Senior Director of Operations

The historic Carolina Theatre of Durham is looking for a Senior Director of Operations to join our leadership team. We strongly value a diversity of people and experiences and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Come join a vibrant team of individuals dedicated to the performing arts and the role the theater plays in the community. As a small non-profit organization, there are many opportunities to get involved and learn about all aspects of this historic venue and its operations. You will play an important role in the evolution of our 100-year-old home, ensuring that every guest coming through our doors has the best experience possible. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Senior Director of Operations will be a key member of the senior management team. If you want to be a part of an organization committed to driving the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of the Triangle, this might be the job for you.

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the City-owned Carolina Theatre complex, including the 1,100-seat historic Fletcher Hall and two cinemas which screen independent films, as well as festivals and retrospectives, 365 days per year and up to 3,500 screenings per year. The organization presents more than 75 performances by national touring stars per year in Fletcher Hall and provides 35 educational performances for more than 15,000 school children from 12 counties in our Arts Discovery Educational series. Fletcher Hall is also home to several performing arts resident companies and hosts a variety of non-profit and commercial community events throughout the year, keeping our mainstage in use roughly 300 nights a year. The theater supports a number of events designed to ensure the whole community can experience arts programming, including free offerings such as sensory-friendly and family programs. The theater will be celebrating a century in downtown Durham in 2026.

As a City-owned, nonprofit-run facility, we believe that our entire community should be welcomed and celebrated here. We are committed to approaching all our work, programs, and policies focused on ensuring that all voices are heard and valued and that each is respected and included. Our staff, volunteers, vendors, partners, and guests come from every imaginable walk of life. Diversity, equity, and access for all are the focus we also expect from all with whom we work, contract, or partner.

JOB SUMMARY :

The Senior Director of Operations is a senior-level leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight, daily management, and long-term development of all Front of House operations at our historic performing arts venue. This individual ensures that every patron, artist, volunteer, crew member, rental client, and staff member has an exceptional experience aligned with the theater’s mission, community values, and operational standards.

The position oversees a diverse set of operational areas - including Box Office, Rentals, Front of House, Concessions, Volunteers, and Cleaning Services - and is accountable for cultivating a cohesive, safe, and service-oriented environment. The Senior Director of Operations is both a meticulous operator and an elevated strategist, balancing the details of nightly event execution with long-range planning, departmental development, and cross-departmental coordination.

This role requires exceptional communication, interpersonal finesse, strong organizational and project management skills, and the ability to lead with empathy, authority, and tact in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIES :

Management & Strategic Oversight

• Provide visionary leadership for all Front of House operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences across live events, film screenings, rentals, and special events.
• Oversee full-time and part-time employees across multiple departments, including Box Office, Rentals, Front of House Management, Concessions, Volunteers, and Cleaning.
• Serve as the primary liaison and point of accountability for Front of House standards, guest experience, operational workflows, safety and ADA protocols, and venue presentation.
• Lead long-term planning for future organizational needs, including centennial celebrations, off-site venue operations, and upgrades to concessions stand and box office spaces.

Event & Front of House Management

Staff Leadership & Development

Operational Planning & Administration

Box Office & Ticketing Support

Vendor & Cleaning Services Coordination

Guest, Artist & Community Experience

Communication & Collaboration

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

EXPERIENCE PREFERRED :

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