Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

Executive Director

Studio East is searching for its next Executive Director, who will work closely with the Board and the Directors of Education, Production, and Finance to lead the organization into its next chapter. 

Studio East’s next Executive Director will have the ability to combine business savvy with heartfelt community relations, inspiring all those involved with Studio East—including the staff, board, and the children and families in our area—to grow together and achieve great things. Above all else, our next Executive Director will be a collaborative leader who is energized by the opportunity to shape our next chapter. This individual will possess a combination of forward vision and strong fundraising abilities, with the ability to build a robust human infrastructure at Studio East that unifies staff, community, and board members under a shared mission.

The preferred application period is until August 1, 2025.   You can see more information and apply here via our search consultant Creative Evolutions.  

Creative Evolutions compensates for referrals of candidates who advance to the final round, so if you have suggestions for a future Executive Director for Studio East, please email Calida Jones at Calida@CreativeEvolutions.com.

Director of Finance and Operations

Studio East | Kirkland, WA

Studio East, a vibrant youth theatre organization dedicated to nurturing young talent and enriching the community through the performing arts, is seeking a collaborative and experienced Director of Finance and Operations. This pivotal role will oversee the financial, human resources, and operational activities of the organization, ensuring stability, efficiency, and strategic support for all programs.

This position will report to the Executive Director and work collaboratively across the senior staff and the entire organization. The Director will provide hands-on leadership for finance, human resources, operations, and information systems, fostering greater cohesion, communication, and transparency between Studio East’s administrative and programmatic functions. This role will also maintain close working relationships with external finance and HR contractors to ensure efficient and effective management. Direct reports will include the Studio’s office coordinator and external contractors for finance and HR, but this role will interact with every department within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Finance and Operations will have ongoing responsibility for the following:

Finance

• Manage the day-to-day financial functions of Studio East, including but not limited to:
  • Work with the Executive Director and Department Heads to manage the annual budget process across the organization; manage its assembly for review by Studio East’s Finance Committee and/or Board of Directors.
  • Provide proactive and regular financial information to the Senior Leadership Team to ensure understanding of the financial implications of Studio East’s programmatic and operational decisions.
  • Prepare comprehensive financial reports (e.g., Profit & Loss statements, Balance Sheets) and accompanying narratives for Board meetings.
  • Assist in the creation of budgets for grant proposals and final reports.
  • Oversee Accounts Payable (A/P) and Accounts Receivable (A/R) across all departments; maintain accurate and ongoing cash flow assessments.
  • Oversee corporate credit card expense reconciliation.
  • Perform primary bookkeeping duties, including general ledger maintenance, journal entries, and reconciliation of accounts.

Human Resources

• With the support and input of the Senior Leadership Team, develop and streamline HR policies and payroll systems across Studio East, acting as an advocate for staff and ensuring clear communication of organizational policies:
  • Oversee onboarding paperwork for all hires, including teaching artists, administrative staff, production crew, and volunteers.
  • Support departments with troubleshooting employee paperwork and timesheets.
  • Administer Studio East’s employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement programs.
  • Assist the Senior Leadership Team in the identification and resolution of personnel issues as they arise.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations.

Operations and Information Systems

• Work as a conduit and facilitator for greater transparency and sharing of resources across Studio East, overseeing key operational functions and information systems, including but not limited to:
  • Contract Management: Draft and maintain template agreements, amend as necessary, and manage equitable and consistent contract execution across programs and operations (e.g., facility rentals, vendor agreements).
  • In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, review and manage contracts for non-artistic independent contractors and vendors.
  • Facility Management Support: Collaborate with relevant staff on the operational aspects of Studio East’s facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of classes, rehearsals, and performances (e.g., maintenance schedules, safety protocols, space utilization).
  • Production and Program Support: Work closely with the Artistic and Education departments to provide operational support for productions, classes, and camps, including resource allocation, scheduling coordination, and logistical oversight.
  • Information Systems: Support ongoing efforts to strengthen and integrate information systems (e.g., ticketing systems, class registration platforms, donor CRM, internal communication tools); work collaboratively with the organization and any external IT support to assess ongoing system needs, share information, and clearly communicate recommendations for improved efficiency and user experience.
• Auxiliary Revenue Oversight: Provide senior-level oversight for Studio East’s auxiliary earned revenue streams, including:
  • Strategic planning and financial management for venue rentals (theatre spaces, studios).
  • Financial oversight and inventory management for costume rentals.
  • Management and financial tracking of concessions and merchandise sales.
  • Identifying opportunities to maximize revenue from these sources.

Qualifications

• Professional training and/or Formal Education in Finance, Business Administration, Non-profit Management, or a related field; CPA and/or demonstrated non-profit accounting acumen.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in finance and operations management, preferably within a non-profit arts or education organization.
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budget management, and compliance.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices, payroll systems, and employee benefits administration.
• Experience with contract management and facility operations support.
• Proficiency with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks) and strong Excel skills.
• Experience with database management and information system integration (e.g., ticketing/registration platforms).
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a collaborative approach.
• Passion for arts education and youth development.

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a full-time, hybrid position. While some remote work is possible, significant on-site time will be required to carry out the talent management responsibilities of the role.
• Salary: $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience
• Benefits:
  • Unlimited PTO, including 2 weeks off during the winter holidays
  • Health and Dental insurance
  • Matching Simple IRA beginning with the second year of employment

To express interest, please submit a cover letter and resume at https://bit.ly/SEFinOps. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number of suitable candidates have been identified, though interested candidates are encouraged to apply by July 15, 2025.

Now Recruiting: Board Members for Studio East

Top current priorities:

• Finance-savvy professionals who can confidently read and interpret budgets, cash flow reports, and financial models
• Legal experts who can help filter decisions through a sound legal lens (nonprofit, HR, IP, and contract experience especially helpful)
• Commercial real estate professionals who can advise us as we plan a facility relocation in the next 2–4 years

We’re also seeking expertise in:

• Fundraising & donor strategy
• HR & organizational development
• Marketing & community outreach
• DEI leadership
• Arts education and youth development

Mainstage Music Director

Studio East is looking to expand our pool of fun and fresh music directors going into our next season. Please send your resume and 2 references to CarolynAgan@studio-east.org.

• Teach the music for the production to the actors.
• Provide check ins as needed in production meetings.
• Watch audition and callback materials as needed and assist the artistic team with casting.
• Work collaboratively with the artistic team to create weekly rehearsal schedules that fall within schedule guidelines given by the Production Manager and best serve the students time and production needs.
• Accompany all performances
• Hire other musicians, if needed.

Theater Teachers and Directors

Studio East welcomes resumes from Teaching Artists who are interested in joining our faculty. We hire energetic, responsible theater arts educators who have teaching, directing, choreographing, and/or music directing experience with young people ages 4-19. We are interested in Teaching Artists with several years of teaching/directing experience who love sharing their skills and experience with kids. Trained educators, actors with teaching experience, and pianists are encouraged to apply.

Projects include:

• Instructors for daytime and after school/evening classes, both on site at Studio East and at eastside area schools
• Directors/Musical Directors/Choreographers for after school/evening productions, both on site at Studio East and at eastside area schools
• Directors/Musical Directors for school break camps in April at Studio East and during the summer months at various eastside locations

Please email a letter and resume to Kaysy Ostrom, Education Director.

Studio East also has Class and Camp Assistant Opportunitiesfor teens.

Interns & Volunteers

Ongoing opportunities are available to help out at Studio East! Contact the main office to be directed to the staff person who might best be able to use your skills: 425.820.1800