President & CEO

 

Organization

Worcester Center for Performing Arts (Hanover Theatre &
Conservatory) is comprised of four key components — the Main
Stage, the Conservatory, The Hanover Theatre Repertory, and the
Francis R. Carroll Plaza. Since the renovation and restoration in
2008, the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory serves as a center of
culture, education, and community, and it symbolizes the rebirth of
a city — Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

The Main Stage transports audiences back to the time when a
night out at the theatre was one of the most delightful
entertainment options available. In 2023, the Main Stage welcomed
almost 150,000 patrons to more than 100 shows. Selected by POLLSTAR
as one of the Top Theatres in the World, it seats 2,300 audience
members before its historic stage and brings internationally
recognized performers, popular Broadway shows, and
thought-provoking stage pieces to Central Massachusetts. The
restoration and ability to present the world to Worcester continues
to serve as a catalyst of the revitalization of Worcester’s
cultural district and to Central Massachusetts. The Hanover Theatre
& Conservatory’s journey is found in the
documentary, On a Wing
and a Prayer: Achieving the Impossible Dream. 

 

           

 

The Hanover Theatre Conservatory (Conservatory)
opened in 2017 to cultivate individual attention, ignite
creativity, and inspire confidence through arts education. The arts
play a vital role in helping individuals of all ages develop
self-esteem, compassion, and problem-solving skills. The
Conservatory reaches more than 20,000 young people each year
through educational and access programs, and more than 600 students
of all ages have participated in more than 90 classes. Students who
study or participate in the arts have proven academic success. They
find their voices and discover new avenues for creative expression.
The Conservatory’s goal is to maximize a student’s social and
emotional development while introducing them to theatre, dance,
music, and design, as well as access to state-of-the-art equipment
and hands-on training with industry professionals, which allows
students to gain real-world experience in the performing arts
field. The Conservatory’s engagement programs include comprehensive
initiatives aimed at making the performing arts accessible to a
broad audience. The programs remove barriers to entry and provide
an opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
to engage with the arts.

 

The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep)
was founded in 2020 to entertain, engage, and energize audiences
with dynamic theatrical events made in and for Worcester with a
focus on classics, modern classics, and classics-inspired works. As
a professional theatre company that produces theatrical
performances that resonate with contemporary audiences while
honoring classic works, THT Rep furthers the mission of the Hanover
Theatre & Conservatory at large by also managing the 300-seat
BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), which is home
to THT Rep and other dynamic community groups, performances,
educational activities, and training programs. THT Rep engages with
the community over time, providing a platform for local talent and
creating a shared cultural experience. Shows during the season
reflect the community as well as contribute to it, enriching
Worcester’s cultural landscape. The reduced cost of production for
local shows lowers ticket prices, making the shows more accessible
for everyone. THT Rep’s Worc at Play program is a community-driven
initiative that provides an inclusive platform for Worcester
residents to train and participate in the theatrical arts
regardless of experience level. Worc at Play focuses on offering
classes, workshops, and collaborative projects that cater to adults
with various skill levels. Students are provided the chance to
perform in select productions during the season.

 

The recently completed Francis R. Carroll Plaza (Plaza)
provides an outdoor venue for various performances, public art
pieces, and community events. In addition to touring artists, The
Youth Acting Company (YAC) performs on the plaza for the community
each year.  Public events like the free, family-friendly,
summer lunchtime concert series, and  Tai Chi on the Plaza
contribute to the vibrancy of Worcester’s cultural scene.  The
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory plans to continue investing in
future free programs on the Plaza.

 

Hanover Theatre & Conservatory has a 30-member board of
directors led by Board Chair Kellie Thibodeau, a local business
leader who has been actively involved in the community and the arts
for many years, and Troy Siebels currently serves as President
& CEO. Siebels is following his passion and will transition to
the Main Stage Artistic Director & Vice President of
Programming role once a new President & CEO is selected. The
President & CEO oversees the senior leadership team and more
than 40 full-time staff in addition to numerous part-time staff,
independent contractors, and a tremendous volunteer corps numbering
over 200. The impact of the volunteers is significant in providing
a welcoming experience and substantial financial savings to the
organization.

 

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Hanover Theatre &
Conservatory anticipates total revenues of approximately $11.2
million with $9.6 million from program services, $1.2 million from
contributions and grants, and $0.4 million from investment and
other income. The organization has donor restricted net assets of
approximately $2.5 million with $1 million designated specifically
for the Conservatory. The 1926 Legacy Society, named to commemorate
the opening of the historic Poli Palace Theatre, is a group of
devoted supporters who have included the Hanover Theatre &
Conservatory in their estate plans to ensure that it will continue
to fulfill its cultural mission for generations to come.

 

Community                                                                                                

Worcester, Massachusetts, is a welcoming city that beautifully
combines charming mill-style architecture with modern amenities.
Known for its rich history and cultural diversity, the second
largest city in New England is home to several renowned educational
institutions, a burgeoning arts scene, and a robust and highly
regarded healthcare industry. The city is rich in cultural venues
and events, dining experiences, and recreational opportunities,
including skiing at nearby Wachusett Mountain, making it an ideal
place for families, professionals, and students. This beautiful
urban community is surrounded by many modern buildings and historic
single-family homes. Full of many great restaurants, bars, coffee
shops, bookstores, and retail establishments, there is always
something interesting to do when living, working, or playing in
Worcester.

 

The City of Worcester is a five-time recipient of the All
America City Award, and has a population of more than 200,000, and
a metropolitan area of greater than 850,000. Also ranked as one of
the most ethnically diverse and international cities in the
country, Worcester welcomes residents from all over the world with
open arms. Worcester is a diverse mix of people and cultures with a
population that is 49% White, 25% Latino, 12% Black, 7% Asian, 6%
two or more races, and 1% other races. Given its location near the
geographic center of Massachusetts, Worcester is known as the
“Heart of the Commonwealth,” and a heart is the official symbol of
the City. An innovative city with a rich history, Worcester has
emerged as a leader in education, health care, biotechnology and
life sciences, and financial services, with more than 7,000
businesses located in the city.

 

Worcester is a contemporary and dynamic city that invests in its
future. In a public-private partnership, Polar Park, the home of
the Worcester Red Sox, a Minor League Baseball team competing at
the Triple-A level and an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, opened
for the 2021 season. It has a seating capacity of 9,508 people and
is part of a $240 million redevelopment of Worcester’s Kelley
Square and Canal District. Development of the ballpark area
includes apartments, hotels, shops restaurants, and offices. The
WooSox are the only team among the 120 in Minor League Baseball to
have sold more than 500,000 tickets each of the past two seasons.
The substantial attendance adds to the vibrancy of Downtown
Worcester.

 

One of the most livable cities in New England, Worcester is best
known for its many top-rated educational institutions, with more
than 35,000 students. These educational institutions include the
College of the Holy Cross, Assumption University, Clark University,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, UMass Chan Medical School,
Worcester State University, and Quinsigamond Community College.
Nearby towns are homes to Tufts University Veterinary College, Anna
Maria College, and Nichols College. Its strategic location offers
easy access to Providence and Boston (each 40 miles away) as well
as New York. As a major hub of activity in Central Massachusetts,
Worcester provides the perfect blend of urban excitement and
suburban comfort, standing as a shining example of a city on the
rise.

 

The community is a hub of arts and culture. The Hanover Theatre
& Conservatory is the jewel on a Main Street that also includes
renowned Mechanics Hall and the lively Palladium concert venue.
Murals adorn the city, symphonic music is present and popular, and
the Worcester Art Museum is among the finest in the nation. Amid
this backdrop of arts, culture, and sports, the Hanover Theatre
& Conservatory is a leader in the civic renaissance. People
look up to the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory, and the Theatre
has an active voice in the on-going collaboration with business and
political leaders in the continued resurgence of the city. The
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory matters to the people of
Worcester.

 

Sources: edited from worcesterchamber.org; censusreporter.org;
worcesterma.gov; wbjournal.com; uphomes.com

 

Position Summary

The President & CEO is the strategic and visionary leader
who establishes a comprehensive and robust business model that
integrates the various programmatic and educational elements of the
organization into a synergistic whole. Reporting to the Board of
Directors and guiding an experienced senior leadership team, the
President & CEO oversees programming, financial resources,
venue capitalization, and overall operations that ensure resiliency
and sustainable growth. They leverage personal and professional
relationships and networks across private, public, and corporate
sectors to lay the groundwork for generating support that maximizes
the organization’s visibility, positive reputation, and community
impact. The President & CEO is the steward of the
organization’s brand and serves as its chief spokesperson locally,
regionally, and nationally, and they are responsible for building
trust within the organization and demonstrating its commitment to
equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility to the dynamic
communities served by the organization.

 

Role and Responsibilities

Strategic Vision, Planning, and Direction

• Lead a robust strategic planning and community engagement
  process that elevates and integrates the key programmatic,
  diversity, and educational components of the organization.

 

• Build deep relationships and set both short- and long-range
  goals and a dynamic vision for the organization that is grounded in
  equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, community connections,
  and mutually beneficial outcomes.

 

• Revitalize a cohesive and sustainable business model with
  innovative ideas that move from engaged thought to realistic
  solutions and actionable implementation.

 

• Oversee and partner with the Main Stage Artistic Director &
  Vice President of Programming, Conservatory President, and THT Rep
  Producing Artistic Director to ensure synergy between these areas
  with appropriate staffing, production, facilities, financial
  resources, and focus on diversity initiatives.

 

• Collaborate with the board, staff, and community partners in
  strategic initiatives that enhance organization’s image and profile
  while increasing participation and revenues.

 

• Engage with the board and senior leadership in connecting
  mission, vision, and values into a cohesive strategic direction
  that leverages organizational and individual strengths, identifies
  opportunities, and responds to programmatic, educational, social,
  economic, and demographic trends.

 

• Embrace other strategic vision, planning, and direction
  responsibilities, as needed.

 

Donor and Community Engagement

• Expand the number of donors and amounts of donations with the
  Vice President of Advancement, identify prospects, assess their
  interest, accelerate engagement, and increase financial and
  community support through personal connections and in collaboration
  with others on the Board and senior leadership team.

 

• Develop authentic relationships with audiences, donors,
  partners, parents, government leaders, civic partners, and many
  others as an embedded member of the Worcester community.
• Identify, cultivate, and recruit Board prospects in close
  collaboration with the Governance Committee and Vice President of
  Advancement to ensure the continued engagement of diverse,
  qualified, and engaged directors with a leadership succession plan
  for officers and committee chairs.

 

• Serve as the public voice of the organization locally and
  nationally with the informed support of others on the senior
  leadership team and Board.
• Collaborate with the Main Stage Artistic Director & Vice
  President of Programming to ensure positive ongoing relationships
  with local and national arts organizations, producers, and
  presenters.
• Encourage and support broad educational activities, school
  partnerships, and programs that support the mission, vision, and
  values of the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory.
• Embrace other donor and community engagement responsibilities,
  as needed.

 

Financial Vibrancy and Resiliency

• Focus on the various elements of the existing business model
  and adapt, as needed, to ensure positive and sustainable
  organizational and community impacts.

 

• Develop an overall capital, operating, and endowment financial
  resourcing plan with the Vice President of Finance & Human
  Resources, Vice President of Production, and other senior leaders
  in order to prepare for a comprehensive campaign to achieve the
  aspirations of this dynamic organization.

 

• Assess the feasibility of the campaign plan, and implement
  accordingly, in collaboration with the Vice President of
  Advancement and Board Development and/or Campaign Committee to
  ensure alignment between aspirations, facility and program needs,
  donor readiness, and economic conditions.

 

• Engage with the senior leadership team to reassess earned
  income opportunities from ticket sales, registrations, and
  ancillary revenue streams.

 

• Develop, monitor, and report to Board and senior leadership
  team members with the Vice President of Finance & Human
  Resources on both operating and capital budgets that ensure
  short-term results and long-term viability.

 

• Embrace other financial vibrancy and resiliency
  responsibilities, as needed.

 

Team Inclusion and Energizing Culture

• Review the existing organizational structure, size, and scale
  to ensure that is in alignment with the comprehensive business
  model and strategic plan.

 

• Encourage a culture of transparency, collaboration, and
  teamwork throughout the organization by providing necessary
  information in a way that ensures effective decision making,
  responsibility, and accountability.

 

• Guide and connect regularly with senior leadership team members
  to ensure synergistic departments that align with program and
  business goals.

 

• Instill a culture where the principles of equity, diversity,
  inclusion, and accessibility are prevalent throughout the
  organization as essential to audience engagement, board
  participation, workforce development, and organizational
  vibrancy.

 

• Facilitate a productive team environment where team members are
  valued and respected for their unique skills, abilities, personal
  perspectives, and cultural competencies.

 

• Embrace team inclusion and energizing culture responsibilities,
  as needed.

 

Traits and Characteristics

The President & CEO will be a collaborative and resourceful
leader who is approachable and empathetic as a servant leader with
the ability to unify and build consensus. They will have a drive
that focuses on problem solving in a people-oriented environment
where versatility in thought and action are a catalyst to achieving
extraordinary results. The President & CEO will embrace an
environment that is open to a diversity of people, perspectives,
and ideas while skillfully assessing the practicality of investing
time, energy, and resources in the pursuit of new or revitalized
strategies, business models, and operating initiatives. They will
be an excellent communicator who easily engages with people of
diverse backgrounds and values. The President and CEO will be adept
at synthesizing objective and subjective data to gain insights that
invigorate programs and refine processes. They will be motivated by
the understanding that the performing arts and educational programs
are intrinsically experiential, inherently societal, and externally
impactful.

 

Other key competencies include:

 

• Leadership and Decision Making — The ability
  to inspire, build trust, and lead with confidence and integrity
  while engaging effectively with others to assess challenges,
  determine a course of action, set mutually agreed upon goals, and
  oversee timely implementation.

 

• Interpersonal Skills and Diplomacy — The
  flexibility to anticipate, meet, and exceed stakeholder needs while
  listening carefully and respectfully, building rapport,
  communicating transparently, and relating well to an array of
  diverse constituencies internally and externally while facilitating
  mutually beneficial outcomes.

 

• Donor and Customer Focus — The capability to
  organize, inspire, and influence donors, audiences, and community
  members while anticipating, meeting, and exceeding their needs and
  expectations.

 

• Personal and Professional Accountability — The
  integrity to be answerable for personal and professional actions
  while readily modifying and adapting to change with minimal
  resistance or disruption.

 

• Time, Priority, and Conflict Management — The
  capacity to manage, prioritize, and deliver upon complex goals,
  align competing yet complementary priorities, mobilize team and
  financial resources, and achieve desired outcomes within allotted
  time frames.

 

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least 10 years of
progressive senior leadership experience and demonstrable results
in the arts, presenting, producing, touring, nonprofit management,
education, business, the creative industries, or a related field is
required. Proven success in expanding earned and contributed
revenues, strengthening strategic partnerships, and increasing
community engagement is required. Strong business and financial
acumen and experience with a deep appreciation and understanding of
the performing arts are expected. Demonstrated experience in and a
commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility is
essential. Experience leading a senior leadership team with a
transparent and engaging communication style is critical. A passion
for the performing arts, commitment to arts education, and active
participation in arts advocacy is preferred. Those who do not meet
all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent
skills, experience, or education, are encouraged to apply and
highlight those areas.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Hanover Theatre & Conservatory provides a competitive and
equitable compensation package with an estimated salary in the
range of $225,000 to $275,000. Benefits include vacation, sick
time, and holidays; subsidized (75%) medical, dental, and vision
coverage, along with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); life,
short-term, and long-term disability insurances; a voluntary 401(k)
plan with up to 5% match; and complementary parking and tickets.
The organization provides tax-free reimbursement for certain
qualified medical expenses through a Health Reimbursement
Arrangement (HRA). Employees and dependents enrolled in the Health
New England HMO Thrive and PPO Thrive group health plans are
eligible to enroll in the HRA and this benefit’s premium is fully
paid by the organization. The Massachusetts Paid Family Medical
Leave benefits are also available.

 

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of
demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred),
please click
here or visit artsconsulting.com/opensearches.
For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity,
please contact:

 

Bruce D. Thibodeau, President

Renée Danger-James, Vice President

292 Newbury Street, Suite 315

Boston, MA 02115-2801

Tel       (888) 234.4236 Ext. 201
(Thibodeau) or Ext. 212 (Danger-James)

Email    [email protected]

 

Hanover Theatre & Conservatory is committed to
equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and it
acknowledges the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the
Nipmuc Nation on which we are working and currently performing in
what is known today as Worcester, Massachusetts. We recognize and
respect Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and
the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples
and their traditional territories. This sort of acknowledgement is
essential to human rights work across the world. It is essential to
our work of honoring stories that explore the human
experience.