Artistic Director

The Position 

Raven Theatre seeks an Artistic Director to join its Managing Director, Staff and Board to further implement its mission statement: telling stories of today and of the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. This is a shared leadership position with the company Managing Director. The Artistic Director works directly with the Managing Director, with support from the Board of Directors, to meet the goals of the organization. The Artistic Director reports to the Board of Directors.

The Organization 

Raven Theatre is in its 40th year of producing innovative revivals of modern dramas and thought-provoking new works for the North Side Chicago community. It does so by presenting revivals, Chicago premieres, and world premieres (some of which Raven has commissioned).  The organization operates a respected, robust and well-rooted theatre arts education program that engages youth and school communities in the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods and beyond.  In addition, the Raven operates its wholly owned 10,000 square foot building with two stages (seating 57 and 85) and administrative offices.

Recently, Raven has become an Equity theatre, building its capacity and quality of production. Raven has accumulated numerous awards and accolades over the last 40 years. Most recently, its productions of “The Last Pair of Earlies” and “The Luckiest” from its 21/22 season were both nominated for the Jeff Award for Best Production.

Responsibilities of the Artistic Director Include: 

• Leads all artistic, educational, and engagement activities – supervising artistic staff and working with staff and outside partners to bring vibrant and compelling programs to the theatre’s audiences, students, and community  
• Champions the company’s mission, vision, and work to all stakeholder communities, including audiences, donors, media, staff, board of directors, and community members
• Contributes actively to the theatre’s development initiatives, focusing on fundraising, donor cultivation and community building
• Engages in the regular strategic planning processes, actively advancing Raven Theatre’s organizational goals
• Advocates for arts education programming and its team of teaching artists, upholding the program as an integral component of the organization and the community.
• Cultivates relationships with itinerant theatre companies to bring the best Chicago storefront theatre to the Raven Theatre’s Schwartz Stage, continually identifying potential artistic collaborators
• Serves along with the Managing Director as the public face of the theatre, representing Raven Theatre in community and city-wide professional theatre events, discourse, and celebrations
• Maintains a network of local and national theatre professionals, staying current and active in the theatre community at large and identifying new talent and emerging voices
• Supports and oversees all artists and technicians engaged in Raven Theatre’s programming while creating a spirited workplace and fostering strong collaborations
• Maintains a presence at all significant theatre events: opening nights, fundraisers, audience engagement activities, and first reads
• Serves as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors, regularly working and communicating with the Board of Directors

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will likely have:

• Leadership style that engenders respect and enthusiasm from stakeholders, focusing on collaboration in a team environment
• Proven track record of developing programming that generates excitement and discourse
• Experience developing and producing new work
• Values equity, diversity, and inclusion in programming and staffing and has demonstrated that value in previous work
• Demonstrated ability to program within budget constraints and with timely planning for successful and smooth execution
• Working knowledge of the Chicago theatre community
• Experience working within an arts organization
• Experience responding to the pressures of working in a not-for-profit arts environment
• Demonstrated organizational development and management skills
• Preferred experience with cultivating and stewarding board and donor relationships
• Ability to forge a strong and meaningful partnership with the Managing Director

Compensation 

The salary for this position is $55,000 annually plus participation in the theatre’s healthcare plan (choice of HMO or PPO), 14 paid vacation days, and 14 federal holidays. Relocation funding may also be available. 

To Apply 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, an artistic statement, and three references to [email protected]. Electronic applications are preferred. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities – such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Raven Theatre is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values a diverse workforce. 

So if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, Raven encourages you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role!

Reasonable Accommodations 

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email us at [email protected].

Raven Theatre Company