Managing Director

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 schedulingProduction feasibility and resourcingTouring and partnership opportunitiesEnsure 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.