Hylton Performing Arts Center Executive Director

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

Opened in 2010, the Hylton Performing Arts Center is an architecturally and programmatically distinctive venue in Manassas, Virginia, on George Mason University’s Science & Technology Campus. Built in partnership with Prince William County and the City of Manassas, owned and operated by the University, the Hylton Center encompasses 99,000 square feet of space. This includes two theaters, lobbies, Education and Rehearsal Wing, and gallery space, supporting a diverse program of international touring artists, local and regional Arts Partners and Affiliates, educational programs, visual art exhibitions, the Veterans and the Arts Initiative, and community events. The Center offers several performance series, including Hylton Presents, Hylton Family Series, American Roots, and Matinee Idylls, with an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million.

As a university facility, the Hylton Center has strong ties to its sister venue, the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax campus, also operated by Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA). George Mason University policies and procedures govern Hylton’s operations. An Executive Board, comprising representatives from the tripartite partners, offers high-level policy guidance and oversight, and liaises with the community. The Hylton Center’s unique tripartite founding, its mission and vision as a “creative commons for a dynamic region,” and its model of shared community governance require a leader with strong community-building instincts and skills, as well as the ability to work with political entities at all levels of government and across party lines.

About the Position:

The Executive Director provides overall leadership and management of the Hylton Performing Arts Center's daily operations, ensuring its viability and adherence to its vision, mission, values, and strategic plan. The Executive Director has primary responsibility for the organization's administration, marketing, financial management, community relations, program development and execution, human resources management, and, in collaboration with the Executive Board, fundraising and strategic direction. The role requires a blend of artistic sensitivity and business acumen to ensure the organization's creative vision and financial stability are both successful.

Responsibilities:

Programming and Artistic Direction

• Collaborate with the Director of Programming, to curate, plan, and implement a diverse range of artistic programs, events, and performances that align with the center's mission;
• Collaborate with artists, performers, and partner organizations to develop culturally inclusive programming;
• Evaluate the success of each program and stay informed of artistic industry trends;
• Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including scheduling, booking requests, and managing facility calendars;
• Ensure the safety, security, and maintenance of the building and its technical equipment; and
• Oversee ticketing operations and front-of-house activities.

Advocacy and Community Relations

• Establish effective working relationships with community partners, organizations, and nonprofit groups in Prince William County;
• Provide a high degree of community and regional visibility by serving as the chief spokesperson for the Center;
• Maintain a strong relationship with the University, including the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax campus;
• Establish and strengthen relationships with other entities and/or partners, regionally and nationally; and
• Advocate at the state and local levels, in collaboration with the Board, for favorable arts policies as well as funding for artists and arts organizations, arts education, public art programs, and cultural facilities in Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Financial Management

• Develop the organization’s annual budget in collaboration with CVPA Dean and Chief Business Officer, Hylton staff, and Executive Board;
• Manage the organization in a fiscally responsible manner within the Board-approved budget and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and ensure that financial reporting is accurate, timely, and clearly presented;
• Approve all contracts and program expenditures consistent with policy guidelines; and
• Ensure that short- and long-term working capital and financial management needs are adequately addressed.

Fundraising

• Work with the Development team to achieve annual and long-range financial goals. Take a strong leadership role in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, the public sector, and other sources;
• Work toward long-term financial stability through innovative fundraising efforts;
• Propose realistic, growth-supporting fundraising strategies and goals;
• Develop positive relationships with funders, with a special focus on cultivating major donors; and
• Serve as the authorizing official with funders. Review and sign all grant solicitations and award agreements.

Personnel and Administration 

• Maintain a professional and collegial work environment that attracts, keeps, and motivates staff throughout the organization by promoting collaboration and encouraging initiative, innovation, and creativity;
• Develop and execute appropriate personnel policies that are based on best practices in the nonprofit arts community and higher education;
• Oversee day-to-day administration (contracting, insurance, operating policies, and procedures); and work with staff to ensure effective operations and the timely accomplishment of goals, tasks, and projects;
• Maintain office policies and procedures and official records and documents;
• Manage four direct reports;
• Oversee the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers, as authorized in the annual operating budget. Ensure that job descriptions are accurate, that regular performance evaluations are conducted, and that sound human resources practices are in place; and
• Execute legal documents, ensure compliance with donor restrictions and reserve designations, and adhere to federal, state, and local regulations. 

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Significant experience in the professional and academic arts worlds;
• Significantly experience in a senior management role within an arts organization;
• Knowledge of professional and academic performing arts operations;
• Knowledge of budget and finance structures and procedures in non-profit arts and higher education;
• Ability to lead teams and collaborate with internal and external constituents; and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Arts Management or related field preferred;
• Arts Administration: Strong background in programming, production, or operations for performing arts venues;
• Financial Oversight: Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and revenue generation (ticket sales, fundraising, sponsorships);
• Fundraising and Development: Experience cultivating donors and/or building community/corporate partnerships;
• Board Relations: Experience working with a board or similar governing body;
• Community Engagement: Track record of collaboration with artists, community leaders, and educational or civic partners;
• Effective public speaking skills in large and small settings; 
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with tactical operational decision-making; and
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Hylton Performing Arts Center Executive Director at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: November 5, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  November 30, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes