Managing Director

Portland Center Stage | Portland, OR | $150,000 - $170,000/year | Full-Time 

Best Consideration Deadline: November 14, 2025

Welcome To Portland Center Stage

Portland Center Stage exists to create transcendent theatrical experiences and community programs that break down the barriers separating people.

- Portland Center Stage Mission Statement 

Now in its 37th year, Portland Center Stage (PCS) lives at the intersection between art and social justice, drawing nearly 100,000 playgoers and program participants annually. PCS’s mission is to create transcendent theatrical experiences and community programs that break down the barriers separating people; we seek to support our community in celebrating the full scope of humanity, appreciating difference, and fostering belonging. Our company produces a diverse range of innovative, relevant, plays and musicals that seek to center joy and belonging; develops powerhouse, new theatrical work; and fosters long-term connection through a wide array of free education and community programs that are deeply integrated into the heart of artistic programming at PCS. Portland Center Stage is a public good, acting as a resource for the entire community, with the aim of making our home in The Armory a vibrant, safe space of belonging for all. 

As the second largest theater organization in Oregon, and one of two LORT (League of Resident Theaters) theaters in Portland, PCS plays an important role in our region’s cultural landscape. In addition to providing creative and living-wage employment opportunities for artists, craftspeople, et al. in our own work, we reach into the community to support the work of myriad local organizations and provide arts experiences to thousands of young people each year.

As one of the few local arts organizations managing our own facility, we support and amplify the work of other community artists and arts organizations by providing affordable access to performance spaces. During a time of rapidly diminishing options, PCS programmed its season to offer year-round access to the Ellyn Bye Studio, the flexible blackbox theater in The Armory. Nine performing arts groups have already booked residencies for this season at PCS, including: University of Oregon, Portland Playhouse, and Profile Theater. We also partner with local arts organizations, such as Artists Repertory Theatre and Boom Arts, in co-producing works on our stage and, with the skills of our scene shop and costume shop staff, help reduce set and costume construction costs for other local performing arts organizations.

Our community programs seek to lift up local artists, creatives, activists, and others. Centering the work of BIPOC and queer artists, culturally specific groups, and social justice organizations, we partner with nearly 100 individuals and organizations each year. During 2024-25, nearly 8,000 people participated in 80 community programs that ranged from panel discussions on issues presented in our stage work, visual art exhibits, music events, skills workshops, and cultural celebrations. Culturally specific and social justice-focused groups comprised 66% of our community partners, while 86% of artists were people of color.

Our Values

Equity & Anti-Racism

We pursue a fair and just society for all people, with attention to those who have been marginalized by systemic racism and other forms of oppression. We aim for integrity, transparency, and accountability within our organization and public programs.

Community

We seek to foster belonging among diverse communities in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We encourage ourselves to bring hospitality, empathy, and generosity to working relationships and audience connections.

Artistic Excellence

We spotlight a wide variety of stories and perspectives, influencing the larger field that links art with social justice. We model this by staging high-quality productions that feel daring and inclusive.

Longevity

We aspire to be thoughtful financial and environmental stewards. This calls us to use resources carefully, prioritize financial stability, and be environmentally conscious.

Adaptability

We are not afraid to rebuild and reimagine. We try to remain nimble and flexible to meet opportunities as they arise.

The organization is led by Marissa Wolf, Artistic Director and Jelani Memory, Board Chair. You can find out more about them via this link. 

The Job

The Managing Director of Portland Center Stage (PCS) provides leadership and oversight for the theatre's financial management, revenue generation, facilities operations, and community relationships reporting to the Board of Trustees and working closely in partnership with the Artistic Director to achieve the organization's mission. Key responsibilities include strategic leadership, financial oversight, revenue generation, community engagement and representation, and leading operational teams, ensuring the long-term vision and growth of the company. The Managing Director works closely with the Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and community to foster a positive and effective working environment, grow PCS’s resources, and strengthen PCS’s financial operations in a manner that is aligned with Portland Center Stage’s mission, vision, and values.

Current Environment

Like many theaters across the country, PCS alongside downtown Portland continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in the center of a busy commercial district, PCS helps to drive traffic for local businesses through their productions and programs. 

While contributions have remained strong, the organization faces challenges regarding its single ticket and subscriber base. Recently, the theater launched an emergency fundraising campaign to raise $2.5 million before the end of August 2025, which they have achieved. The theater must raise another $6.5 million to meet the goal of the campaign which will help to stabilize the organization’s finances. 

The achievement of their recent fundraising goal demonstrates a need for PCS’ work in the local community and broader national landscape. It also speaks to the excellent theater the artistic, education, and production staff have produced, led by a dynamic artistic director. Board and major donors remained engaged with an eagerness to work towards the theater’s strategic goals. The next managing director will need a firm grasp about the challenges facing theaters while also capitalizing on opportunities for the organization’s future.

Your Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Administration

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to align strategic and financial decisions with the organization’s mission.
• Reflect the organization’s values in daily management, strategic planning, communication, and relationship building.  
• Embrace and champion organizational IDEA goals with a focus on embodying these practices with the staff, board, and community.  
• Work with the Board and staff to implement strategies reflecting recent transformational goals.
• Seek opportunities to grow and expand the organization’s work and footprint in the region.
• Maintain effective communication with the Board of Trustees, ensuring their engagement and participation.
• Supervise business and facility operations with a focus on finance, fundraising, and earned revenue models.
• Develop and manage budgets for the organization and capital improvements, including forecasting and financial planning, in collaboration with the Finance Director and Board.

Revenue Generation and Enhancement

• Build and provide strategic revenue goals for the organization in collaboration with the artistic director and board chair. 
• Ensure that earned and contributed income goals are met through targeted marketing and development efforts. 
• Ensure an innovative and comprehensive approach to building sustainable levels of earned revenue for the organization. Explore opportunities to develop new or existing earned revenue streams that are consistent with PCS brand and culture.
• Develop financial models for the organization for the next one, three, and five years to align with strategic pro forma budget expectations. 
• In close consultation with the Artistic Director and Director of Development, continue to direct and advocate for the Save PCS campaign.  
• Cultivate and secure funding from individual donors, corporations, and foundations, and PCS in all fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications and other staff members to enhance existing earned revenue models.

Staff Management & Culture Building

• Foster a positive and cohesive work environment by empowering staff and providing opportunities for professional growth.
• Develop a transparent and supportive relationship with the staff and leadership team, providing a consistent presence and ensuring transparent and consistent communication across all levels of the organization.
• Champion and elevate the organization’s equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility initiatives with consideration and care of staff impact. 

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as a key spokesperson for Portland Center Stage, enhancing its visibility and reputation within the local, regional, and national communities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses, schools, elected officials, media, and other stakeholders.
• Advocate for the arts and increase social awareness of theatre’s role in the community.
• Work collaboratively with the local IATSE union (along with LORT and other unions, including AEA, SDC, and AFM) to ensure the organization’s full compliance with the collective bargaining agreement and maintain a constructive, respectful partnership with union representatives.
• Enhance the organization’s presence in the broader theatre field by representing the company at national convenings and in collective lobbying efforts.

Who Are We Looking For?

The top candidates will have the following qualifications: 

• 7+ years of related experience in theater and/or arts management or management in a mission-based organization OR a bachelor’s degree with 5 years of management experience. A knowledge of LORT agreements and management structure preferred, but not required. 
• Collaborative and Adaptive leadership style. Ability to collaborate with the Artistic Director and Board of Trustees to align creative, strategic and financial decisions. 
• Lead with trust and transparency. 
• View the role as being in service to the entire organization and to the community, championing both the staff and theatre’s role in the community.
• Model a commitment to equity and inclusion.  
• Ability to grow and foster relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience leading through change and uncertainty with a solution-oriented mindset, including staff turnover, budget shifts, or audience volatility.
• Knowledge of and comfort with: database software; Microsoft Office Suite, in particular spreadsheet and word processing software; web CMS experience; and digital media best practices and execution. Knowledge of email marketing platforms, CRM systems, Google Ads, social media ad managers, and web analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Looker Studio.

PCS believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we understand that unique perspectives and experiences contribute to our success. If you are passionate about organizational development and growth, eager to lead, and committed to making a positive impact, we welcome your application. We encourage you to be curious about what you can offer the role and apply if you meet the majority of the qualifications listed below. 

Portland Center Stage is committed to advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. PCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Portland Center Stage does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, marital status, sexual orientation, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap.

About Portland

Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is Oregon’s largest city and one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic cultural centers. With a population of approximately 635,000, Portland offers the energy of a mid-sized city with the soul of an artistic community. Known for its commitment to sustainability, independent spirit, and inclusive values, Portland consistently attracts people who are passionate about creativity, collaboration, and civic life.

The city’s diverse population reflects its evolving character: about 70% White (non-Hispanic), 8% Asian, 6% Black or African American, and 11% Hispanic or Latino, with over 11% identifying as multiracial. 

The city is home to cornerstone institutions such as the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, and Oregon Ballet Theatre, as well as dozens of mid-sized and emerging arts organizations that drive innovation and equity in the cultural landscape. With its deep commitment to sustainability, public engagement, and accessibility, Portland offers arts leaders the opportunity to shape a creative community that reflects the region’s progressive and collaborative spirit.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $150,000 - $170,000/year 

Benefits package includes: 

• Medical benefits, including health, dental and vision available first day of month following hire
• Generous paid time off policy
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match 
• Complimentary tickets to all PCS productions

How do I learn more? 

Visit emcforward.applytojob.com/apply/ to submit your application. Applications for best consideration are due no later than November 14, 2025.