Audience Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Managing Director

Reports to: Producing Artistic Director

Status: Full-time, exempt

Salary Range: Expected salary range: beginning at $65,000, with flexibility based on experience, plus benefits package.

Position Summary

The Managing Director brings Music Theater Works’ mission to life behind the scenes, working side-by-side with the Producing Artistic Director to support bold, joyful musical theater. As the organization’s chief administrative leader, the Managing Director guides fundraising, marketing, finances, and community relationships, building the infrastructure that allows great art to flourish.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

•Partner with the Producing Artistic Director on strategic planning, season planning, and overall organizational vision.

•Oversee day-to-day business operations, including budget and financial management, business relationships, human resources, and administrative functions.

•Manage staff and ensure clear communication across departments.

•Implement and monitor organizational policies and procedures.

Manage relationships with North Shore Center (performance venue) including subscription processing, billing, ticket set up and reporting.

Finance & Governance

•Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Producing Artistic Director and Board Treasurer.

•Oversee financial reporting, cash flow, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements along with contracting business management team.

Advancement

•Work with the Director of Advancement and Producing Artistic Director on leading fundraising initiatives including annual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and special events.

•Alongside Director of Advancement and Producing Artistic Director, build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.

•Collaborate with the Producing Artistic Director, and Director of Advancement on cultivating supporters and patrons.

•Serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Emeritus Board, supporting board development and governance best practices.

Marketing & Audience Development

•Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to build brand awareness and grow audiences.

•Supervise staff and contractors responsible for marketing, social media, and ticketing.

•Ensure cohesive messaging that reflects the organization’s artistic and community values.

Community Engagement

•Represent Music Theater Works in the community, building partnerships with civic, cultural, and educational organizations.

•Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all organizational practices.

Qualifications

•Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit arts management or a related field.

•Proven success in donor and patron relations, financial management, and staff leadership.

•Strong understanding of marketing, audience development, and community engagement.

•Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

•Experience with Quickbooks and Blackbaud preferred.

•Passion for musical theater and the performing arts.

Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater in Skokie, Illinois, founded in 1980. The mission is: to present works for the musical stage, creating a bridge for all audiences from classic works to the present day; to develop the next generation of theater professionals and patrons; and to engage the community in music, theater, and the arts.

The company presents both full and innovative productions of standard musical theater repertoire and new works, as well as historic repertoire like operetta, using staging, technology and audience engagement in new ways. YouthREACH, the company’s growing program for young people, covers all aspects of theater from performance to technology. Creative collaborations with arts and community partners are a vital part of the artistic and social approach for all programs.

Music Theater Works is committed to inclusion and diversity, from show selection to casting to creative teams, to engaging with the community to create a more responsive, inclusive, and equitable company. Music Theater Works’ values infuse all aspects of the company:

We care about what aspect of the world we are putting on stage.
We are additive to the cultural landscape.
We support artists over time and through multiple projects.
Music is a vital connection to our artistic image of theater.
The art we produce is not separable from the communities in which we exist.
We support equity and diversity on and off stage.