Executive Director

The Executive Director will serve as the Historic Paramount Theatre’s senior administrative and strategic leader, driving daily operations, stewarding finances, supervising staff, and partnering with the Board of Directors while keeping the theatre active, stable, and deeply connected to Abilene. This person will maintain the Paramount’s programming model, build strong civic and cultural relationships, work closely with the Chief Financial Officer on budgeting and cash flow, and lead the creation of the organization’s first strategic plan. They will be a dynamic, community‑minded ambassador who brings strong communication skills, sound financial judgment, and collaborative leadership to development, programming, and external relations. This leader will strengthen donor and foundation relationships, oversee grants, sponsorships, restoration projects, marketing, and programming, and advance a refreshed artistic direction that reduces dark days, broadens audiences, and deepens the Paramount’s civic impact. They will guide planning for the 2030 centennial and champion accessible programming that welcomes new audiences and supports downtown revitalization. Organization Designed and built in 1930 by architect David Castle, the Historic Paramount Theatre is one of West Texas’s most treasured cultural landmarks. A stunning example of the nostalgic “atmospheric” movie palace, the theatre was created during an era when attending the cinema was intended to be a grand and immersive experience. The main auditorium was designed to resemble a Spanish/Moorish courtyard at night, complete with drifting projected clouds, twinkling stars, and a neon‑lit sky that transported audiences to another world. Restored in 1987 and renovated to accommodate live theatre performances, the Paramount has evolved into a vibrant multidisciplinary performing arts venue serving the Abilene community and surrounding region. Today, the theatre hosts a broad range of programming, including concerts, film screenings, ballet, opera, touring productions, comedy performances, educational programming, and community events. Community Located in the heart of West Texas, Abilene is a mid‑sized city of approximately 125,000 residents known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong civic identity, and rich historical heritage. The city offers residents a high quality of life with affordable living, family‑oriented neighborhoods, and a growing downtown district that has become a center for dining, entertainment, and cultural activity. Roles and Responsibilities Organizational Leadership & Administration Provide overall leadership and direction for the organization’s operations, staff, and programming. Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate all full‑time staff members. Foster a collaborative and mission‑driven organizational culture. Ensure compliance with all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements, including TABC regulations. Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and present the annual operating budget for board approval each March. Oversee implementation of and adherence to the approved budget. Work closely with the Board and CFO to manage organizational cash flow and steward banking reserves. Review and approve all company expenditures, with expenditures over $5,000 requiring a second signature from the Board. Work with staff to establish pricing for goods and services and determine inventory and merchandise offerings. Governance & Board Relations Prepare for and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors, including providing timely reports, recommendations, and updates on organizational operations and strategic priorities. Implement directives and policies established by the Board of Directors. Engage and support board members in fundraising initiatives, long‑range planning, and organizational strategy. Serve as the primary liaison between the Paramount and the building owners. Programming & Artistic Oversight Lead the programming, negotiation, and contracting for Paramount Road Shows and other live performances presented by the organization. Oversee film programming, including selections made by committees and staff. Ensure programming aligns with the mission, audience interests, and financial goals of the Paramount. Serve as the organization’s primary development contact. Oversee grant funding strategies, donor cultivation and stewardship, and corporate sponsorship relationships. Support and guide fundraising initiatives in partnership with staff and the Board of Directors. Marketing & Community Relations Produce, oversee, or approve all marketing and promotional materials and campaigns. Represent the Paramount within the community and serve as the primary spokesperson at public events, partnerships, and community engagements. Build and maintain strong relationships with patrons, community stakeholders, donors, sponsors, and partner organizations. Facilities & Capital Improvements Identify, secure funding for, and oversee all restoration, maintenance, and capital improvement projects related to the Paramount. Ensure the long‑term preservation and operational functionality of the Paramount. Financial Management Collaborate with the CFO to develop and present the annual operating budget for board approval each March. Oversee implementation of and adherence to the approved budget. Work closely with the Board and CFO to manage organizational cash flow and steward banking reserves. Review and approve all company expenditures, with expenditures over $5,000 requiring a second signature from the Board. Work with staff to establish pricing for goods and services and determine inventory and merchandise offerings. Traits and Characteristics The Executive Director will be an engaging and people‑oriented leader who values communication, collaboration, and relationship‑building across a broad range of stakeholders. The individual will demonstrate versatility and adaptability, navigating frequent change and shifting priorities with confidence and ease. Grounded in intuition, experience, and thoughtful decision‑making, the Executive Director will bring a harmonious and balanced leadership style that fosters trust and stability within the organization. They will also be resourceful and receptive, combining practical problem‑solving skills with openness to new ideas, opportunities, and innovative approaches that advance Paramount’s mission and long‑term success. Other key competencies include: Personal Accountability and Diplomacy – ability to be answerable for personal actions and effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues. Time and Priority Management – ability to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames. Leadership – capability to organize and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose and direction. Teamwork – aptitude to cooperate with others to meet objectives. Decision Making – faculty to analyze all aspects of a situation to make consistently sound and timely decisions. Problem Solving and Resiliency – competence to quickly recover from adversity and solve problems effectively. Compensation and Benefits The Paramount provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary range of $110,000 to $125,000. Benefits include paid time off and a comprehensive employee support program designed to promote work‑life balance and long‑term financial wellness. Full‑time employees receive 12 vacation days annually, with additional accrual based on years of service, along with 12 sick days per year. Health insurance premiums for employee‑only coverage are paid 100% by Paramount, with eligibility beginning on the first of the month after 60 days of service. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match after 90 days of employment. Requirements Two to three years of senior leadership experience in a historic theatre, professional arts organization, or relevant business setting are expected. A bachelor’s degree in the arts or a related field is preferred. The ability to build and sustain a high performing team is essential, as is experience with fundraising at varying levels. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the capacity to represent the Paramount to diverse audiences and donors, are important. If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education, you are encouraged to apply and highlight those areas. Equal Opportunity Employer The Historic Paramount Theatre is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr