Managing Director

About Virginia Rep

Created from the merger of Theatre IV and the Barksdale Theatre, Virginia Repertory Theatre is central Virginia’s largest professional theatre company and the centerpiece of the Richmond theatre scene. Virginia Rep performs a 7 show season across three venues; the 550-seat November Theater, The Theatre Gym, and at the historic Hanover Tavern. The company also supports a robust educational division providing classes, camps, and in‑community programs serving youth and teens.

During the 23/24 Season, Virginia Rep went through a financial crisis as a result of the aftermath of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, and a changing audience marketplace. As part of the 24/25 season the “Save the Rep” campaign provided the resources to stabilize the organization, and in the 25/26 season the company has taken huge steps forward with record ticket sales and renewed community engagement.

Virginia Repertory Theatre is seeking a passionate and mission‑driven Managing Director to lead the organization through its recently‑announced 26/27 season and into a bright future. This is a time of rapid growth and change for Virginia Rep, with all the benefits and challenges connected thereto. The next Managing Director will have the opportunity to steward this storied institution while strengthening organizational health, community impact, and long‑term sustainability.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) works in co‑leadership with the Artistic Director, and serves as the chief Managing and administrative leader of the organization. The MD 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 the stage and in the classroom.

• Provides strategic and operational leadership aligned with the organizational mission and values.
• Provides strong financial oversight.
• Operates as the chief revenue officer, ensuring diverse revenue streams, robust ticket sales, and new revenue‑enhancing programs.
• 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 along with the AD as the leading public representatives of Virginia Rep, strengthening its visibility, reputation and community impact, as well as that of the Richmond region.
• Collaborate closely with artistic leadership to align artistic vision with organizational capacity.

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.
• Strong leadership skills with a commitment to healthy, inclusive cultures.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA).
• A bachelor’s degree in business, arts administration, non profit management or substantial industry‑relevant experience required.

Leadership Attributes

• Steady and principled: able to lead 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 the theatre and arts in the region.

Compensation $,000 per annum.

This is a full time, exempt salaried staff position and is eligible for annual and sick leave, participation in company health, life, dental and vision insurance plans, and retirement plan with company match.

Virginia Repertory Theatre is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and constructing an environment centered around anti‑racist and anti‑oppressive practices in our daily business. We invite applicants of all identities to apply as we continue to build a strong and diverse staff that represents our whole community.