Executive Director

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Executive Director

Redhouse Arts Center

Syracuse, New York

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Syracuse, New York

Mission

Redhouse Arts Center is a professional, not-for-profit theater serving the community by providing leading and inclusive experiences through its theater and educational programs.

The Opportunity

Redhouse Arts Center seeks a mission-driven executive with a passion for the arts to serve as its next Executive Director. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished arts leader to guide a growing performing arts center, deeply rooted in its community, into its next chapter. The new Executive Director will build on Redhouse’s strong artistic and educational legacy while strengthening its financial foundation. Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, Redhouse occupies a beautifully renovated, purpose-built facility for producing outstanding theater and arts education programs. The Executive Director will explore opportunities to expand theatrical programming and fundraising capacity, potentially including the hiring of a Director of Development.

About Redhouse

Redhouse Arts Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts complex located in the heart of vibrant downtown Syracuse, NY. The recently renovated 40,000 square foot facility features two public theatres, two rehearsal halls, a central lobby with box office and concessions, production shops, and offices to support a season of professional theatre productions and education programs.

Redhouse employs 17 staff members and operates with an annual budget of approximately $2.7 million. Its 21-member board of directors has appointed a search committee to lead the search following the current executive director’s announcement that they will retire on December 31, 2026.

History

Founded in 2004, Redhouse began in a converted “red house” with a 90-seat theater. In 2017, it partnered with a local real estate developer to purchase an abandoned department store and adjoining garage, which contained a 40,000-square-foot warehouse suitable for expansion. Working with theater designers, architects, and acoustic engineers, Redhouse transformed the space into its current home, featuring three performance venues: a 250–300-seat main theater, a 100–150-seat smaller theater, and a 60–80-seat venue within one of two rehearsal rooms. The approximately $7 million renovation began in 2015 and was completed in spring 2017.

The Search

Redhouse Arts Center seeks a dynamic and passionate individual to lead a progressive, community minded, arts organization. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and creative leader as well as an astute and sensitive manager.

Redhouse was created to provide meaningful arts experiences that engage and enrich the community. Its combined focus remains producing professional theater and expanding education programs which advance the organization’s mission and deepen its community impact.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director creates and implements the organization’s strategic plan in accordance with Redhouse’s mission and vision to maintain the highest quality arts experiences with the greatest community impact through a sustainable model that advances Redhouse and raises its profile locally, regionally, and nationally.

The Executive Director serves as a public face of Redhouse, acts as a spokesperson for the organization at speaking engagements, public and social events, and must maintain a visible leadership role in the community.

Responsibilities and Duties

Leadership and Management

Collaborate with the board of directors to develop and implement the organization’s overarching goals, strategic priorities, and measurable outcomes.

Assist the board in establishing sound governance practices for all board functions and activities.

Develop annual program budgets, monitor financial performance, align programming budgets and goals with organizational priorities, and support staff in planning annual artistic and educational programs.

Attract, support, and cultivate a talented, diverse, and effective team.

Develop and manage a balanced annual budget in collaboration with the board of directors, finance committee, department heads, and business manager.

Oversee human resources, including policies and procedures that promote staff productivity, success, and retention.

Oversee business functions and facilities to ensure effective operations across the organization.

Identify and implement the systems needed to operate Redhouse successfully.

Ensure effective outreach, marketing, customer service, and operational strategies that promote ticket sales, audience development, and community impact.

Regularly assess programming to ensure it meets impact, reach, and budget goals.

Financial Heath and Stewardship

Serve as chief development officer, building a pipeline of individual donors and securing grants from corporations, foundations, and government entities; consider hiring a full-time director of development.

Plan and implement annual fund campaigns and capital campaigns as needed.

Plan major annual fundraising events, including Rockin’ the Redhouse.

Strengthen Redhouse’s community connections by finding innovative ways for the organization to serve the community and for the community to support Redhouse.

Manage the organization’s financial health and provide timely, accurate financial reports to the board.

Ensure appropriate facilities and resources support Redhouse programs and guests.

Manage weekly cash flow to ensure timely payment of obligations and collection of outstanding receivables.

Manage the facility and space rental program to generate revenue and introduce new audiences to Redhouse.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred

Demonstrated strategic leadership experience at the senior-management level, including leading a large team

Management experience

Experience with a performing arts organization highly desirable

Proven budgeting and financial-management skills

Proven fundraising experience

Strong organizational, planning, writing, and communication skills

Excellent community-relations skills

Creative problem-solving skills

Impeccable integrity and a strong work ethic

Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, pragmatism, energy, and patience

Attention to detail and the ability to multitask

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience, anticipated range $110,000-$130,000 plus an employee benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, paid leave, and employer retirement match.

The Community

Syracuse, New York is a hidden gem that blends vibrant culture, deep-rooted history, and stunning natural beauty.

Syracuse is a dynamic city that beautifully fuses a rich historic legacy with an energetic, modern community culture. At its heart sits downtown’s lively Armory Square and Clinton Square districts, where beautifully restored neoclassical and Gothic buildings host a thriving culinary scene filled with iconic staples like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, local food halls, and unique upscale boutiques. The city’s identity is deeply tied to its prestigious institution, Syracuse University, which infuses the area with youthful energy, academic excellence, and thrilling collegiate sports at the JMA Wireless Dome. Culturally, Syracuse punches far above its weight, anchoring major annual traditions like the Great New York State Fair—the longest-running state fair in the nation—and offering world-class arts experiences at the historic Landmark Theatre, the Everson Museum of Art and Redhouse Arts Center.

Beyond its urban allure, Syracuse serves as an exceptional gateway to the pristine natural landscapes of Central New York and the Finger Lakes region. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the breathtaking, vibrant turquoise waters of nearby Green Lakes State Park, a rare glacial wonder offering miles of scenic hiking trails, while the expansive Onondaga Lake Park provides miles of beautiful waterfront recreation. For history buffs, the city’s profound connection to the historic Erie Canal is masterfully preserved at the Erie Canal Museum. Combining affordable living, a diverse and passionate culinary culture, and a landscape that shifts beautifully through four distinct seasons, Syracuse delivers a rich, welcoming experience that offers the best of both city excitement and natural escape.

Non-discrimination

Redhouse Center for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and volunteers.

Redhouse does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to [email removed] and include “Executive Director Search” in the subject line.

Job Information

Job Category:

Executive Director / CEO

Salary:

$100,000 - $130,000 Per Year

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Position Type:

Full Time