Managing Director

Job description

Location: Cape Town
Reports to: Board of Directors 
Employment Type: Full-time
Works closely with: Artistic Director, General/Operations Manager, Production and Finance Teams

The Managing Director (MD) is the executive and the strategic leader of the ballet company, responsible for the financial sustainability, operational excellence and institutional growth of the organisation, while supporting and enabling artistic success. 
A key priority for the successful candidate will be to strengthen Cape Town City Ballet’s long-term financial sustainability through revenue diversification, strategic partnerships, fundraising, sponsorship development and the creation of sustainable income streams.
Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and Artistic Management team, the Managing Director ensures that artistic ambition is realised within a robust, transparent, and well-governed organisational framework.
The MD is also a key ambassador and public representative of the company, building trust with funders, partners, audiences, and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:
Strategic and executive leadership:

• Lead the overall strategic direction of the company in line with the Board-approved vision and mission.
• Translate artistic and organisational goals into achievable operational and financial plans.
• Serve as the primary liaison between management and the Board of Directors.
• Provide timely, accurate, and strategic reporting to the Board.

Financial management and governance:

• Oversee annual organisational and production budgets.
• Ensure sound financial controls, cash-flow management, and risk mitigation.
• Lead income diversification strategies, including grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and earned income.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, governance, and funder requirements.
• Oversee audits and maintain strong financial governance.

Operational and organisational oversight:

• Ensure effective day-to-day operations across artistic, technical, administrative, and production departments.
• Oversee human resources, contracts, policies, and organisational systems.
• Support healthy organisational culture, clear communication, and accountability.
• Ensure safe, professional, and well-managed working environments.

Artistic support and collaboration:

• The managing director would be required to make management decisions relating to artistic aspects, after direct discussions with, and agreement from, the AD. 
• Work hand-in-hand with the Artistic Director and Artistic Manager on:
  • Season planning and scheduling
  • Production feasibility and resourcing
  • Touring and partnership opportunities
• Ensure alignment between artistic vision and operational capacity.
• Protect artistic integrity while managing risk and sustainability.

Fundraising, partnership and advocacy:

• Demonstrated success in securing major donor funding, corporate sponsorships, philanthropic partnerships and other sustainable sources of income.
• Lead high-level fundraising and partnership development.
• Cultivate relationships with government bodies, trusts, foundations, corporate sponsors, and donors.
• Represent the company at public events, premieres, and stakeholder engagements.
• Advocate for ballet and the performing arts locally, nationally, and internationally.

Marketing, audience and reputation:

• Oversee marketing, communications, and audience development strategies.
• Ensure the company’s public profile reflects excellence, integrity, and relevance.
• Support audience growth, access, and community engagement initiatives.

Key performance indicators (KPIs)
Financial KPIs

• Annual budgets approved and delivered within agreed parameters.
• Improved financial stability and liquidity year-on-year.
• Growth and diversification of income streams.
• Clean audit outcomes and strong financial controls.

Strategic and governance KPIs

• Implementation of board-approved strategic objectives.
• Quality, clarity, and timeliness of Board reporting.
• Effective risk management and compliance.
• Strong relationship between Board and management.

Operational KPIs

• Efficient delivery of productions within approved budgets and timelines.
• Well-functioning internal systems and workflows.
• Low incidence of operational crises due to poor planning.
• Effective cross-departmental collaboration.

Artistic support KPIs

• Productive and respectful collaboration with Artistic leadership.
• Seasons delivered as planned, without compromising artistic quality.
• Strong alignment between artistic ambition and organisational capacity.

Fundraising and partnership KPIs

• Successful acquisition and retention of funders and sponsors.
• Strengthened institutional partnerships.
• Increased stakeholder confidence and trust.

People and culture KPIs

• Positive organisational culture and staff morale.
• Retention and development of key personnel.
• Clear role delineation and accountability across the organisation.
• Effective handling of conflict and performance management.

Public and reputational KPIs

• Positive public profile and media presence.
• Growth in audiences and community engagement.
• Recognition of the company as a credible, well-governed cultural institution.

Ideal candidate profile:

• Proven senior leadership experience in the arts, culture, or creative industries
• Strong financial literacy and governance experience
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Demonstrated fundraising and partnership development success
• Deep respect for artistic processes (dance experience advantageous but not essential)
• Calm, ethical, and decisive leadership style

To apply, send a cover letter and CV to az.gro.tellabyticnwotepac@nimda. Please use “Managing Director” as the application reference. The closing date is Monday, 30 November 2026.

Posted on 12 Nov 17:30, Closing date 30 Nov