Managing Director

About us

Mockingbird Improv’s mission is to provide connection, joy, and opportunities for self-expression to the local community. We serve all parts of our community including youth and underserved individuals by engaging in high-quality training and performances and providing a supportive and empowering space for fun, silliness and growth through equitable, diverse and inclusive practices. Through our programs performers, patrons, and students can express creativity, build confidence, and cultivate joy through laughter and play.

Our work environment includes:

• Casual work attire
• Company perks
• Flexible working hours
• Safe work environment

Job Description: Managing Director, Mockingbird Improv

Summary

Mockingbird Improv is seeking a Managing Director. The Managing Director will have executive level responsibility for developing and executing the organization’s business strategies, providing strategic advice to the Board of Directors and preparing and implementing comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement of the organization’s goals and objectives in alignment with its values and creative vision.

About Mockingbird Improv

Mockingbird Improv is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization located at Liberty Station in San Diego, where it runs a year-round schedule of performances, workshops, classes, and corporate training programs. It is San Diego's newest and fastest growing improv theater. More information is available at www.mockingbirdimprov.org.

Job brief

We are looking for an experienced leader to have managerial oversight of all business operations, people and ventures as Managing Director of Mockingbird Improv. The Managing Director leads the senior management team including the Artistic Director, Education Director, Design Director, answering to the Board of Directors.

The Managing Director will be supervising a staff team of (currently) 3 part-time theater staff, and a variable number of volunteers, interns, and community members across various areas of the theater including administration, front of house, tech production, concession sales, community outreach, marketing, fundraising, and more. We are seeking to grow our audiences, class enrollment, corporate events, client and supporter base to both further our mission of bringing improv and joy to the region, and to allow us to meet the increasing costs and challenges of operating an arts organization in Southern California.

The ideal candidate will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the organization to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long-term goals. A strong ability to flex between strategy/leadership and hands-on operational implementation, with a can-do positive attitude in a multi-faceted business and arts organization is essential.

The Managing Director is responsible for the overall success of the business, leading and inspiring our staff, and supporting the development of our community both internally and throughout the San Diego region, with the goal of ensuring that the organization is constantly moving towards long-term sustainability. The Managing Director will work in alignment with our organizational values of creativity and innovation, collaboration and connection, joyful play and fun, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and execute the organization's strategic plan in alignment with the Board
• Collaborate with Board of Directors – communicate regularly, attend meetings, provide data, especially to Board Treasurer - so that they will have an accurate view of the organization’s performance, finances, risk and opportunities to direct the organization’s future
• Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans and budgets to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities

Leadership

• Drive overall profitability of the three main business areas (shows, classes, and corporate events) by enabling a working environment that fosters artistic excellence, develops our audiences, our student body, and our corporate, academic and community client relationships
• Lead the senior leadership team comprising Artistic Director, Education Director, Design Director, as well as other staff
• Analyze problematic situations and occurrences and provide solutions to ensure organization survival and growth
• Use and maintain up-to-date insight into current trends in nonprofit and arts leadership to further develop, promote and enhance organizational culture and impact
• Act as public relations representative for the company in ways that strengthen its profile with external stakeholders and networks to maintain and boost our reputation (with funders, public officials, and peers in the arts, theater, and improv networks)

General Management and Operations

• Delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of operational and administrative staff, providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance
• Oversee marketing strategy and implementation to drive audience and customer growth and profitability of shows, classes, and corporate events
• Oversee community engagement strategy and implementation to ensure Mockingbird Improv becomes increasingly inclusive and accessible across all of our services, especially to traditionally underrepresented communities
• Oversight of operational systems, including payroll, HR, and IT for all business operations
• Oversight of venue management, production and operations
• Maintain a positive working relationship with our landlord and attend tenant meetings

Financial Management

• Prepare, implement, and monitor an annual balanced budget that ensures that the organization builds financial resilience and long-term sustainability
• Oversee the organization’s financial performance, investments and banking
• Work with Treasurer to monitor accounts receivable, payable, and ensure all financial obligations are met.

Compliance

• Ensure organization maintains adequate insurance at all times including GL, D&O and Workers Compensation Insurance, including executing the annual workers comp audit
• Maintain up to date business and charity credentials with the City, State and Federal authorities
• Submit all mandatory returns including OSHA and Sales Tax
• Communicate and maintain trust relationships with stakeholders, business partners and authorities

HR and Policy

• Work with Govenance Committe to establish organization policies and legal guidelines and ensure that these are updated in line with evolving employment law and are communicated to all employees
• Overall responsible for all recruitment, onboarding, offboarding and contractual processes
• Process employee payroll twice monthly and manage all time off, or work with responsible parties
• Ensure a positive work environment that strives for equity, justice, diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization

We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates the following skills, knowledge and experience:

• BA/BS in business administration or relevant field; or equivalent experience such as …
• 5 years (preferred) managing a nonprofit arts organization, with specific preference given for theater experience, or…
• Proven senior leadership experience as Managing Director or other managerial position
• Demonstrable experience in developing strategic and business plans
• Thorough knowledge of market changes and forces that may influence the organization
• Familiarity with or capacity to learn nonprofit and employment law, compliance and management best practices
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and presentation skills
• Demonstrable belief in and commitment to upholding values of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and proven experience of how to apply them to workplace systems
• Collaborative, people centered leader with knowledge and experience of HR, individual and team management
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of marketing and communications
• Demonstrable interest in or passion for theater/performing arts
• Experience working with a Board of Directors
• Familiarity with and comfort using and learning online systems such as Google suite, Quickbooks, CRM software and various online providers such as Stripe, Paypal, Square

If you think you could be a good fit for the role but don’t have all of the required experience we encourage you to apply.

*Please include a cover letter with your application and share any additional information not reflected on your resume.*

Mockingbird Improv is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are dedicated to hiring employees who reflect the communities we serve, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, and people living with disabilities. Mockingbird Improv will provide accommodations in all aspects of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. Mockingbird provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $28.00 per hour, and regular increases for strong performance and as finances permit.

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Free shows, workshops, and improv classes!
• Flexible schedule
• Stipend toward healthcare
• Paid time off
• Family / medical / sick leave

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours
• Days will vary as needed
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• San Diego, CA 92106: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Diego, CA 92106. The majority of the role responsibilities will be performed on-site at the theater. Limited opportunities to work remotely may be approved.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Please provide a cover letter with any additional information not on your resume.

Experience:

• Management: 3 years (Required)
• Senior leadership: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• San Diego, CA 92106 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• San Diego, CA 92106: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $28