Executive Director at Moonlight Cultural Foundation Executive Director at Moonlight Cultural Foundation in Vista, California Posted in about 11 hours ago.

Type:

full-time

What We Do Our Mission:

The Moonlight Cultural Foundation (MCF) enriches the community through arts, culture, education, and philanthropy, ensuring access to exceptional performing arts experiences and meaningful arts education opportunities. We believe the arts are essential to a vibrant community-they inspire, connect, create opportunity, and enrich lives. Through philanthropic support of Moonlight Stage Productions and Moonlight Youth Theatre, MCF helps bring exceptional live theatre and high-quality arts education to audiences and students throughout the region. MCF advances its mission through three closely connected areas:

Moonlight Stage Productions:

MCF provides philanthropic support that helps sustain professional-quality theatre and expand access to exceptional performing arts experiences.

Moonlight Youth Theatre:

MCF supports high-quality theatre education that helps young people develop creativity, confidence, collaboration, and skills through the performing arts.

Community & Cultural Partnerships:

MCF builds relationships with donors, volunteers, educational institutions, government leaders, cultural partners, and community organizations to broaden engagement and impact.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE MCF

is a close-knit, highly supportive team united by a passion for the arts and a deep connection to the community. Through its unique partnership with City of Vista leaders and dedicated, long-tenured Board, Moonlight has become Southern California's hidden gem-producing world-class theatre, attracting audiences and performers from across the region, and launching more than ten performers to Broadway. Together, Moonlight Stage Productions and Moonlight Youth Theatre engage tens of thousands of audience members annually, while providing hundreds of young people with opportunities to participate in high-quality theatre education and performance. Longtime Board Member and Board Chair Dave Cowles, a former Vista Unified Superintendent and City Council member, brings four decades of public and nonprofit leadership. The next Executive Director will build on this extraordinary momentum, championing creativity, collaboration, and civic pride while expanding MCF's impact.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary:

$125,000 - $150,000 plus a negotiable 20% performance incentive Medical insurance 15 PTO days, 5 paid sick days, and 10 paid holidays Retirement plan offered

LOCATION

This is largely an in-person role in Vista, California, with hybrid options available. The Executive Director should be available for seasonal evening and weekend commitments.

POSITION SUMMARY

Working closely and reporting to the Board of Directors, our next Executive Director (ED) will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight. The ED will advance the Foundation's mission through fundraising, financial stewardship, community partnerships, program development, and organizational leadership, while serving as MCF's primary spokesperson and representative. The ED will serve as MCF's chief ambassador and mission champion, building strong relationships with donors, the City of Vista, businesses, foundations, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community partners. A central responsibility will be personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support while strengthening fundraising systems and diversifying revenue to support the Foundation's long-term sustainability.

Year One Priorities Fundraising Modernization & Revenue Growth:

Modernize MCF's fundraising systems and strategies while diversifying revenue to support long-term sustainability.

Relationship Building & Community Partnerships:

Build trusted relationships with the Board, staff, donors, volunteers, City of Vista leaders, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and civic partners to strengthen collaboration and expand MCF's community reach.

Visibility, Marketing & Public Relations:

Partner with the City of Vista to enhance marketing, branding, and public relations initiatives that elevate Moonlight's visibility and broaden regional awareness.

Moonlight Youth Theatre Leadership:

Position Moonlight Youth Theatre as North County's premier youth theatre training program by expanding its visibility, participation, educational partnerships, and reputation for excellence.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Management Build and maintain strong community partnerships with business and civic leaders, donors, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and other stakeholders to align efforts and advance shared goals. Manage and grow the partnership with the City of Vista, serving as a key liaison, stewarding relationships with government officials, and representing MCF at public meetings, community events, and presentations. Actively engage the Board in strategic planning, organizational priorities, Board governance, recruitment, fundraising, and donor engagement. Coach, mentor, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture. Represent MCF before performances to engage audiences and increase awareness of its mission and partnerships with the City of Vista and Moonlight Stage Productions. Development & Fundraising Modernize MCF's fundraising practices and operations, including donor data management, prospect development, performance measurement, and stewardship practices. Develop and nurture relationships with major donors, foundations, government agencies, business leaders, and community partners, while communicating the vision and impact of MCF. Strengthen MCF's brand, public image, and visibility by serving as a primary spokesperson and supporting marketing, communications, public relations, community events, and donor functions. Reimagine MCF's signature gala and revitalize the next generation of patrons, donors, and volunteers to deepen engagement and elevate the guest experience. Expand corporate support through customized sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and employee engagement opportunities. Financial Oversight & Planning Oversee MCF's annual budget, financial planning, forecasting, fiscal management, and nonprofit accounting practices, ensuring responsible stewardship and transparency. Collaborate with the Board and leadership team to create and implement strategic plans and annual budgets that support MCF's long-term objectives and financial sustainability. Work closely with financial professionals to maintain accurate reporting and ensure financial matters, including audits and IRS compliance, are managed according to organizational policies and nonprofit standards.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

Accomplished nonprofit, arts, educational, or mission-driven leader with 5-7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience and a passion for the performing arts, arts education, and community engagement. Proven senior leader who can foster a collaborative and inclusive culture; supervise, mentor, and develop professional staff and volunteers; and work effectively with a Board of Directors. Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, annual giving campaigns, special events, donor stewardship, and planned giving. Proven ability to cultivate relationships with major donors, elected officials, business leaders, foundations, government agencies, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community partners. Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the professionalism and presence to inspire donors, volunteers, community stakeholders, and public audiences. Bachelor's degree preferred. Knowledge of performing arts, arts education, and familiarity with donor database/CRM systems preferred.