Organizer Information
The Gallo Center for the Arts (GCA) is a state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Modesto, California, serving the San Joaquin Valley through regional, national, and international cultural programming. Its facilities include the 1,248-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, the 440-seat Foster Family Theater, and the outdoor Modesto Rotary Music Garden. The Center presents music, dance, theater, touring productions, community events, and educational programs, while working with resident companies and local cultural partners. Its mission is to enrich quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley by providing an accessible civic gathering place where culture can illuminate, educate, and entertain. The position is also publicly listed through established arts-sector job platforms including Americans for the Arts and Idealist.
Title & Description
Executive Director – Gallo Center for the Arts
The Gallo Center for the Arts is seeking an experienced, mission-driven executive to lead the organization into its next phase. The Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across artistic programming, financial management, fundraising, marketing, community engagement, and organizational development. The successful candidate will build on the Center's existing artistic and civic legacy while strengthening financial sustainability, audience development, programming, and community partnerships.
The Role Overview
- Position: Executive Director
- Contract Type: Full-time, on-site
- Salary: $190,000–$220,000 annually, commensurate with experience
- Reporting/Leadership: Works with the Board of Directors and collaborates closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior staff
- Search Firm: TOC Arts Partners
- Primary Location: Modesto, California, USA
- Application Deadline: August 25, 2026 priority deadline; applications remain open afterward
- Application Fee: None stated
Position & Tasks
The Executive Director will establish strategic direction in collaboration with the Board, senior staff, and community stakeholders. Responsibilities include overseeing the annual programming calendar, developing audience-responsive artistic programs, maintaining relationships with resident companies, and ensuring artistic quality and financial viability.
The role also includes budget development, forecasting, revenue generation, venue rentals, sponsorships, partnerships, facility planning, fundraising, donor cultivation, grant solicitation, and capital campaign leadership. The Executive Director will represent GCA in negotiations with artists and promoters and serve as a public ambassador at civic and industry events.
Additional responsibilities include working with marketing and sales teams to increase attendance, expanding educational and community initiatives, managing organizational culture, supervising staff, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Categories
- Performing Arts
- Arts Administration
- Cultural Management
- Theater
- Music
- Dance
- Nonprofit Management
- Executive Leadership
Eligibility
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred. Candidates should have at least 10 years of senior management experience, preferably within arts, cultural, nonprofit, or performing arts organizations. Experience with complex budgets, fundraising, revenue generation, programming, staff management, boards, and community engagement is strongly expected.
The position requires strong knowledge of the performing arts industry and nonprofit governance, excellent communication and leadership skills, strategic planning ability, fundraising experience, and willingness to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other irregular hours according to programming schedules.
Program Benefits
The position offers a salary of $190,000–$220,000, plus a benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending and health savings accounts; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; a 529 college savings plan; long-term disability coverage; a 401(k) with employer match; vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Priority Application Deadline: August 25, 2026
- Applications submitted after August 25 will still be accepted and considered.
- Early application is encouraged.
- Meeting the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview.
Location
Modesto, California, United States
Additional Details
This is a senior executive leadership position rather than an artist grant, residency, or individual artist open call. The successful candidate will be expected to balance artistic excellence, community impact, organizational leadership, and financial sustainability. The role is particularly suited to an established arts executive with substantial nonprofit performing arts management experience.