The transformation is being spearheaded by a local group of community and business leaders who have secured the lease and established the nonprofit to oversee fundraising, redevelopment, and the theater’s relaunch as a cultural centerpiece of the Main Line and beyond.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary, entrepreneurial leader to launch and lead a premier cultural destination. The inaugural Executive Director will guide AWT through a pivotal startup phase and into general operations, combining strategic vision with hands-on execution.

The ED will support a $15M capital campaign, oversee renovation milestones, establish organizational systems, and guide programming partnerships while positioning AWT as a transformative cultural hub. This role will evolve significantly—initially working entrepreneurially across all functions, then transitioning to strategic leadership as the organization matures and staff capacity grows.

The incoming ED will work closely with an engaged Board of Directors eager to partner in shaping the organization’s future and establishing AWT as a vital community resource.

Top Responsibilities
• Serve as AWT’s public face and chief ambassador, building visibility and credibility across the Greater Philadelphia region.
• Lead and accelerate a $15M capital campaign; expand and diversify revenue streams.
• Build a comprehensive donor pipeline including individuals, businesses, sponsors, grants, and membership programs in partnership with the Board.
• Collaborate with the Board to refine and implement AWT’s strategic plan; serve as primary staff liaison.
• Develop and oversee integrated marketing strategy, including digital presence, media relations, and community outreach.
• Establish foundational systems for accounting, CRM, governance policies, and audit readiness; ensure financial transparency.
• Participate in renovation oversight, monitoring progress and milestones.
• Shape programming strategy aligned with AWT’s film-centric identity and select live offerings; ensure high visitor experience standards.
Must-Have Qualifications
• Proven leadership experience in arts, programming, venue management, hospitality, community development, or related fields.
• Strong business acumen and P&L management skills with demonstrated success in fundraising and donor engagement.
• Experience in operational management, event coordination, and organizational development.
• Expertise in finance, team building, and establishing organizational systems from the ground up.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build strong relationships across diverse audiences.
• Strong change management and organizational culture-building capabilities; comfort with ambiguity and startup environments.
• Collaborative mindset with innovation orientation; embraces new ideas and adapts to change.
• Deep commitment to customer focus, prioritizing patron satisfaction and authentic community engagement.
• High emotional intelligence with ability to balance visionary leadership with operational discipline.
• Sense of humor and perspective while maintaining professionalism and accountability.

AWT has retained Criterion Search Group to identify an Executive Director. For more information regarding this leadership opportunity or to apply, please contact Criterion Search Group at [email protected] or 610-581-0590.