Managing Director

The Academy of Magical Arts is a California 501(c)(7) nonprofit social and recreational organization dedicated to advancing, preserving, and celebrating the art of magic. Through education, programming, awards, scholarship, and community building, the Academy supports excellence in magical performance while safeguarding the history, traditions, and future of the craft.

As a member driven organization, the Academy exists to serve and inspire magicians around the world, foster fellowship, and steward one of the most respected institutions in the global magic community.

Position Summary

The Managing Director serves as the senior administrative and operational leader of the Academy and as a steward of its mission to advance, preserve, and elevate the art of magic. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, this role guides the organization's day to day operations, programs, and administrative functions during an important post transition period, while protecting the Academy's culture, legacy, and long term sustainability.

Working in close partnership with the Board, the Managing Director translates evolving priorities into practical, compliant, and mission aligned operations that enhance the membership experience and strengthen the Academy's reputation as the leading organization dedicated to the magical arts.

This leader oversees core Academy functions including the AMA Awards, Library, Committees and Volunteers, Magic Programming, Education, and Magic University, ensuring each area reflects the Academy's commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community service. The role also maintains a professional and collaborative relationship with Magic Castle Enterprises to ensure the Academy's programs operate smoothly within the shared clubhouse environment.

This is an evolving leadership role that requires flexibility, sound judgment, and a deep respect for both nonprofit governance and the traditions of the magic community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the Board to shape and implement strategic priorities
• Provide operational continuity, institutional knowledge, and risk awareness
• Balance long range planning with near term stability

Program and Event Oversight

• Oversee the AMA Awards Show and supervise the show producer
• Ensure fair and compliant awards election processes
• Lead Magic Programming, Education, and Magic University initiatives
• Maintain high quality, mission aligned educational and artistic offerings

Operational Management

• Direct day to day administrative and programmatic operations
• Ensure efficient service delivery within the shared use clubhouse environment
• Develop systems, processes, and documentation to support clarity and accountability

Board, Staff, and Volunteer Relations

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board
• Provide clear and timely reporting on operations and risks
• Support committees and volunteers with coordination and follow through
• Foster a respectful, collaborative culture

Membership and External Relations

• Maintain open communication with membership
• Address concerns and ideas constructively
• Maintain a strong professional partnership with Magic Castle Enterprises

Financial and Administrative Oversight

• Partner with Administrative Director on budget development and management
• Ensure strong internal controls and fiduciary stewardship
• Meet Board approved financial targets

Staff and Project Leadership

• Lead and support a lean staff structure
• Appoint and guide project leads
• Encourage volunteer engagement and initiative ownership

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, or member driven organization
• Experience working closely with boards and governance bodies
• Demonstrated success translating strategy into operations
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience
• Comfort operating with shared authority and evolving priorities
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Passion for and understanding of magic as a performing art
• Experience with fundraising or foundations preferred
• Connections within the magic community preferred
• Membership or familiarity with the Academy a plus

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the Managing Director will:

• Establish strong Board alignment and reporting rhythms
• Deliver a successful and well managed AMA Awards program
• Improve operational clarity and documentation
• Strengthen volunteer engagement and committee effectiveness
• Maintain positive membership sentiment and external relationships

Additional Information
Equal Opportunity Employer

The Academy of Magical Arts is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities and for applicants who need assistance during the application or interview process.

Background Check

Final candidates may be subject to a background check consistent with applicable law.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The Academy does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Employment Status

Employment with the Academy of Magical Arts is at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the Academy at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.