A BELOVED COMMUNITY THEATRE
The Colonial Theatre is one of southeastern Pennsylvania's most treasured cultural institutions and a cornerstone of the vibrant Phoenixville community.
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenixville—named Travel + Leisure's #1 Best Small Town in America (2025)—the Colonial's mission is to showcase the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives, connect people, and strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of the region.
Originally opened as an opera house in the early 1900s and later transformed into a grand movie palace, the Colonial now operates as a thriving nonprofit arts organization. It has become an internationally recognized destination for independent film, live performance, educational programming, and community engagement. It welcomes more than 60,000 visitors annually and is perhaps best known as the home of Blobfest, celebrating the Theatre's iconic role in the 1958 classic The Blob.
Today, the Colonial encompasses three distinct venues and multiple event spaces in two adjoining historic buildings. Its professional staff is committed to preserving its historic legacy while continuing to expand its artistic programming and community impact.
More information is available at www.thecolonialtheatre.com.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Colonial Theatre seeks a visionary, community‑focused, and entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead one of the Greater Philadelphia region’s most respected and cherished cultural institutions.
The next Executive Director will build on the Colonial’s rich history and strong connections to the community, shape a clear direction for its future, and expand the Theatre’s role as a cultural destination for Phoenixville and the region.
Growing philanthropic support will be a central priority. The successful candidate will articulate a compelling vision for the Colonial, translate that vision into strategic priorities, and inspire donors and partners to invest in the Theatre’s long-term success.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director’s responsibilities include the following:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Provide visionary leadership that advances the Colonial Theatre’s mission and translates its strategic priorities into clear organizational goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
Partner closely with the Board of Directors on strategic planning, governance, organizational development, and performance.
Build organizational capacity and leadership depth to ensure continuity and effective succession across key staff and leadership roles.
Fundraising and External Leadership
Collaborate with advancement staff to develop and execute an ambitious contributed revenue strategy encompassing individual donors and prospects, corporations, and foundations.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a focused portfolio of top-tier donors and prospects with significant giving capacity.
Strengthen the organization’s and Board’s capacity to support sustained fundraising growth, deepen relationships with the Theatre’s supporters, and strengthen a culture of giving.
Serve as the Colonial Theatre’s chief ambassador, representing the organization throughout the region and building the visibility, relationships, and support necessary to advance its mission.
Financial Management and Organizational Sustainability
Oversee financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
Develop annual operating budgets and financial strategies that support the Theatre’s strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.
Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and maintain sound systems and practices for fiscal management.
Ensure compliance with applicable financial, regulatory, and reporting requirements.
Programming and Community Engagement
Work closely with the Artistic Director and programming team to assess and strategically evolve the mix of film, live music, performing arts, and other entertainment offerings.
Strengthen the Colonial’s role as a cultural anchor and community gathering place.
Expand partnerships with local businesses, artists, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups to broaden audience engagement and community impact.
Promote accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful participation across all programs and initiatives.
Evaluate program impact and audience engagement to inform future planning and growth.
Staff Leadership, Operations, and Risk Management
Lead, mentor, and support a talented senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture.
Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for members of the senior leadership team, delegating authority appropriately while maintaining accountability for organizational results.
Build leadership capacity and a strong talent pipeline through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning for key organizational roles.
Oversee human resources functions and ensure compliance with employment laws, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements, while promoting ethical and accountable workplace practices.
Provide executive oversight of the stewardship, preservation, maintenance, and long-term capital needs of the Colonial’s historic facility.
Oversee organizational risk management, including insurance, legal and regulatory compliance, workplace safety, emergency preparedness, facility security, and business continuity.
Marketing and Public Relations
Serve as the organization's chief spokesperson and public representative.
Support marketing and communications strategies that increase attendance, membership, philanthropy, and public awareness.
Strengthen relationships with media, civic leaders, elected officials, and other key stakeholders.
THE LEADER WE SEEK
The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with a demonstrated ability to grow philanthropic support, lead high-performing teams, build meaningful relationships, and advance the organization’s mission and regional impact. The ideal candidate will bring integrity, accountability, creativity, and enthusiasm for the arts and the Colonial Theatre’s role in the community.
Attributes of the Successful Candidate
6-8 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit arts, culture, or entertainment, ideally with a theatre or arts center offering live performance and/or film.
Strong knowledge of strategic planning, organizational leadership, and financial management.
Demonstrated success in significantly growing contributed revenue, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and other philanthropic support.
Experience leading, developing, and holding teams accountable while managing organizational growth and change.
Ability to build meaningful long-term relationships with Board members, donors, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
Passion for the arts, film, historic preservation, and community engagement.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (equivalent experience considered).
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a full-time, exempt position located at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. The candidate must be local to the region or be willing to relocate. We expect that the Executive Director will live in the community and maintain a strong, visible presence in Phoenixville and the surrounding region.
The position requires flexible hours. The Executive Director is expected to attend programming and many of the live events at the Colonial, which generally take place in the evenings and on weekends. The Executive Director may be required to attend meetings, both on- and offsite, via phone, videoconference, and in person.
The salary range for the position is $115,000 - $135,000, depending on skills and experience, plus a competitive benefits package that includes: full healthcare and dental coverage; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a matching SIMPLE IRA plan; parking pass; and free admission to movies and live performances.
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks as determined by ACT.
TO APPLY
The Colonial Theatre has retained Dunleavy & Associates as its partner for this search. In order to be considered, please submit your resume or CV and a cover letter below. Inquiries can be directed to Patty Cook, Managing Director, Dunleavy & Associates at pcook@matchingmissions.com.
EEO/AAP Statement
The Colonial Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.