Working in partnership with the artistic director and board of directors, the managing director will be responsible for administrative operations and financial sustainability, oversee fundraising/grants and marketing, and provide organizational leadership as Theater Mu, the largest Asian American theater company in the Midwest. Supervisory duties will be determined in partnership with the artistic director. Currently the staff consists of a team of four, including the artistic director.

Status:

Full-time, admin exempt position

Schedule:

Flexible, primarily daytime, with some evenings and weekends required

Compensation:

$82,000 to $102,000 annually, depending on experience.

Benefits:

Includes health, dental, and retirement benefits, as well as PTO.

Deadline to apply:

Nov 6, 2026 Anticipated start date: early 2027 ORGANIZATIONAL

OVERVIEW

In the 34 years since Theater Mu was founded by Dong-il Lee, Rick Shiomi, Martha B. Johnson, and Diane Espaldon, Mu has grown to be one of the largest Asian American theater companies in the United States and the largest in the Midwest. Known for artistic excellence and innovative community engagement, Mu provides an unparalleled resource for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)

• artists, advances AAPI stories, and gives AAPI communities a platform to see and be seen. Mu has become a leader in the local and national development of Asian American theater. Mu has helped to develop and support the work of local and national playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and musical artists by premiering and commissioning new works, fostering a new generation of AAPI artists, and bringing AAPI voices to Twin Cities audiences. Through educational, community, and corporate outreach programs, Mu provides access to the culture and arts of the AAPI diaspora for underserved communities throughout the upper Midwest. Learn more about the organization at theatermu.org/jobs/managing-director

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

•ORGANIZATIONAL

LEADERSHIP

Reports directly to the board of directors while partnering closely with the artistic director through a shared leadership model. Shares responsibility for management of staff, key funding partnerships, and community relationships and engagement. Coordinates with the office manager to meet the front-of-house needs as they relate to Theater Mu productions, including performance and rental requirements. Owns responsibility for establishing and maintaining relationships with the arts community, arts organizations, and artists, as well as local theater companies, facility rental organizations, patrons, volunteers, and board members.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & FISCAL OVERSIGHT

Annually creates and executes the theater budget along with artistic director and the board's finance committee. Manages and approves departmental spending to ensure fiscal responsibility. Responsible for individual event settlements following each production. Manages and executes contracts for theater contracted personnel including, but not limited to, directors, actors, designers, musicians, and crew.

REPORTING & COMPLIANCE

As necessary, develops and implements budget contingency plans for programming shortfalls. Assures that organizational spending and reporting are in alignment with grant and funding stream requirements. Works with external auditor partners to prepare and complete the annual audit. Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nonprofit and charitable organizations, grant compliance, tax and financial reportings.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Ensures organizational employment practices comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour requirements, leave laws, anti-discrimination requirements, and workplace safety obligations. Ensures that the employee handbook for Theater Mu is maintained, current, and complete. Supports the organization's staffing goals and needs, including managing contract and union staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

•Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or operational management (or closely related field), or equivalent experience. Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within a nonprofit or performing arts organization, with experience in managing budgets and nonprofit finance. Demonstrated success in donor cultivation as well as sustaining and growing key donor relationships with individuals, organizations, and foundations. Experience with nonprofit governance and compliance under Minnesota law. Strong knowledge of financial management software such as: Bill.com, Gusto, PatronManager/Salesforce, Quickbooks, or similar platforms. Experience as a superuser/administrator within Google Workspace or similar platform.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

7-10+ years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or performing arts organization. Proven track record in establishing and managing nonprofit budget and financial management plans and infrastructure. Advanced experience in nonprofit finance, including accounting, grant management, and complex budgeting. Experience working in a unionized environment or administering collective bargaining agreements is preferred. Master's in business administration or master's in arts administration degree preferred.

KEY SKILLS

Organizational Management:

Ability to think through complex information and implement it within a growing, dynamic organization.

Shared Leadership:

Able to be self-directed while also collaborating with an artistic director, volunteer board, and community of artists.

Adaptable and Strategic:

Comfortable with change and able to adjust organizational needs and leadership to respond to the current arts environment.

Public Presence:

Excellent communication and comfortable leading as a public face and champion for Theater Mu.

TO APPLY

•Upload PDF versions of your cover letter and resume to our Google form at https://bit.ly/mu-md26 by 11:59 pm CT on Nov 6, 2026. If you do not have a Google email, please submit your application to board@theatermu.org with the subject line "Managing Director Application."