Executive Director at The Barnstormers Theatre, Tamworth, New Hampshire
The Barnstormers Theatre is a historic and respected 270-seat venue vital to the cultural life of
Tamworth and surrounding communities. Its core season runs from late June through Labor
Day. Five shows are produced in 11 weeks. Additional productions in diverse genres are hosted
in late spring and early fall shoulder seasons.
At this pivotal moment in its 94-year history, the theatre is navigating within an industry
struggling to rebound from COVID and economic uncertainty. Audience and donor development
will be vital to the theatre’s long-term sustainability. The Executive Director position is newly
created: it will require initiative, creativity, collaboration, and wisdom. The Executive Director will
assess the Theatre’s operational procedures, programming, financial position, and systems,
provide recommendations, and implement a plan for success. They will also develop strategies
to support an artistic vision that has established The Barnstormers as a leader in producing
high-quality professional theatre. They will identify and secure resources through well-
developed fundraising strategies and innovative business practices; will strengthen our
operations, develop our workforce, and maximize potential for earned income. We aim to
provide classic Barnstormer and contemporary programming that entertains, challenges, and
inspires audiences while celebrating our shared humanity.
The Barnstormers offers the opportunity to work in one of the most desirable locations in the
northeast. Our community, located between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains of New
Hampshire, is rich in natural, historical, architectural, cultural, and recreational attractions that
create an unparalleled quality of life for the successful candidate.
This full-time, year-round position will allow for flexibility in the fall and winter while providing a
dynamic, engaging opportunity over the spring and summer months in a friendly and intelligent
rural community in a beautiful part of New England.
The Executive Director will be responsible for the following areas after onboarding and
successful integration to The Barnstormers Theatre.
Management
● Responsible for evaluating and assessing theater processes and implementing for
efficiency and effectiveness.
● Lead annual budget creation process in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Board
Finance Committee.
● Maintain a high standard of fiscal management and reporting.
● Working in conjunction with the Artistic Director to:
○ Plan and budget the seasonal play selections
○ Conduct or implement annual performance evaluations of administrative staff.
○ Conduct or implement formal training programs for all employees, focusing on
diversity, equity, inclusion, safety, and compliance.
○ Build and maintain a positive working relationship with the Actors’ Equity and
Stage Directors and Choreographers Unions, and negotiate in the best interest of
The Barnstormers.
● In conjunction with the housing manager, maintain and update safety and housing
manuals.
● Manage the theatre building and operations to provide excellent patron safety and
comfort.
Fundraising/Development
● Provide leadership for the development and execution of all fundraising efforts.
● Develop increased donor support through the cultivation and stewardship of sustaining
and new donors, including legacy gifts.
● Identify and secure new earned and contributed revenue sources.
● In conjunction with the Development Associate create a formal plan for grant application
selection and support the grant writing process to expand major and small grant revenue.
● Work with the appropriate staff on strategies to expand the subscriber and patron base.
● Meet financial goals through earned/contributed income/expense management.
Community Outreach
● In conjunction with staff and Board, develop outreach programs by creating relationships
with community influencers, schools, theaters and community groups.
● Work with the Marketing team to find new and innovative ways to broadcast The
Barnstormers experience to current and future audiences.
● Serve as a confident and knowledgeable public speaker for The Barnstormers at
community events.
● Maximize earned revenue potential through community connection initiatives.
● Solidify and expand the theatre’s role as a cultural cornerstone.
Board Collaboration
● Work with the Board and Artistic Director to set strategic priorities and clearly define
goals.
● Support the Board in building a strong culture, policies and procedures that will assure
effective governance of the organization.
● In conjunction with the Board, develop a three-year strategic financial plan.
● Work to ensure a positive professional working environment for Staff, Actors, Crew and
Board alike.
● Communicate effectively with the Board; provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all
information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications, skills, and traits:
● 3-5+ year success record in roles with a high level of responsibility in nonprofit
organizations, preferably nonprofit arts organizations; demonstrated leadership skills.
● Strong fiscal management and enthusiastic fundraising skills.
● Strong staff management, interpersonal, collaborative and conflict resolution skills.
● Ability and experience with strategic thinking and development.
● Strong, clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
● Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
● Ideally, a love and knowledge of theater.
Please submit your resume along with a cover letter to Lou DeMaio, Board Chair at ldemaio49@gmail.com.
