Job Summary:
Provides strategic and operational leadership for CSUSB’s new 500 seat performing arts theater. Combines venue operations, arts management, fundraising, and community engagement to ensure high-quality programming and financial sustainability in alignment with the university’s mission and strategic goals.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Collaborate with faculty, university leadership, and stakeholders to shape theater’s mission, vision, and long-term strategic plan.
- Act as senior staff lead, implementing goals set by the university leadership or theater advisory board.
Operations Management
- Oversee day-to-day theater operations: scheduling, front-of-house, technical production, administrative services, and crew logistics.
- Ensure compliance with CSU policies (e.g., state hiring/residency rules, mandated reporter obligations) and safety regulations.
Financial & Resource Oversight
- Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and expense controls. Track financial performance and conduct audits.
- Lead fundraising and revenue generation initiatives (ticketing, grants, donor relations, sponsorships, endowments).
Programming & Artistic Collaboration
- Coordinate closely with artistic leadership (if separate), academic departments, and external partners to develop diverse and audience focused programs.
Marketing & Audience Engagement
- Oversee marketing, audience development, community outreach, and public relations to promote events and grow attendance.
Staffing & Human Resources
- Recruit, supervise, train, and evaluate both faculty/administrative staff and student employees or interns. Manage HR functions including performance, training, and professional development.
Facility & Technical Oversight
- Ensure theater facility maintenance, technical equipment readiness, and operational integrity.
Community & Stakeholder Relations
- Serve as the public face of the theater, cultivating relationships with donors, community leaders, CSU campuses, and external arts organizations.
Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare reports for university leadership or boards. Ensure adherence to legal, financial, and institutional policies.
Minimum Qualifications (Required Education and Experience):
- Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business, Theatre Arts, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of senior-level experience managing a performing arts venue or similar cultural institution (500 seat scale preferred).
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proven leadership in budgeting, fundraising, programming, and operations.
- Experience with staff supervision, event logistics, marketing, and audience development.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder relations skills.
- Knowledge of nonprofit/governmental compliance, CSU administrative processes, and safety protocols.
Compensation and Benefits:
Anticipated Hiring Range: minimum $5,053 - maximum $10,123 monthly.
The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 14 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.
Position Information:
Work status: Full-time/Exempt/At-will
Academic year schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), some evenings/weekends.
Summer schedule: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm), some evenings/weekends.
This is a full-time management (MPP) position. MPP employees serve at the pleasure of the campus President. MPPs do not serve a probationary period and never receive permanent status.
This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The scope of responsibilities for this position includes making or participating in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the individual holding this position is required to file an initial Conflict of Interest: Statement of Economic Interests ("Form 700") within thirty (30 days) from the date of hire and on an annual basis. In addition, the individual holding this position must complete the required conflict of interest training within thirty (30) days of their appointment and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years following the appointment, subject to the Fair Political Practices Commission regulations.
First considerations will be given to candidates who apply by September 22, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received.
As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
California State University, San Bernardino is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e. H1-B Visas).
Conditions of Employment
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Drivers License Check
Possession of a valid Driver's License is required. Employees in this position will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.
I-9
CSUSB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. See Form I-9 Acceptable Documents at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.
Statement of Commitment to Diversity
In our commitment to the furthering of knowledge and fulfilling our educational mission, California State University, San Bernardino seeks a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the entire variety of human experience. We welcome people from all backgrounds, and we seek to include knowledge and values from many cultures in the curriculum and extra-curricular life of the campus community. We will create, promote, and maintain activities and programs that further our understanding of individual and group diversity. We will also develop and communicate policies and promote values that discourage intolerance and discrimination.
California State University, San Bernardino is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. This position adheres to CSU policies against Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence, including Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking. This requires completion of Sexual Violence Prevention Training within 6 months of assuming employment and on a two-year basis thereafter. (Executive Order 1096) For more information about Diversity & Inclusion at CSUSB, please visit https://www.csusb.edu/human-resources/diversity-inclusion
Closing Statement:
Reasonable Accommodation
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact CSUSB Benefits at benefits@csusb.edu.
Smoking
CSUSB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. See policy at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6591951/latest/.
Clery Act
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the Cal State San Bernardino Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at: https://www.csusb.edu/clery-act