Executive Director, The Capitol

Executive Director Job Description

Reports to: Board of Directors

Supervises: Theater Manager, Night Cap Manager, Bookkeeper, Contractors/Volunteers

Works closely with: Board of Directors, City of Burlington, other organizational leaders

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Status: Full Time / Medium Duty - Reports to Board of Directors

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of The Capitol Theater Foundation, overseeing the strategic, financial, and operational leadership of The Capitol Theater and Night Cap. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Burlington’s cultural heart, leading The Capitol and Night Cap into their next era of growth, creativity and community connection.

The Executive Director provides vision, builds partnerships and ensures both venues thrive as welcoming and sustainable centers for arts, entertainment, and community engagement. This role requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on collaboration with a small but passionate team, dedicated volunteers and a supportive board of directors.

Qualifications

●    Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field or Associate’s Degree in related field with three years experience in venue or event marketing and management

●    Proven leadership experience in the arts, nonprofit, or hospitality sectors

●    Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship development and community engagement

●    Strong financial management skills including budgeting and business planning

●    Excellent communication, relationship-building and organizational abilities

●    Commitment to diversity, inclusion and fostering a welcoming cultural space

●     Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on problem solving when needed

●    Comfort with public speaking and community representation

●    Valid Driver’s License

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

●    Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for The Capitol Theater Foundation

●    Develop and implement annual goals and multi-year strategic plans in partnership with the Board of Directors

●    Cultivate a positive and inclusive workplace culture that supports staff, volunteers and community partners

●    Serve as a visible leader in the community, representing The Capitol and Night Cap at civic, arts and business events

Fundraising & Development

●    Lead all fundraising and development efforts including donor cultivation, sponsorships, grants and special campaigns

●    Build and strengthen relationships with individual donors, businesses and foundations

●    Work closely with the Board of Directors to identify new funding opportunities and achieve growth beyond operational sustainability

●    Serve as the organization’s chief ambassador and spokesperson to funders, community leaders and the public

Financial & Administrative Oversight

●    Oversee all financial management, budgeting and reporting in collaboration with the Bookkeeper and Board Treasurer

●    Approve contracts, budgets, and major expenditures while ensuring compliance with all legal and nonprofit regulations

●    Maintain sound fiscal practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization

●    Manage human resources including hiring, supervising and evaluating staff and contractors

Programming & Venue Oversight

●    Supervise the Theater Manager and Night Cap Manager, supporting them in executing successful programming and operations

●    Approve programming calendars for both venues ensuring balance between cultural mission, community access and financial viability

●    Collaborate on event booking, pricing strategy and audience development for films, concerts and special events

●    Oversee or support planning for key annual programs including the Snake Alley Festival of Film, Jazz Fest and Old Couch Music Fest.

Marketing and Community Engagement

●    Oversee the overall marketing, branding, and public relations strategy for both The Capitol and Night Cap

●    Serve as the primary media and community contact for the organization

●    Ensure that marketing and communication efforts support ticket sales, fundraising goals and audience growth

●    Build partnerships with schools, local organizations, tourism agencies and regional arts and cultural groups

Board Relations and Governance 

●    Maintain strong communication and transparency with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on finances, programs and strategic priorities

●    Support the Board in governance best practices, policy development and long-term planning

●    Collaborate with the Board to set measurable goals and evaluate organizational performance

Work Environment 

●    Duties require employee to move about a lot in performance of his/her duties

●    Position may require sitting for long periods of time

●    Occasional lifting required 10-20 lbs.

●    Position subject to high levels of stress

●    Must be willing to respond on an on-call basis

●    The position requires the ability and willingness to work all events, weekends and holidays

●    Other duties as assigned

The Capitol Theater is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Capitol will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Position is subject to pre-employment physical exam including drug testing.

Note: This job description includes the primary job duties and requirements for this position.  However, it is not intended to provide an exact description of all job duties and requirements.  The Capitol reserves the right to change this job description at any time.

The Capitol places a high premium on it’s image and, as such, expects all employees to consistently behave in a manner which reflects positively upon The Capitol Theater and the Night Cap.