Director of Operations in Laguna Beach, California at THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

About Us: Laguna Playhouse, a nationally acclaimed, non-profit, professional theatre located in the charming arts colony of Laguna Beach, CA seeks a Director of Operations. Reporting directly to the Managing Director.

About the Culture: The person most successful in this position will be a well-organized, detail-oriented individual dedicated to helping take the facilities function of a vibrant and growing non-profit theater to the next level. The right candidate will thrive in this warm, welcoming and creative atmosphere that embraces individuality and is artistically fulfilling, forward-thinking and dog friendly! The Laguna Playhouse is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for ensuring the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. This role oversees facilities, organizational systems, HR coordination, theatre rentals, and cross-departmental execution to ensure efficient operations in support of artistic, production, patron, and financial goals.

The Director of Operations acts as an internal connector across departments, helping translate organizational priorities into action while ensuring communication, accountability, and execution remain strong. This role operates at both a strategic and operational level and requires sound judgment, prioritization, and independent decision-making in a fast-paced LORT environment.

Classification & Work Expectations

• This position is intended to be classified as exempt under applicable California wage and hour laws, subject to meeting duties and salary basis requirements.
• The role requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed.

Work may occur across multiple locations, including theatre facilities, administrative offices, and off-site venues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Operations & Cross-Department Leadership

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and participate in organizational planning and implementation.
• Lead day-to-day operational functions across the organization to ensure efficiency and consistency.
• Coordinate and monitor organization-wide initiatives and projects to ensure timely execution.
• Act as a central communication point among departments including Production, Advancement, Marketing, Finance, Front of House, Company Management, Education, and Facilities.
• Facilitate cross-department meetings and help identify and resolve operational challenges.
• Develop and maintain organizational systems, SOPs, workflows, and process improvements.
• Create systems to improve accountability, communication, and organizational efficiency.

Facilities & Building Operations

• Oversee the maintenance, functionality, and operational readiness of all theatre and administrative spaces.
• Supervise facilities staff and third-party contractors.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules and capital improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, California (including Cal/OSHA), and local safety regulations.
• Oversee vendor relationships related to building operations, security systems, custodial services, and maintenance.
• Develop and monitor facility-related operating budgets.

Human Resources Coordination

• Partner with Human Resources to support the consistent application of policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Support implementation and communication of employee policies and handbook procedures.
• Coordinate training initiatives, compliance requirements, and employee acknowledgements.
• Assist with maintaining personnel systems and documentation.
• Support organizational culture initiatives and staff communication efforts.

Theatre Rentals & Venue Partnerships

• Oversee operational management of theatre rentals and external venue usage.
• Serve as primary internal coordinator for rental logistics.
• Coordinate with Advancement, Production, Box Office, Facilities, and Front of House regarding rental needs.
• Ensure rental agreements are executed operationally and organizational standards are maintained.
• Develop systems that improve renter experiences and internal efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to expand rental activity and community partnerships.

Production & Organizational Support

• Work closely with Production and Company Management to support organizational and production logistics.
• Coordinate operational support for productions, special events, galas, and community activities.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with operational budgeting and expense management.
• Monitor operational expenditures and identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage vendor agreements and operational contracts.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and applicable financial and regulatory requirements.
• Support financial planning related to facilities, rentals, and operational initiatives.

Executive & Advancement Support

• Provide operational and project management support to the Executive team
• Assist in tracking and driving progress on key organizational goals, ensuring initiatives move from planning through execution.
• Partner with the Director of Advancement to coordinate operational support for donor events, galas, cultivation activities, sponsorship initiatives, and fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure cross-department coordination for Advancement initiatives, including communication with Production, Marketing, Facilities, Box Office, and Front of House teams.
• Support implementation and execution of special events and community engagement activities designed to strengthen patron, donor, and community relationships.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to move throughout theatre and office facilities
• Ability to remain stationary at a workstation
• Occasionally lift up to 25–30 lbs
• Ability to work in active production environments (noise, lighting, movement)

Experience and Attributes Required

• Minimum 5 years of operations, administration, or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion on significant operational matters
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with budgeting and operational systems.

Benefits: Medical and Dental (shared expense), 401(k), paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination consistent with federal, California, and local law.