Performing Arts Managing Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Profile

About the Opportunity: The Managing Director is Texas Performing Arts “number two” leader. The position is responsible for implementing the Executive & Artistic Director’s strategic vision by leading daily operations, providing financial management, and guiding the work of TPA’s operational and administrative teams. The position works closely with colleagues across UT Austin and engages extensively with the university’s centralized systems and policies.

Reporting to the Executive & Artistic Director, the Managing Director oversees the leaders of business operations (finance, human resources, accounting, procurement, and contracting); facilities (including IT and capital projects); production (with departments that serve both presented and produced events); event management (event operations and artist logistics); and guest experience (front of house, parking, and retail).

• Internal Leadership: Provide high-level leadership to the heads of Business Operations, Guest Experience, Production, Fabrication & Academic Production, Human Resources, Facilities, and Event Management. Support these areas in understanding TPA’s priorities, setting aligned goals for their areas, and meeting or exceeding those goals. Develop and implement strategies that align TPA’s needs and ambitions with people, processes, and systems. Provide high-level thinking in parallel with attention to detail. Lead organization-wide, cross-functional teams on key initiatives. Facilitate effective and timely interdepartmental coordination. Demonstrate authenticity, emotional intelligence, and effective communications to guide and motivate TPA’s entire staff through clear and composed action. (30%)
• External Leadership: Build and sustain strong relationships with TPA’s university and industry partners. Serve as a trusted and respected leader at the university and within the field. Participate in reporting to and planning with TPA’s Leadership Board. Serve as a proxy for the Executive Director when needed and as a public face of the organization when assigned. (10%)
• Fiscal Management: Provide financial planning and management that sustains and increases TPA’s fiscal health on both an annual and long-term basis. Provide financial insight and analysis to the Executive Director and other senior leaders. Oversee the business operation team’s budget development, management, and reporting. Supervise management of the balance sheet. Maintain and continuously enhance financial systems to meet the needs of all users. Develop a comprehensive knowledge of and ensure compliance with university financial policies and procedures. (30%)
• Operations: Create operational excellence, discipline, and coordination across the organization. Lead organizational operations to ensure the effectiveness of TPA’s programs. Create and apply entrepreneurial and solution-oriented approaches to carrying out TPA’s programs within a complex business environment. Operationalize TPA’s strategic and programmatic plans. Provide operational insight and analysis to the Executive Director and other senior leaders. Develop comprehensive knowledge of and ensure compliance with university operating policies and procedures. (30%)
• Consistently advance Texas Performing Arts’ goals of expansive and innovative programming, educational impact, and world-class facilities & experiences across all defined responsibilities and other duties as assigned. This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described.

• At least ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the arts, entertainment, education, or non‑for‑profit sectors.
• Demonstrated success utilizing administrative, financial, and operational skills to achieve impactful results in a mission‑driven organization.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems within standardized policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience with an organizationally significant number of direct reports in different functional areas, including recruiting, developing, managing, and retaining high‑performing team members.
• Demonstrated leadership presence that inspires others to achieve a shared vision through exceptional written and spoken communication skills; authenticity; confidence and composure; and emotional intelligence.

• Fluency in the interrelated aspects of performing arts center operation, including programming, development, education & engagement, operations, ticketing, marketing & communications, guest experience, and production.
• General manager, managing director, or COO/CFO experience in a performing arts center, performing arts organization, theatrical production, or live event organization.
• Current understanding of the state of the performing arts and education sectors, including present and future opportunities and challenges.
• Experience in a public or large‑scale organization such as an institution of higher education or municipally owned venue.
• Familiarity with databases, dashboards, and reporting tools applicable to cash and accrual accounting systems.
• Demonstrated fluency in the use of current technology and commitment to adopting new technology.
• Strong interest in and passion for TPA’s purpose, values, vision and programs.
• Relevant professional education or credentials.

The salary for this position is $150,000 plus depending on qualifications and experience. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities

This position is based in Austin, Texas and requires residence in the greater Austin area. The work location is 100% on‑site at Texas Performing Arts. The job involves repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation, prolonged screen time, and use of manual dexterity.

Evening, weekend, and holiday work, including “on‑call” times, are regularly required in connection with performances. Working shifts may include extended daily hours in connection with performances and events. Work will exceed 40 hours per week at peak times. A compensatory time program is provided.

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.