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Managing Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Music Theater Works

Be Seen First

Managing Director

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

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 ...

Inspire11

Managing Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Managing Director Location: Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, Reports To: Executive Leadership FLSA Status: Exempt Role Overview A Managing Director is a business leader first. You are ...

VDS Consulting Group

Managing Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Managing Director Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is looking for a Managing Director to join our interim executive bench, with this engagement deploying on-site at our PE-backed middle-market ...

Value Driven Solutions

Managing Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Managing Director Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is looking for a Managing Director to join our interim executive bench, with this engagement deploying on-site at our PE-backed middle-market ...

NielsenIQ

Managing Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Proven success managing $MM portfolios , complex negotiations, and multi-stakeholder contracting. * Strong AI/data fluency and ability to translate technical solutions into business impact.

NielsenIQ

Managing Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$167K - $331K/yr

Proven success managing $MM portfolios , complex negotiations, and multi-stakeholder contracting. * Strong AI/data fluency and ability to translate technical solutions into business impact.

NielsenIQ

Managing Director

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$167K - $331K/yr

Proven success managing $MM portfolios , complex negotiations, and multi-stakeholder contracting. * Strong AI/data fluency and ability to translate technical solutions into business impact.

Vestian

Managing Director, Brokerage

Chicago, IL · On-site

About the Role We are seeking a Managing Director to join our Chicago HQ at Vestian. You will oversee large-scale business development initiatives, cultivate key client relationships, negotiate ...

BDO

Tax Managing Director, Partnerships

Chicago, IL

The Tax Managing Director, Partnerships is responsible for advising clients on the tax implications of their business objectives and various partnership specific items including but not limited to ...

Cityyear

Managing Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Director, as a member of the site's Executive Leadership Team, the Managing Director of Development (MDD) will lead a team of 5 development professionals to manage and ...

West Monroe

Managing Director, Product Management

Chicago, IL · On-site

$240K - $251.40K/yr

As a Managing Director/Partner in ourTechnology and Experiencepractice and Softwarediscipline,you will join a leadership team focused helping companies become digital in every part of their business ...

City Year

Managing Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Director, as a member of the site's Executive Leadership Team, the Managing Director of Development (MDD) will lead a team of 5 development professionals to manage and ...

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Managing Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.2K

$125.3K

$195.4K

How much do managing director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for managing director in Chicago, IL is $125,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $152,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Managing Director?

A managing director is the most senior position at a business. You have the final say on all company actions and are ultimately responsible for all decisions made by the company. You are the liaison between a company’s upper management and the board. You make frequent reports to the chairperson and board. Unlike the CEO, you oversee the management and daily operations of the company; your duties include implementing new policies, protocols, or directives, paying close attention to how these decisions affect budgets and profitability. You are also the one who chooses and leads a board of directors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Managing Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Managing Director, you need exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills, often supported by an advanced degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, financial analysis tools, and industry-specific software is typically required. Outstanding communication, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for setting organizational direction, driving growth, and ensuring operational excellence.

What are some common challenges a Managing Director may face when leading a diverse executive team?

Managing Directors often oversee teams composed of leaders from various departments, each with their own priorities and perspectives. One common challenge is aligning these leaders towards shared organizational objectives while balancing individual department goals. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making are essential for fostering collaboration and ensuring that all departments work cohesively. Additionally, Managing Directors must stay agile to adapt to market changes and lead the organization through periods of growth or transformation.

What are Managing Directors?

Managing Directors are senior executives responsible for overseeing the overall operations and performance of an organization or a major division within a company. They develop strategic plans, set business goals, and ensure that all departments work effectively to achieve these objectives. Managing Directors often report directly to the board of directors and represent the company in high-level meetings and negotiations. Their leadership is crucial for driving growth, profitability, and long-term success.

What do you do as a managing director?

A managing director is responsible for overseeing the overall operations and strategic direction of a company or division. They make high-level decisions, manage senior leadership, and ensure business goals are met, often requiring strong leadership, financial acumen, and industry knowledge. Their role involves setting policies, managing resources, and representing the organization to stakeholders.

What is the difference between Managing Director vs Chief Executive Officer?

AspectManaging DirectorChief Executive Officer
CredentialsTypically requires extensive industry experience, often with a background in business management or related fieldsUsually holds similar credentials, often with advanced degrees like an MBA or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentOperates within the company's executive team, often focusing on daily operations and strategic implementationOversees the entire organization, setting strategic vision and representing the company externally
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in European and Asian companies; in some industries, the Managing Director is equivalent to a CEOWidely used globally, especially in North America, as the top executive role

The main difference lies in their scope and regional usage. A Managing Director often focuses on operational management within the company, especially in European contexts, while a CEO is generally the highest-ranking executive responsible for overall strategic direction worldwide.

More about Managing Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Managing jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Managing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Managing Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Managing Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Managing Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Managing Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Managing Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Managing Director job openings:
Managing Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Managing Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,285 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Managing Director

Music Theater Works

Wilmette, IL • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

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Job description

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.

Company Description

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.