Producing Artistic Director

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

American Stage | St. Petersburg, FL

THE OPPORTUNITY

American Stage, a leading professional nonprofit regional theatre, stands at a defining threshold. As we approach our 50th Anniversary, we are seeking a transformative Producing Artistic Director (PAD) to lead us into our next half-century.

We recognize that the landscape of American regional theatre is evolving. This moment demands more than just artistic vision; it requires a leader who pairs a deep love for the art form with the strategic and fiscal discipline of a CEO and a genuine passion for community engagement. We are looking for a visionary energized by the opportunity to create a powerful model of professional live theatre built for the audiences and communities of today and tomorrow.

Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, a beautiful, rapidly evolving, arts-centric city, American Stage is a cornerstone cultural institution. We offer the right candidate the opportunity to shape the artistic future of a city that values creativity, while leading an organization committed to delivering high-quality live theatre and impactful arts education to generations of families.

REPORTING & AUTHORITY

The Producing Artistic Director serves as the chief executive leader of American Stage, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. The PAD holds ultimate responsibility for the organization’s artistic mission, operational stability, and financial health. The PAD works in close strategic partnership with the Managing Director to ensure the organization’s fiscal and operational goals align with its artistic vision, and with the VP of Advancement to promote donor engagement and successful fundraising initiatives that secure sustainable support.

PRIORITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership & Organizational Accountability

• Lead American Stage with a one-team mindset, dismantling departmental silos to ensure artistic, education, development, and operations functions operate as a nimble, integrated unit.

• Define the organizational structure and oversee staff performance management. Establish clear expectations, KPIs, and a culture of high accountability across all departments.

• Own the organization’s financial health. Partner with the Board and Managing Director to manage an annual budget of approximately $2.4M, ensuring strict adherence and proactive responses to financial variances.

• Build a relationship of radical transparency and trust with the Board of Trustees, providing proactive reporting and strategic insights.

Artistic Vision & Producing Excellence

• Define an artistic vision that serves our region with integrity and excellence, blending powerful programming with deep community resonance.

• Oversee the successful production lifecycle of four Mainstage productions and one large-scale outdoor musical from initial season selection through technical execution.

• Partner with the Production Manager to manage union relationships (AEA, SDC, USA) and vendor contracts, ensuring operational efficiency and professional excellence within an established budget framework.

• Demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality work within a disciplined budget. Maximize resources through co-productions, strategic partnerships, and innovative staging techniques.

• Cultivate a diverse network of regional artists, fostering an ecosystem of students, early-career talent, and seasoned professionals that reflects the vibrant community we serve.

Education, Community & Audience Development

• Partner with the Director of Education to ensure youth and adult programming is integrated into the artistic mission and serves as a primary driver for community impact.

• Lead strategies to expand and diversify the American Stage subscriber base and single ticket growth. Actively cultivate multi-generational loyalty and increased accessibility across diverse populations in our community.

• Serve as an energetic, visible leader in the St. Petersburg community, ensuring live theatre and arts education play a central role in civic life.

• Optimize partnerships with other businesses and organizations in the Tampa Bay and to build collaboration and identify innovative opportunities for increased community engagement.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Act as the primary solicitor and ambassador for the organization. Partner with the Board and VP of Advancement to identify, cultivate, and personally solicit major gifts from individual donors and corporate partners.

• Mentor the marketing and development teams to achieve annual goals through a data-driven approach to subscriptions, single tickets, and annual giving.

• Provide programming leadership for fundraising events, ensuring that entertainment is consistent with the artistic standards and quality of American Stage.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & TRAITS

• A profound conviction that live theatre is a vital force for human connection and a necessary tool to unite and inspire a community.

• Demonstrated success in non-profit financial management and the understanding that fiscal discipline is the foundation of artistic freedom.

• A proven track record of managing professional teams, organizational structures, and accountability systems.

• Experience managing the complexities of professional production, including union contracts, technical requirements, and budget oversight.

• Proven experience in mission-based fundraising, with a specific track record of successful donor cultivation and solicitation.

• An optimistic, resilient, and balanced approach to leadership.You lead through influence and are a lifelong learner eager to experiment with new ways to engage audiences.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

• A base salary range of $90,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

• Direct access to a highly engaged and supportive Board of Trustees and a passionate community of long-time supporters.

• Potential relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following to PADSearch@americanstage.org no later than November 16, 2026:

1. Cover Letter and Professional Resume.

2. Vision Statement: A concise narrative (1 to 2 pages) addressing:

   1. Artistic Philosophy: Describe a specific production or program you have led that reflects your philosophy on live theatre and its role within a community.

   2. Strategic Approach: The regional theatre landscape is undergoing a significant evolution. Identify one traditional industry practice you believe should be reimagined to ensure the long-term sustainability of this art form.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

American Stage is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We recognize that leadership comes in many forms and that some highly qualified candidates may not apply unless they meet every single requirement listed. If you are passionate about this role and the future of regional theatre, we encourage you to apply, even if your professional path has been non-traditional or you do not check every box in the qualifications. We value unique perspectives and are eager to meet candidates who can bring fresh energy and strategic discipline to our organization.