Executive Director

IRISH CLASSICAL THEATRE COMPANY

Position: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Location: Buffalo, NY

Employment Type: Full-time; classification (Exempt or Non-Exempt) will be determined based on the candidate’s final salary offer and job duties, consistent with New York State’s labor regulations for executive and administrative employees.

Salary Range: $55,000-$75,000 annually

About Irish Classical Theatre Company

Irish Classical Theatre Company (ICTC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit 200-seat theatre-in-the-round with an annual operating budget of $888k. ICTC is a leading cultural institution dedicated to producing and promoting classic and contemporary Irish and international plays of the highest quality. Based in Buffalo, ICTC has garnered acclaim for its exceptional productions, commitment to artistic excellence, and contributions to the cultural fabric of the community. Now in its 35th Season, ICTC remains committed to honoring its robust Irish heritage not only through the carefully selected repertoire but also by fostering enriching collaborations with celebrated guest directors, playwrights, and actors.

Mission: To present the greatest works of dramatic literature: Irish plays, both traditional and contemporary, international classics, and modern plays of exceptional merit. To produce them at the highest level of artistic excellence. To offer them to the public of Buffalo, Western New York, and Southern Ontario, and subsequently, for national and international audiences.

Position Summary

The Irish Classical Theatre Company seeks a strategic and visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through a pivotal moment of transition and growth. The Executive Director will lead ICTC through a period of organizational transition, working closely with leadership to ensure continuity and strategic growth during this pivotal time. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the ED will serve as ICTC’s chief executive officer, responsible for organizational leadership, fundraising strategy, financial sustainability, and external relations.The Executive Director will serve as the Company's CEO, with the Artistic Director and Artistic Producer reporting to the ED. The ED will partner with the Artistic Director and the Artistic Producer (to be recruited with ED input) in a collaborative leadership model, with clear responsibility for ensuring the theatre's operational health, financial stability, and fundraising success.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic nonprofit leader to strengthen ICTC's infrastructure, expand its base of philanthropic support, and prepare the organization for a future capital campaign. The ED will focus primarily on business operations rather than artistic direction, working closely with the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Partner with the Board, Artistic Director, and Artistic Producer to shape and execute ICTC's vision and strategic priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board, preparing materials, reports, and updates for Board and committee meetings.
• Ensure alignment between ICTC's mission, programming, and financial realities.

Operations & Financial Management

• Payroll processing, health insurance management, employee handbook maintenance, PTO tracking, W2/1099 management, and staff record maintenance.
• Theatre Alliance and District Association participation, ticketing and development progress monitoring.Lead annual budget creation with leadership team, daily reconciliation, expense tracking, and deposit monitoring.
• Portal management, fraud protection monitoring, account reconciliation, audit participation, and accountant coordination.
• Comprehensive insurance oversight and management.

Facilities & Lounge Management

• Compliance with permitting protocols, liquor license renewal, financial audits, and health inspections for Chris O'Neill Lounge.
• Supervise facilities staff, maintain equipment and property, coordinate vendors, and handle emergency responses.

Board Management & Governance Support

• Manage board documents, meeting coordination, policy updates, and member relations.
• Prepare reports, assist with communications, and attend all board committee meetings.

Fundraising & Development Oversight

• Support comprehensive fundraising strategy development and execution in coordination with the Board to expand individual, corporate, foundation, and government support.
• Serve as chief relationship-builder with donors, funders, and community leaders, cultivating partnerships and supporting event planning.
• Oversee grant-seeking activities with Board and consultants, ensuring timely and competitive applications and reports.

Community Relations & Public Representation

• Represent ICTC as a confident and inspiring public speaker at community, civic, and cultural events.
• Act as an ambassador for ICTC in Buffalo and beyond, strengthening the theatre's profile and impact.

Required Qualifications

Professional Experience & Skills

• Minimum of five years of professional nonprofit leadership experience, including two or more years in management, preferably with experience in financial operations, fundraising, and grant writing in the arts and culture sector.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation, including major gifts, grants, and events.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in nonprofit budgeting and fiscal oversight.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to inspire stakeholders and donors.
• Proven persuasive writing and communication skills, and exceptional relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and balance multiple priorities.

Technical Proficiency

• Technologically savvy with experience in G-Suite, MS Office, Wordpress, databases, social platforms, and content creation applications (Canva).
• Experience with CRM systems; PatronManager/Leap/Salesforce experience a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with other members of the leadership team and departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in a related field preferred, but additional years of related work experience considered in lieu of a degree.
• Knowledge of and passion for theatre and the Western New York arts landscape preferred.
• Knowledge and interest in theatre, fundraising, and Western New York is a plus.
• Experience with capital campaigns and major gift fundraising.
• Previous experience in organizational restructuring or transition management.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $55,000-$75,000 annually (commensurate with experience), with competitive benefits package and flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Health Insurance: Employer-provided Health Insurance Plan.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan after one year; Non-matching.

Time Off & Schedule

• 12 "First Mondays" (typically the first Monday of each month), 10 Vacation Days (years 1-5 of employment), 9 Paid Federal Holidays, 2 Float Holidays, 5 Sick Days, and 3 Personal Days
• Primarily on-site, weekdays 10 am-5 pm, with evenings/weekends as required by performances, events, and community engagements. Hybrid flexibility as appropriate.
• Position is in-person. Hybrid/remote work considered where office and theatre activity permit.

Application Instructions

For fullest consideration, submit materials by October 31, 2025. Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to . Please include “Executive Director Application - [Your Name]” in the subject line. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations during the application process should contact admin@irishclassical.com to request assistance.

Please use the cover letter as your opportunity to detail how your qualifications fit this position. All candidates must submit a relevant writing sample (such as a proposal, grant application, or other professional appeal) with their application. ICTC is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of criminal history in accordance with New York State law.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Legal Notices

ICTC recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds and is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, accessible, and anti-racist organization. Applicants of all races, colors, religions, gender identities or expressions, familial statuses, sexual orientations, ages (40 and over), national origins, genetic information, military/veteran status, domestic violence victim status, and candidates with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. We are committed to continually diversifying our team and we aim to include new voices and experiences to our work.

ICTC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities during the application process and employment. Please contact admin@irishclassical.com to request an accommodation.

Background checks may be conducted after a conditional offer of employment is extended, and only to the extent permitted by New York State law. Cannabis use outside of work hours, off of ICTC’s premises, and without use of ICTC’s equipment or other property will not disqualify applicants from employment, except where required by federal law or contract.

ICTC provides workers’ compensation coverage for all employees as required by New York State law. The organization provides reasonable accommodations for nursing mothers, including break time and private space for expressing breast milk.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities on a regular basis:

• Ability to move effectively within theatre spaces, office areas, and facility locations.
• Capacity to lift and handle materials weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Visual and auditory capabilities necessary for document review, computer work, and facility oversight.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss accommodation needs with ICTC management.

ICTC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and will engage in the interactive process to determine effective reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person