Executive Director

The Duluth Playhouse is seeking a dynamic and mission‑driven Executive Director to lead the organization. This is a unique opportunity to steward one of the region’s most important cultural institutions while driving organizational health, community impact, and long‑term sustainability.

About Duluth Playhouse

Founded in 1914, the Duluth Playhouse is one of the oldest nonprofit theaters in the United States and a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life. Through mainstage productions, youth and education programming, and community partnerships, the Playhouse connects artists and audiences and enriches the creative fabric of the Northland.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of the organization. The ED is responsible for overall strategy, operations, financial stewardship, fundraising, people and culture, and community engagement, while working in close partnership with artistic leadership to ensure excellence on and off the stage.

The Executive Director will play a critical role in fostering a healthy, collaborative culture and ensuring the Playhouse is well positioned for long‑term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership aligned with the Playhouse’s mission and values
• Operates as a revenue architect – builds a diversified revenue streams, consistently identifying ways to strengthen the organization’s financial model.
• In partnership with Development, drives comprehensive fundraising, sponsorship and grant program development and strategy.
• Fosters a healthy, inclusive, and professional workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability and collaboration.
• Serves as a leading public representative of the Duluth Playhouse, strengthening its visibility, reputation and community impact.  Is an advocate for the Playhouse’s role in the cultural life of Duluth and the region.
• Collaborate closely with artistic leadership to align artistic vision with organizational capacity

Qualifications

Required

• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, or mission‑driven organization with broad operational responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, financial management, organizational health.
  • Knowledge of nonprofit finance and development is especially helpful.
• Strong leadership skills with a commitment to healthy, inclusive cultures.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Committed to Duluth, equity, inclusion and community engagement.
• A bachelor’s degree in business, arts administration, nonprofit management or a related field is required;  Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, MA) preferred.

Leadership Attributes

• Steady and principled: leads with calm, clarity, and integrity.
• People centered: values trust, respect and healthy working relationships.
• Collaborative: skilled at partnerships with all stakeholders (community members, sponsors, artists, staff).
• Mission Driven: deeply committed to the role of theatre and arts in the region.

Compensation

$85,000 – $110,000 commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Submit to:  leadershipapplications@duluthplayhouse.org

Duluth Playhouse is committed to strengthening diversity and inclusion in our workplace.  Applicants of all backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply.