, uplifting and highlighting people and their accomplishments whenever possible

● Directly lead and supervise the Director of Development, the Director of Marketing & Communications, and the General Manager; continuously remove obstacles, contributing to a space where they can deliver their best work along with their teams, and tap into their rich history of connection to the Hartford and TWH communities

● Implement long range strategic planning in conjunction with the Board of Directors, Producing Artistic Director, and staff

● Serve as staff liaison for Finance and Development Committees of the Board of Directors

● Attend full Board of Directors meetings, and committee meetings as necessary; provide monthly written reports to the Board of Directors

● Provide additional support for and attend meetings, fundraisers, events, celebrations, and opening nights



Human Resources

● Lead recruiting, coaching, and engagement of non-production team members as the HR lead for the organization

● Facilitate effective succession planning for staff, for seamless future transitions

● Ensure that employment policies support the organization’s staffing goals, address the care and evolving needs of staff, and support the company’s future growth

● Ensure that employment policies are compliant with law, are regularly reviewed and updated with current requirements, and are understood by all parties

● Oversee all of TheaterWorks’ contracting with external agents, including Actor’s Equity Association, insurance agreements, leases, rights/royalty agreements, vendors, etc.; note: TWH currently operates under an independent agreement with its unions, informally aligned with LORT



Revenue Enhancement: Contributed and Earned

● Elevate the fundraising capabilities of the organization by investing in the Development team and helping to inspire the TWH Board of Directors to build their own individual fundraising capacities where possible and appropriate

● Collaborate with the Director of Development to craft a growth-focused fundraising plan with input from the Producing Artistic Director, and unleash the potential of the wider TWH team to foster a culture of philanthropy

● Work with the Board of Directors and Producing Artistic Director to cultivate donors and make direct asks

● Ensure that the Development team is setting and achieving goals through intentional planning in all areas of fundraising while adding direct support where needed, including:

o Capital and Annual Fund campaigns, from cultivation and stewardship through to donor recognition and renewal

o Planned giving programs

o Institutional giving, including foundations and government entities

o Corporate sponsorships

o Fundraising events, including cultivation events

● Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team, along with the Producing Artistic Director, to ensure consistency of brand identity in all marketing and sales efforts while maximizing earned revenue through ticket sales, including subscriptions

● Support the Marketing and Communications team in continuing to grow the subscription base through integrated and targeted sales campaigns.

● Ensure consistent collaboration between the Marketing and Development areas to build audience loyalty with a unified view of the patron/customer relationship

● Continuously seek opportunities to grow earned revenue streams beyond ticket sales



Finance

● Craft and implement a centralized financial plan, including annual operating budget and long-term capital budget that supports the strategic plan

● Collaborate with the Producing Artistic Director and General Manager to create the production budget for each season

● Manage the overall financial operations of the organization in collaboration with the General Manager

● Ensure that all external financial reporting of the organization is of high quality

● Provide financial analysis and recommendations to guide the organization’s financial decisions

● Work with outside auditors to assure that all financial systems and internal controls are adequate to appropriately serve the organization and guard against fraud and waste

● Communicate monthly and annual financial progress against budget to the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee through written financial reports



External & Community Relations

● Strengthen and forge new relationships across the Hartford region, including the theater community and the broader civic landscape

● Serve as a key representative of TheaterWorks Hartford in the community, including cultivation of donors, funding institutions and government agencies

● Represent TheaterWorks Hartford in communication with external agencies that have the power to govern or influence financial or administrative demands within the theater industry

● Serve as a primary point of contact with federal, state, and local officials and maintain positive relationships for work on special projects such as management of properties, community revitalization projects, cooperation agreements, etc.

● Discuss TheaterWorks’ goals, priorities, challenges, and concerns with officials, representatives, and members of the local government, news media, social and public service agencies, and other stakeholders when necessary

● Serve on community boards and represent the theater at civic events as appropriate

● Serve as an advocate for business, community, and cultural development in Hartford and the region

● Attend local, statewide, and national conferences as available to keep abreast of new trends, activities, and concepts in the industry



Qualifications



Skills and Experience

● 7-10 years of experience in arts administration; work within a theater company is a plus, though TheaterWorks Hartford is open to a breadth of professional backgrounds

● A successful track record of growing revenue streams through fundraising and relationship development; marketing and ticket sales experience also preferred

● Strong knowledge of and experience with financial operations and reporting, contract, office, and personnel management

● A demonstrated commitment to and fluency with equity, diversity, inclusion, access and anti-racism work, and a dedication to staying abreast of best practices around creating equity and access and applying them to the work of running a theater

● Experience working closely with a Board of Directors and a co-leader

● Strong communication skills and ability to serve as one of the spokespeople and ambassadors for TheaterWorks Hartford within the community in various ways



Key Attributes

● A genuine desire to work within a collaborative co-executive leadership model with the Producing Artistic Director; and as the executive structure evolves with the addition of this role, an equal desire to work together in instituting new processes and decision-making models with clarity and candor

● A commitment to authentically engaging with and supporting the communities within the city of Hartford and surrounding areas

● A love of theater and a belief in its potential for impact within a community and with individuals

● A generous and collaborative spirit, that will thrive within a culture of shared decision making that does not rely heavily on hierarchy and bureaucracy

● An ability to support individual employees and collaborators while also holding them accountable for goals and objectives

● A genuine interest in the success of others



Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If this role speaks to you and you believe that you could excel, we encourage you to apply.



We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.



Please use your cover letter to tell us about what you hope to bring to this role. TheaterWorks is seeking the best individual for the position and is committed to consideration of individuals with diverse backgrounds, non-traditional experience, and/or from traditionally underrepresented groups.



Compensation



Salary is approximately $100,000 plus competitive benefits and potential relocation assistance if applicable.



This position is full-time on-site, though the search committee is open to considering candidates who will need time to work remotely during a short transitional period.



Application Instructions



The search for the Managing Director is being conducted on behalf of TheaterWorks Hartford by Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries. The search is being led by Tom O’Connor, President of TOCG, reporting to a Search Committee appointed by the Board of Directors.



The priority application deadline for this search is July 14, 2023. Applications received by this date will be given priority consideration. While we will still accept and consider applications received after this date, we encourage you to apply as early as possible for the best chance at being considered for the position. Please note that meeting the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview.



To apply, visit the online application (https://tinyurl.com/y7356dfc) and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include relevant experience, including any direct experience you've had with similar roles and institutions. No phone calls, please.


Salary: $100,000