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Executive Artistic Director

Trustus Theatre — Columbia, South Carolina
Full Time, Exempt

About Trustus Theatre

Founded in 1985, Trustus Theatre is a cornerstone of contemporary theatre in Columbia, South Carolina. The company operates two venues in the city’s historic Vista district: the 140-seat Thigpen Main Stage and the intimate 50-seat Side Door Theatre. Trustus is known for producing provocative, relevant work that sparks conversation, champions emerging voices, and reflects the diverse stories of the Midlands.

Position Summary

The Executive Artistic Director (EAD) is the chief executive and creative leader of Trustus Theatre. This role unifies artistic direction with organizational management to ensure the theatre’s continued artistic excellence, operational stability, and community impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the EAD provides strategic leadership, oversees fiscal health, guides programming, and serves as the theatre’s public representative. The EAD fosters an organizational culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and equity.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership

• Shape and implement Trustus Theatre’s artistic vision in alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Curate and plan the season, including Main Stage, Side Door, educational, and community programming.
• Center equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism work in all aspects of artistic decisions to ensure an organizational culture that respects a multitude of perspectives and nurtures an environment of empowerment at all levels by continuing the work and development of the current DEI action plan.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and evaluate administrative and artistic staff and key artistic personnel such as directors, and playwrights.
• Oversee the hiring of production personnel including actors, choreographers, music directors, stage managers, and designers
• Collaborate with artists, staff, designers, and other creative professionals to produce 7-9 productions annually
• Maintain high artistic standards across all productions.
• Foster a collaborative, equitable, and innovative creative environment.

Executive & Operational Management

• Oversee all day-to-day operations, including staff supervision, budgeting, production oversight, facility maintenance, and organizational strategy.
• Lead financial planning and management with transparency and accountability, in partnership with staff and the Board.
• Ensure compliance, sound business practices, and effective administrative systems.
• Oversee all external communications including creative materials for marketing campaigns and press outlets, in collaboration with staff and outside vendors.
• Guide strategic planning and support Board governance practices.
• Oversee the negotiation and execution of contracts, including performance rights, venue leases, union contracts, and all other related agreements. Ensure that all labor laws, contractual obligations, and best practices are adhered to.

Development & Fundraising

• Partner with Board and development staff to lead donor cultivation, fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and grant opportunities.
• Partner with the Board on maintaining and launching future phases of the current building/capital campaign to ensure long term sustainability of the facilities.
• Serve as a primary relationship builder with patrons, funders, foundations, and community leaders.
• Support events, campaigns, and stewardship efforts that advance Trustus’s mission and sustainability.
• Serve as the primary grant writer for the organization and work with the bookkeeper to complete grant reporting.

Community Engagement & Representation

• Serve as a public ambassador for Trustus Theatre.
• Build and maintain partnerships with cultural organizations, educational institutions, and civic groups.
• Champion accessibility, community relevance, and inclusive representation onstage and off.
• Engage the public through conversations, talkbacks, outreach events, and local collaborations.
• Uphold and model Trustus’s commitment to principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access to ensure an organizational culture that respects different perspectives and nurtures an environment of antiracism, goodwill, and empowerment.

Qualifications

Required

• Significant professional experience in theatre leadership, directing, producing, or arts management.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing complex workflows.
• Strong financial literacy and experience with budgeting or nonprofit financial oversight.
• Proven success in fundraising, grant writing, or donor cultivation.
• Clear commitment to DEI principles and community-centered programming.
• Strong communication, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to balance artistic vision with operational and financial realities.
• Directorial experience at a regional, off Broadway, or Broadway level, preferably including large scale musicals, and new work development.

Preferred

• MFA in Directing or MA in Arts Administration or equivalent experience leading or working within nonprofit theatre organizations.
• Understanding of contemporary theatre trends and new play development.
• Familiarity with the cultural landscape of the Southeast region.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: 55,000 to 65,000, plus benefits including health insurance and PTO.

Working Conditions

• Evening and weekend hours required during production periods.
• Must reside in or relocate to Columbia, South Carolina.
• Role requires presence at performances, donor events, Board meetings, and community functions.

To Apply

Please submit the following:

• Cover Letter (optional)
• Resume or CV
• Artistic portfolio or website showcasing creative vision, leadership experience, and representative work 

Send materials to: [[email protected]]
Please include “Executive Artistic Director Search” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration for materials received by January 15.

It is the policy of Trustus Theatre to grant equal opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender, gender identity, citizenship, creed, religion, veteran status, or national origin. It is the intent and desire of Trustus Theatre that equal opportunity be provided in employment, wages, promotion, benefits and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment. Trustus Theatre will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

520 Lady St
Columbia, SC 29201