Managing Director

Managing Director

Position Profile

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; event management; and guest experience.

• Provide high‑level leadership to business operations, guest experience, production, fabrication & academic production, human resources, facilities, and event management, supporting them in setting and meeting aligned goals.
• Build and sustain relationships with university and industry partners, serving as a trusted leader and public face of the organization.
• Provide financial planning and management, oversee budget development, balance sheet management, and ensure compliance with university financial policies.
• Create operational excellence, coordinate organization‑wide initiatives, and ensure compliance with university operating policies.
• Advance TPA’s goals of expansive programming, educational impact, and world‑class facilities and experiences.

• At least ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the arts, entertainment, education, or not‑for‑profit sectors.
• Demonstrated success in using administrative, financial, and operational skills to achieve impactful results in a mission‑driven organization.
• Experience solving complex problems within standardized policies and procedures.
• Experience managing a significant number of direct reports across functional areas.
• Leadership presence with exceptional written and spoken communication, authenticity, confidence, composure, and emotional intelligence.

• Deep familiarity with performing arts center operations, including programming, development, education, operations, ticketing, marketing, guest experience, and production.
• Experience as a general manager, managing director, or COO/CFO in a performing arts or related organization.
• Understanding of current and future opportunities and challenges in the performing arts and education sectors.
• Experience in a public or large‑scale organization such as higher education or municipally owned venue.
• Proficiency with databases, dashboards, and reporting tools for accounting systems.
• Commitment to technology adoption and fluency with current technology.
• Strong interest in and passion for TPA’s purpose, values, vision and programs.

The salary for this position is $150,000 plus additional compensation based on qualifications and experience. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package, including health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options; paid vacation, sick time, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan with employer matching; voluntary retirement programs; flexible spending accounts; and free training access through Linked In Learning plus professional conference opportunities.