Presidio Theatre
Executive Director
Position Summary
The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer and primary strategic and operational leader of the Presidio Theatre, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission and ensure long-term financial sustainability. The Executive Director will guide all aspects of the Presidio Theatre’s administrative, marketing, financial, and programmatic functions, developing comprehensive business and operating plans that position the Presidio Theatre primarily as a vibrant venue for local arts organizations. The Executive Director will design and implement a dynamic booking strategy that balances programming, maximizes facility usage, and attracts broad audiences and community partners, while elevating the Presidio Theatre’s brand and visibility across the Bay Area.
The Executive Director will oversee all operational policies and procedures, including scheduling, rentals, box office operations, marketing, production, and guest services, fostering an environment that is welcoming and accessible to artists, audiences, and renters. In collaboration with the Board, the Executive Director will develop and manage annual and multi-year budgets, strengthen financial systems, and lead a comprehensive fundraising initiative encompassing individual, corporate, foundation, and government support.
Organization
Presidio Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts center and cultural destination dedicated to presenting high-quality live performances and fostering vibrant artistic experiences for the San Francisco Bay Area. Located within the Presidio of San Francisco, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most visited sites in the National Park Service, the Presidio Theatre serves as a dynamic venue for music, theatre, dance, film, and multidisciplinary events. Presidio Theatre’s mission is to ensure that the magic of live performance is accessible to the entire community. By reawakening an architectural jewel in the Presidio and creating a professionally run venue that reflects the rich diversity of the Bay Area, the Presidio Theatre encourages artists to grow and flourish. With a focus on accessibility and community engagement, Presidio Theatre brings together local, regional, national, and international artists while providing a welcoming space where audiences can experience the transformative power of live performance.
Revitalized as an architectural and cultural asset, Presidio Theatre operates as a 612-seat venue with an adjacent outdoor event plaza, offering a flexible and inviting setting for a wide range of performances and gatherings. The organization prioritizes partnerships with local arts organizations and resident companies, supporting them in presenting programming, expanding audiences, and advancing their artistic work. Its seasonal offerings reflect the breadth of the performing arts, featuring acclaimed musicians, dance companies, theatrical productions, films, and world premieres, alongside collaborations with community-based organizations that deepen local engagement and participation.
The Presidio Theatre's programming spans genres and cultures, from film, jazz, classical, and global music to contemporary dance, circus arts, and innovative theatrical productions. The Presidio Theatre's annual Panto in the Presidio (Panto) has become its flagship production with consistent audience demand and citywide recognition. Now attracting more than 14,000 attendees annually, the Panto has become deeply associated with the Presidio Theatre’s public identity and serves as a major driver of community engagement. The Presidio Theatre regularly hosts internationally recognized artists and ensembles while also serving as a home for Bay Area organizations, creating a balanced ecosystem of presenting and rental activity. Through initiatives such as resident company partnerships and membership programs, Presidio Theatre fosters a sense of community and connection, offering audiences meaningful opportunities to engage with artists and the creative process.
Through its commitment to artistic excellence, accessibility, and collaboration, Presidio Theatre plays a vital role in San Francisco’s cultural landscape. By providing a platform for distinct voices and creative expression, the Theatre not only supports the growth of artists and arts organizations but also strengthens the broader community’s connection to the performing arts, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of cultural life in the Bay Area.
Presidio Theatre currently has a four-member board of directors led by Chair Peggy Haas. The Executive Director reports to the Board and has six direct reports, including Concessions, Box Office Manager, Director of Development, Director of Programming, Senior Technical Director, and the Interim Director of Communications. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Presidio Theatre's financial statements reported a total operating budget of $5.2 million, and the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, is $6.9 million. The operating budget for Panto for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, was $1.7 million, and the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, is $2.9 million.
Sources: edited from presidiotheatre.org; propublica.org
The Presidio Theatre welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race,
gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or national origin.