Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director will serve as the Historic Paramount Theatre’s (Paramount) senior administrative and strategic leader, driving daily operations, stewarding finances, supervising staff, and partnering with the Board of Directors while keeping the theatre active, stable, and deeply connected to Abilene. This person will maintain the Paramount’s programming model, build strong civic and cultural relationships, work closely with the Chief Financial Officer on budgeting and cash flow, and lead the creation of the organization’s first strategic plan.

They will be a dynamic, community‑minded ambassador who brings strong communication skills, sound financial judgment, and collaborative leadership to development, programming, and external relations. This leader will strengthen donor and foundation relationships, oversee grants, sponsor ships, restoration projects, marketing, and programming, and advance a refreshed artistic direction that reduces dark days, broadens audiences, and deepens the Paramount’s civic impact. They will guide planning for the 2030 centennial and champion accessible programming that welcomes new audiences and supports downtown revitalization.

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the organization’s operations, staff, and programming.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate all full‑time staff members.
• Foster a collaborative and mission‑driven organizational culture.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements, including TABC regulations.
• Embrace other organizational leadership and administration responsibilities as needed.

• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and present the annual operating budget for board approval each March.
• Oversee implementation of and adherence to the approved budget.
• Work closely with the Board and CFO to manage organizational cash flow and steward banking reserves.
• Review and approve all company expenditures, with expenditures over $5,000 requiring a second signature from the Board.
• Work with staff to establish pricing for goods and services and determine inventory and merchandise offerings.
• Embrace other financial management responsibilities as needed.

• Prepare for and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors, including providing timely reports, recommendations, and updates on organizational operations and strategic priorities.
• Implement directives and policies established by the Board of Directors.
• Engage and support board members in fundraising initiatives, long‑range planning, and organizational strategy.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Paramount and the building owners.
• Embrace other governance and board‑relations responsibilities as needed.

• Lead the programming, negotiation, and contracting for Paramount Road Shows and other live performances presented by the organization.
• Oversee film programming, including selections made by committees and staff.
• Ensure programming aligns with the mission, audience interests, and financial goals of the Paramount.
• Embrace other programming and artistic oversight responsibilities as needed.

• Serve as the organization’s primary development contact.
• Oversee grant funding strategies, donor cultivation and stewardship, and corporate sponsorship relationships.
• Support and guide fundraising initiatives in partnership with staff and the Board of Directors.
• Embrace other development and fundraising responsibilities as needed.

• Produce, oversee, or approve all marketing and promotional materials and campaigns.
• Represent the Paramount within the community and serve as the primary spokesperson at public events, partnerships, and community engagements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with patrons, community stakeholders, donors, sponsors, and partner organizations.
• Embrace other marketing and community relations responsibilities as needed.

• Identify, secure funding for, and oversee all restoration,…