Organizer Information
The Gamm Theatre is a leading professional theatre organization in New England dedicated to producing ambitious, intimate, and socially engaged theatrical experiences. Founded in 1984 by a collective of Trinity Rep Conservatory graduates, the theatre began as Alias Stage, performing in alternative spaces in Providence before developing into one of Rhode Island’s most respected professional theatre institutions.
Now entering its 42nd season, The Gamm Theatre has built a reputation for presenting bold interpretations of classic works, contemporary plays, and new theatrical voices. Its mission is to tell stories that entertain, challenge, and provoke audiences while contributing to the cultural and civic life of the region through professional productions and educational programming.
The theatre operates from its renovated 21,000-square-foot venue in Warwick, Rhode Island, featuring a 2,850-square-foot black box theatre with 185 seats. Known for its actor-centered performances and close audience engagement, The Gamm has presented critically acclaimed productions, including world and regional premieres, and has received multiple Elliot Norton Awards from the Boston Theater Critics Association.
Beyond performance, The Gamm maintains a strong educational mission through programs such as Gamm Education, Gamm on the Go Shakespeare residencies, student matinees, youth programs, camps, community forums, and the Gamm Fellowship Program supporting emerging artists of colour. The organization serves audiences throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, Greater Boston, and the wider Southern New England region.
The Executive Director will join the organization at a significant moment of growth, helping strengthen its operational foundation, expand community impact, increase philanthropic support, and advance its long-term artistic and financial sustainability.
Title & Description
Executive Director – The Gamm Theatre
The Gamm Theatre is seeking an experienced, strategic, and community-focused Executive Director to lead the organization’s next chapter as a regional leader in professional theatre.
The Executive Director will serve as the theatre’s senior administrative and strategic leader, working in partnership with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors to strengthen organizational operations, financial sustainability, fundraising capacity, community relationships, and long-term planning.
The successful candidate will oversee all administrative functions, including financial management, staff leadership, operations, development, marketing, education programs, facilities, and external partnerships. They will support the theatre’s artistic vision while ensuring that creative ambitions align with organizational resources and strategic priorities.
This role is ideal for an experienced nonprofit arts leader who can combine business expertise, fundraising ability, collaborative leadership, and a passion for theatre to expand The Gamm’s cultural impact.
The Role Overview
- Position: Executive Director
- Organization: The Gamm Theatre
- Employment Type: Full-time leadership position
- Contract Type: Permanent staff appointment
- Salary Range: $125,000–$140,000 annually
- Reports To: Board of Directors
Position & Tasks
The Executive Director will oversee the strategic, operational, and financial leadership of The Gamm Theatre.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Developing organizational strategies with the Board and Artistic Director.
- Supporting long-term sustainability and institutional growth.
- Creating plans that strengthen artistic vitality, audience engagement, and community impact.
- Identifying opportunities for organizational development and expansion.
Financial Management
- Oversee budgeting, accounting systems, and financial reporting.
- Ensure responsible management of organizational resources.
- Establish financial controls and risk-management practices.
- Support long-term financial planning and reserve building.
- Align financial decisions with artistic and strategic priorities.
Fundraising & Development
- Leading fundraising strategies and donor engagement.
- Building relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, government, and community supporters.
- Cultivating major gifts and philanthropic partnerships.
- Strengthening development systems to support organizational growth.
Organizational Management
- Lead daily theatre operations.
- Supervise and support department leaders.
- Develop efficient internal systems.
- Encourage collaboration and accountability.
- Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation across the organization.
Board Relations & Governance
- Supporting effective Board governance.
- Providing information needed for strategic decision-making.
- Building strong relationships with Board members.
- Partnering on organizational priorities and sustainability.
Community Engagement
- Serve as a public representative of The Gamm Theatre.
- Build relationships with audiences, artists, donors, civic leaders, and cultural organizations.
- Increase the theatre’s visibility and community presence.
Artistic Collaboration
- Working closely with the Artistic Director.
- Supporting artistic strategies.
- Balancing creative ambition with financial realities.
- Advancing The Gamm’s reputation as an innovative regional theatre.
Categories
- Performing Arts
- Theatre
- Arts Administration
- Cultural Leadership
- Nonprofit Management
- Arts Education
- Community Engagement
- Theatre Production Management
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
- Experience managing nonprofit organizations.
- Strong preference for candidates with nonprofit theatre experience.
- 5–10 years of senior leadership experience preferred.
- Demonstrated fundraising and donor relationship experience.
- Experience managing teams and organizational systems.
- Knowledge of financial management and nonprofit operations.
- Strong communication, leadership, and networking abilities.
The opportunity is open to qualified candidates regardless of Race, Color, Sex, Religion, National origin, Sexual orientation, Disability status, Veteran status
The Gamm encourages applications from talented leaders who bring diverse perspectives and experiences.
Program Benefits
The selected Executive Director will receive:
Compensation
- Annual salary: $125,000–$140,000.
Benefits Package
- Medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
- Dental insurance through Delta Dental of Rhode Island.
- SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match up to 3%.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Paid vacation.
- Personal days.
- Sick leave.
- Bereavement leave.
- 12 paid holidays.
Additional benefits:
- Employer covers 80% of individual medical and dental premiums.
- Employees who waive medical coverage may receive a $250 monthly stipend ($3,000 annually).
Professional Benefits
- Lead a respected regional theatre organization.
- Shape the future direction of a historic cultural institution.
- Build partnerships across the New England arts community.
- Influence theatre accessibility and education programs.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Announcement Date: 8 July 2026
- Application Deadline: Not specified in the announcement.
- Theatre Season: September–June annually.
Location
Warwick, Rhode Island, United States
Additional Details
- The Executive Director will play a central role in guiding The Gamm Theatre through its next phase of institutional development.
- The position requires strong collaboration between administrative leadership and artistic direction.
- The theatre operates as a member of Actors’ Equity Association through New England Area Theatres.
- The organization’s annual operating budget is approximately $2.5 million.
- The Gamm Theatre maintains an 18-member Board of Directors.
- The Executive Director will contribute to future goals including strengthening financial reserves and exploring long-term facility ownership.