Limited-Term Manager of Theater Operations

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aurora Fox Arts Center seeks an experienced, strategic, and steady leader to serve as a Limited-Term Manager of Theater Operations during a period of organizational transition. This limited-purpose role will provide essential day-to-day leadership, stabilize staff and operations, and guide both immediate and long-term planning efforts. The term of this position is anticipated to run through December 31, 2026. Under the direction of the Director of Library and Cultural Services, the Limited-Term Manager of Theater Operations supervises the operations of the Aurora Fox Arts Center (AFAC) including two performance venues, box office, scene shop, other support areas and offices; serves as primary facility manager of the Aurora Fox Arts Center; participates in the development of and ensures adherence to adopted budgets for the facility, productions and other programming and monitors accounts payable and receivable; maintains records according to established policies and procedures and ensures that any data required by funders, auditors or other sources is collected and maintained in a professional manner. The Limited-Term Manager of Theater Operations will ensure the successful continuation of the current producing season, support staff through change, and lead a comprehensive assessment of the Fox’s operating model. This work will inform FY2027 season planning, budget development, and recommendations for future organizational direction. Limited-Term Employment Notice: This position is a limited-term assignment with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. Employment in this role: Is not considered a “regular full-time employee” defined under city charter, Does not afford Career Service status, Does not provide Career Service rights as defined in city policy, Does not provide or guarantee continued employment beyond the stated end date, Is expected to end on December 31, 2026, Is an at-will position, and Will have work hours that vary based on operational needs and will require work on evenings and weekends. This position is eligible for benefits in accordance with city policy.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Theater Arts, or related field
10 years of professional experience in performing arts industry
3 years of supervisory experience
Strong interpersonal and managerial skills
Skill in the use of windows-based programs, especially Microsoft Office
Strong customer service skills
Skill in customer relations, crisis communications management, public speaking and media relations
Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce
Administer budgets
Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner
Regular and predictable attendance
Working in-person at the Aurora Fox Arts Center and other city locations

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Arts Management, Fine Arts, Business and/or Public Affairs or Administration
Experience working for a government agency
An accomplished professional record of performing arts management in a government or nonprofit setting
Experience with fundraising, audience development and marketing
An extensive network of professional contacts in the industry including managers, booking agencies and artists
Experience supervising artists and non-artists
A demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and experience working with diverse populations

Responsibilities

Provide decisive, experienced leadership to stabilize operations during the current producing season.
Identify and address immediate operational priorities to ensure all scheduled productions proceed as planned.
Analyze current budget and year‑to‑date actuals; compare to historical data; identify areas of concern or opportunity and act as needed.
Implement tracking systems and business processes to optimize performance and support organizational assessment.
Evaluate current staffing structure and environment for sufficiency and make recommendations as needed.
Model and reinforce city and Fox values in daily leadership.
Align operations with city of Aurora practices, policies, and rules.
Lead the development of the FY2027 season and budget using the current producing model as a baseline.
Review historical attendance, facility usage, budgets, sponsorships, and other data to identify successful past practices.
Assess resource needs (staffing, marketing, materials, production requirements) and recommend budget adjustments.
Collaborate with city cultural leaders to identify shared priorities, efficiencies, and opportunities for greater impact.
Develop and present a comprehensive analysis with recommendations to city staff.
Establish metrics of success across artistic excellence, community impact, fiscal performance, and other priority areas.
Evaluate expenses, earned revenue potential, contributed revenue (including SCFD support), market competition, and strategic positioning.
Performs other related duties as assigned.