Executive Director

About the Opportunity

Theatre Commons Los Angeles (TCLA) is a new nonprofit organization committed to transforming the Los Angeles theatre ecosystem by being of service to the greater Los Angeles theatre community. The vision for Theatre Commons LA is to serve as a connective tissue between theatre‐makers, institutions, and community stakeholders— building a future where theatrical institutions and artists thrive, audiences reflect the full vibrancy of our region, and ensuring the LA theatre community has an advocate on the local, state, and federal level.

Mission Statement: To serve and advance a vibrant and inclusive theatre community in Los Angeles through collaborative resources building, artist & professional development, and advocacy.

Vision Statement: TCLA envisions a harmonious, equitable, and thriving Los Angeles theatre community.

Twelve leaders from the Los Angeles theatre-making community voluntarily convened in 2021, committed to the rigorous process of conceiving, negotiating, and establishing objectives for a new theatre service organization. This collective is composed of independent theatre professionals and leaders of organizations and institutions, varying in size from small to large. The individuals represented a diverse array of generational, ethnic, racial, and gender identities and experiences, as well as a range of vocations, skills, career paths, and expertise, collectively embodying the rich diversity of the local theatre ecosystem. This group forms the steering committee charged with launching TCLA and recruiting the first Executive Director.

As the organization is in its formative stage, the Executive Director will play a defining role in shaping its future. Visit the website here: https://theatrecommonsla.org/

Job Description

Theatre Commons LA seeks its inaugural Executive Director — an entrepreneurial, strategic, and hands-on leader — to build and launch a new organization dedicated to strengthening and advocating for Los Angeles’s theatre ecosystem. The ED will be responsible for shaping the organization’s first strategic vision, securing early funding, building core infrastructure, and serving as the chief champion for artists, institutions, and cultural workers across the region. Working in close partnership with the Board and community stakeholders, the ED will design programs, partnerships, and policy strategies that support a more vibrant, equitable, and interconnected theatre field. This leader must thrive in early-stage environments, demonstrate exceptional relationship-building skills, and bring both the creativity and discipline required to transform vision into reality.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Vision
⦁ Lead the development and execution of Theatre Commons LA’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with mission and community needs.
⦁ Serve as a visible and accessible leader to the broader theatre and arts community in Los Angeles.
⦁ Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and accountability across all areas of work.

Fundraising & Development
⦁ Develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy, including grants, individual giving, sponsorships, and partnerships.
⦁ Cultivate, nurture, and grow relationships with funders, donors, and partners aligned with the organization’s values and goals.
⦁ Ensure financial sustainability through sound budgeting, financial planning, and resource management.

Programs & Community Engagement
⦁ Oversee the design and delivery of programs that support individual theatre artists, administrators, and organizations in LA.
⦁ Actively engage with local artists, BIPOC‐led organizations, and underrepresented voices to ensure inclusive representation and access.
⦁ Represent Theatre Commons LA in public forums, coalitions, and policy conversations related to the performing arts sector.

Operations & Governance
⦁ Manage a small but growing team and independent contractors.
⦁ Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and reporting requirements.
⦁ Work closely with the Board of Directors on governance, planning, and growth strategies.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a bold, values-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to build, fundraise, and collaborate across a complex arts landscape. They are both visionary and hands-on—equally comfortable setting strategy and executing day-to-day work.

Essential Qualifications
⦁ Proven leadership experience in the nonprofit, arts, cultural, or related sectors.
⦁ Demonstrated success securing philanthropic and institutional funding, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and sponsorships.
⦁ Experience launching, building, or significantly growing an organization, program, or initiative.
⦁ Strong relationship-building and coalition-building skills across diverse communities and sectors.
⦁ Knowledge of the performing arts or nonprofit theatre field, including its challenges and opportunities.
⦁ Financial management experience, including budgeting and resource planning.
⦁ Strong communication and storytelling abilities, with comfort in public-facing roles.
⦁ Commitment to equity, justice, and the transformative power of the arts.

Preferred Experience & Attributes
⦁ Familiarity with the Los Angeles theatre landscape, including local ecosystems, networks, and cultural contexts.
⦁ Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort navigating ambiguity.
⦁ High emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and the ability to build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
⦁ A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that centers listening, learning, and shared stewardship.
⦁ Ability to balance long-term strategic vision with a hands-on, operational approach

Compensation
The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $175,000, depending on experience. TCLA offers paid vacation and sick leave, and works within a flexible schedule and hybrid work environment.

Application Instructions
The Executive Director search is being conducted on behalf of Theatre Commons Los Angeles by TOC Arts Partners, a national consultancy aligning strategies, structures, and leadership toward a thriving cultural sector. The search is being led by Cynthia Fuhrman, VP, Executive Search, in consultation with and support from the TOC Arts Partners search team.

To apply, visit the online application (https://tocartspartners.com/jobs-listing/theatre-commons-la-executive-director) and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.

For general questions or nominations of prospective candidates, please contact searchteam@tocartspartners.com. We kindly request no phone calls.

Specific questions about the position may be directed to:
Cynthia Fuhrman,
VP Executive Search,
cynthia@tocartspartners.com

Applications will be accepted until this role is filled. We encourage you to apply by January 15, 2026, for priority consideration. Interviews may begin at any time, and we encourage you to apply as early as possible for best consideration. Please note that applying before the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview, and all applicants will receive a response regarding the consideration and status of their candidacy.

Theatre Commons LA is an equal opportunity employer.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that cis men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while others tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.