Woodstock Opera House
Woodstock, IL
US

DESCRIPTION

OPERA HOUSE MANAGING DIRECTOR – WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE

JOIN THE SPOTLIGHT: BECOME THE WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE MANAGING DIRECTOR!

Do you have a passion for the arts and a strategic mind to match? The Opera House Managing Director plays a pivotal role in leading a legendary institution, ensuring its future success and the vibrancy of its legacy. We're seeking a visionary leader to craft the future of the Woodstock Opera House Performing Arts Center through dynamic strategic and operational leadership.

WOODSTOCK WELCOMES YOU!

The City of Woodstock is a charming historic community of 26,011, located 55 miles northwest of Chicago on Metra rail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Woodstock is a community unlike any other boasting historic 19th century buildings, dining, entertainment, accommodations, specialty shops, professional services, art galleries, and live theater.

The City employs 362 (full, part-time limited part-time and seasonal) employees in a variety of departments within the organization, such as Office of the City Manager, Development Services - Building & Planning, Development Services - Engineering, Economic Development, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Opera House, Police, Public Library, Public Works, and Recreation.

Our employees work to serve the residents with responsive customer service and strive to make the City of Woodstock the best community it can be.

OUR NEXT OPERA HOUSE DIRECTOR WILL BE EXPECTED TO:

• Lead with Vision: Guide all aspects of the Opera House's daily operations, from creating a robust business plan to executing growth strategies that ensure long-term success.
• Craft Unforgettable Seasons: Oversee the development of captivating programs and special events, ensuring that each season is a standing ovation success.
• Master the Numbers: With expert budgeting and financial management skills, ensure the theater runs efficiently and smoothly.
• Shape the Future: Plan for capital improvements and maintain the integrity of our treasured historic building through meticulous preservation and restoration efforts, yet step outside of the past and create new, innovative uses of the historic building.
• Empower Talent: Manage staff performance and development, inspiring a team of passionate individuals to contribute to the Opera House's continuing excellence.
• Engage with the Community: Bring the community together through innovative outreach and engagement efforts, ensuring the Opera House remains a cherished cultural hub.

Working under the supervision and guidance of the Executive Director-Business Development, combining leadership with operational expertise, will shape the future of this iconic institution.

WHAT WE ARE SEEKING:

• A visionary leader with deep knowledge in arts management, strategic planning, and operational excellence.
• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, organizational culture and staff development.
• An advocate for the preservation and restoration of cultural landmarks.
• A creative strategist with the ability to engage and inspire diverse communities.

For a detailed description of responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Arts Management, Theatre, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years in senior management or leadership roles within the arts, entertainment, or cultural sector.
• Strong understanding of theater operations, fiscal management and program development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage diverse arts and cultural programming.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain applicable Illinois liquor licensing or BASSET certification as required for venue operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in Arts Management, Theater, or a related field.
• Experience working with municipal governments and like community organizations.
• Knowledge of regional and national arts programming and funding sources.
• Passion for the arts and commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.

SALARY:

The current annual salary range for this salaried/exempt position is $106,683.20 to $154,689.60, with an anticipated hiring range of $106,683.20 to $122,678.40, based on qualifications of the successful candidate.

We offer a very competitive group benefits package along with an IMRF pension.

DEADLINE: Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM

TO APPLY: https://woodstockil.applicantpro.com/jobs/4036531

If you're ready to step into a role of a lifetime where your leadership and passion for the arts will leave a lasting impact, we want to hear from you!

This position is not eligible for a work-related immigration visa sponsorship. The City of Woodstock is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SALARY

$106,683.20 – $154,689.60 per year

APPLY ONLINE

https://woodstockil.applicantpro.com/jobs/4036531