LEAD. CREATE. CONNECT. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Newport Opera House Association | Newport, New Hampshire Reports to Board of Directors Status full-time Compensation $52,000 commensurate with experience Schedule Flexible; regular evenings and weekends for events Shape the Next Chapter of a Community Landmark The Newport Opera House Association (NOHA) is seeking an energetic, collaborative Executive Director to bring people together through performances, theatre, education, and community events. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who can pair big-picture thinking with the practical skill to turn ideas into successful programs. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead programming, fundraising, operations, marketing and public relations, partnerships, and the stewardship of NOHA's resources and reputation. The right candidate will be equally comfortable building relationships with the NOHA community, local community leaders, donors and Town officials, developing annual season activities, managing financial and operational budgets, promoting events, and solving the unexpected challenges that come with live performance. Core Responsibilities

• Create an affordable, engaging annual season of performances, community theatre, educational programs, and special events.
• Produce at least two community-based theatrical productions each year and expand opportunities for children and families.
• Grow individual and corporate memberships, sponsorships, grants, major gifts, and other mission-aligned revenue.
• Build strong relationships with audiences, donors, artists, volunteers, businesses, schools, community organizations, the media, and municipal partners.
• Manage event production, contracts, ticketing, marketing, staffing, technical coordination, and front-of-house operations.
• Develop and manage the annual budget, monitor financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and provide clear reports to the Board.
• Recruit, organize, and inspire staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Serve as a visible, trusted ambassador for NOHA and the Newport Opera House. Key Qualifications
• Leadership Experience
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, community programming, venue management, development, or a related field.
• Fundraising Track Record
• A record of success in fundraising, grant writing, memberships, sponsorships, or donor engagement.
• Fiscal Acumen
• Experience creating and managing budgets and interpreting financial reports.
• Strong event or project-management skills, with the ability to coordinate many people, details, and deadlines.
• Communication Skills
• Excellent writing, public-speaking, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong Community Collaboration
• Comfort working with a volunteer Board and collaborating across a close-knit community.
• Mission Alignment
• Integrity, sound judgment, initiative, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm for community-centered arts and culture.
• Operational Technology Strengths
• Digital fluency with office productivity tools and the ability to learn ticketing, CRM, accounting, and marketing platforms. Especially Valuable Qualifications
• Experience producing theatre, performing-arts events, or educational programs.
• Experience in a grassroots, rural, start-up, or small-community organization.
• Knowledge of Newport and the Lake Sunapee Region.
• A degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, public administration, theatre, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience with QuickBooks, Arts People or similar ticketing/CRM systems, digital marketing, and grant management.

The Opportunity This role offers the chance to strengthen a treasured community institution, champion local creativity, introduce audiences to new experiences, and build sustainable support for the arts. NOHA welcomes candidates from adjacent fields—including community development, education, nonprofit leadership, hospitality, events, and public service—whose experience is transferable and whose commitment to the mission is strong. How to Apply Please submit a resume and a thoughtful cover letter describing your interest in the role and the experience you would bring to dawnholcombe@aol.com. Applications received by or before Monday September 21, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Equal Employment Opportunity The Newport Opera House Association is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, organizational needs, and applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Pay:

Up to $52,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person