Managing Director

partTime

Theater
,

submitted by
Ashley Laverty

posted on
02.16.2026

contact
[email protected]
Managing Director

Kerfuffle is seeking a Managing Director to manage marketing, development, and operations for the theatre company. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of growing the organization and actively shaping its next chapter.

About Kerfuffle:
Kerfuffle is an award-winning midwestern theatre and dance company devoted to creating aesthetically and emotionally engaging performances for children ages 0-6 years old. Founded in 2015, Kerfuffle centers young children as major creative partners in the development of new work and shares playful, multi-sensory performances in museums, libraries, parks, and other non-traditional spaces. Children’s imagination is at the center of Kerfuffle’s process. In order to understand what engages, delights, and surprises children, Kerfuffle’s plays are developed through creative drama workshops where young people create stories, characters, and worlds in collaboration with adult artists. Kerfuffle is a registered 501(c)3 organization and is the 2020 recipient of the Zeta Phi Eta-Winifred Ward Outstanding New Children's Theatre Company Award through the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.

Kerfuffle focuses on creating original work, and many productions are remounted and toured throughout Chicagoland and nationally. Kerfuffle has a part time staff of four, and an annual operating budget of approximately $75,000.

About the job:
We are looking for a leader who combines strategic thinking with a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality — someone who thrives on both shaping the big picture and handling the details to ensure success. The ideal candidate is passionate about the performing arts and their impact on the community, has exceptional writing and communication skills, works well independently, and demonstrates strong organizational abilities. This position reports to Kerfuffle's Board of Directors and works within a shared leadership model alongside the Artistic Director.

Marketing: Supervise the Marketing & Communications Manager in efforts to elevate Kerfuffle’s visibility, increase sales, and strengthen our brand
Development: Secure donations and grants to ensure the fiscal health of the organization. Track donors and send thank you letters. Work closely with the Artistic Director to manage fundraising campaigns.
Operations: Oversee the budget and all financial planning. Contract, on-board, and manage payroll for staff and contractors.
Strategic Leadership: Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence. Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and by-laws. Work effectively with others.
Community Engagement: Actively engage with local organizations, attend community events, cultivate strategic partnerships to enhance visibility, and develop community support to grow audience and donor base.

Details:

Reports to: Kerfuffle Board of Directors
Compensation : $500 per month stipend
Benefits: An annual professional development budget for conferences, classes, workshops, and other relevant learning opportunities.
Time Commitment: Approximately 8-10 hours per week

Required Qualifications:
Five years of experience in nonprofit theatre
Proficiency with Google Office Suite
Grant writing experience
A care and respect for very young children and an interest in Kerfuffle's work for the very young

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Quickbooks Accounting software
Two years of supervisory experience

Kerfuffle is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Kerfuffle prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To apply: send a cover letter and resume with the subject line "Kerfuffle Managing Director" to Kerfuffle's Board of Directors via Wyatt Kent at [email protected] . Please apply by March 16, 2026.

Contact Info:
Wyatt Kent
[email protected]

Job Type: Permanent

Compensation: $500 per month

Location: Chicago or Chicagoland (mostly remote)