The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead our historic venues into their next chapter. This is an opportunity to shape the cultural landscape of our region while stewarding a cherished landmark that honors the past and embraces the future.

As Executive Director, you'll serve as the chief strategist, connector, and advocate for the Historic Masonic Theatre (HMT)—building relationships with artists, community partners, funders, and government officials while ensuring operational excellence across our venues and programming. To learn more, visit historicmasonictheatre.com.

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that position the HMT as a premier regional arts destination
• Cultivate relationships with artists, agents, arts organizations, and a variety of community stakeholders
• Build strong partnerships with local and county government, funding organizations, and private sector supporters

Programming & Artistic Direction

• Oversee programming strategy for the Historic Masonic Theatre and Masonic Amphitheatre that reflects community interests and artistic excellence
• Balance artistic vision with financial sustainability in programming decisions

Development & Fundraising

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy leveraging local, regional, and national resources
• Build and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors
• Lead capital and operations fundraising campaigns
• Identify grant opportunities and oversee proposal development

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets aligned with our three-year business plan
• Oversee financial operations to maintain healthy balance between revenue generation and expenses
• Provide regular financial reporting to the Board of Directors
• Monitor assets and ensure fiscal responsibility across all operations

Marketing & Community Engagement

• Establish the HMT as a recognized brand and cultural leader in the region
• Create and execute strategic marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms
• Develop partnerships with local businesses, arts providers, and community leaders
• Ensure consistent, engaging communication with patrons, partners, and stakeholders

Education & Workforce Development

• Explore opportunities to develop a distinctive education component that leverages unique learning opportunities the HMT can provide
• Pursue collaborations with locals/regional schools, community colleges, and universities
• Create pathways for the next generation of arts leaders and technicians

Operations & Team Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of all HMT venues, facilities, and grounds
• Develop, recruit (as needed), and manage staff and volunteers
• Establish policies and best practices for venue management
• Report regularly to the Board of Directors and participate in board and committee meetings

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in theatre management, arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising and development
• Strong financial acumen with budget development and management experience
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency with modern software, digital platforms, and management systems
• Experience leading teams and managing complex operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in arts programming and theatre management, including artist/agent negotiations and contracting
• Knowledge of capital project management and/or historic venues
• Established network within regional or national arts communities

Essential Competencies

• Strategic thinking with attention to operational detail
• Collaborative leadership style that empowers teams
• Creative problem-solving and adaptability
• Cultural competency and commitment to inclusive programming
• Entrepreneurial mindset balanced with fiscal responsibility
• Passion for the arts and community development

About Historic Masonic Theatre

The Historic Masonic Theatre is located in Clifton Forge, VA in the beautiful Alleghany Highlands of Virginia. Imagine leading one of Virginia's most storied cultural landmarks—a place where history breathes through every corner and the future is being written every day. The Historic Masonic Theatre, a three-story Beaux-Arts architectural treasure designed by Lynchburg's Frye and Chesterman firm, opened in September 1906 as the Masonic Hall and Opera House. For over eight decades, from 1906 until its temporary closure in 1987, this beloved venue served as a cultural cornerstone for the community. The theatre's storied past includes legendary performances by Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, Burl Ives, the Drifters, and Count Basie Orchestra, alongside political speeches by William Jennings Bryan. After years of dedicated community effort, a $6.9 million renovation was completed in July 2016, meticulously restoring all four floors, from the third-floor ballroom to the underground lounge overlooking Smith Creek. Today, the complex comprises the intimate 545-seat Historic Masonic Theatre; the 500-seat outdoor Masonic Amphitheatre; the industrial-designed Undergrou...nd Lounge & Café; and the WestRock Community Room. The theatre hosts films, concerts, theatrical performances, the Virginia Opry, Southern Gospel Review, conferences, weddings, and community gatherings. The Amphitheatre provides a versatile outdoor space for concerts, movies under the stars, festivals, and community events. The Underground is an intimate space, ideal for acoustic, jazz, or Cabaret performers, as well as special events, and the WestRock Community room is primed for business, civic, and private events accommodating 150 to 225 persons. A 2019 economic impact study showed the theatre supports $2.3 million in economic impact for the Alleghany Highlands, with a 30% increase in restaurant revenue on performance days. More than an entertainment venue, these spaces are catalysts for community connection and regional vitality.

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Connections working at Historic Masonic Theatre