Work At The Arcade

About Arcade Comedy Theater

Arcade Comedy Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in downtown Pittsburgh dedicated to presenting fun, accessible, and affordable live comedy. With an annual budget of approximately $350,000, Arcade employs five part-time staff, engages numerous volunteers, and contracts with dozens of local producers to bring programming to life. The theater’s artistic focus is rooted in comedy across forms, with a special emphasis on improv (both short form and long form), alongside sketch, stand-up, and other comedic performance styles. Through performances, classes, and community engagement, Arcade provides an inclusive space where artists and audiences connect, create, and celebrate the art of laughter.

The Opportunity

Arcade Comedy Theater is seeking a collaborative, organized, and financially minded Managing Director to lead the theater’s business operations and organizational administration.

The Managing Director will serve as the organization’s senior operational leader, working in partnership with Arcade’s programming, education, and production leaders and reporting to the Board of Directors.

This role is designed for a leader who can advance the structure, coordination, and financial discipline of a creative organization. The Managing Director is not expected to personally lead all artistic programming or independently carry responsibility for the organization’s fundraising success. Instead, they ensure that Arcade’s people, programs, finances, and systems are working together effectively and sustainably, while maintaining the theater’s culture of inclusivity.

This role requires a regular on-site presence during evenings and weekends for events and performances. While the schedule is flexible, candidates must have some availability during daytime business hours. The position is initially part-time (20 hours per week), with potential for increased hours depending on the theater’s financial standing.

Organizational Leadership

Provide day-to-day leadership for Arcade's operations, staff, and volunteers, ensuring the organization runs effectively and in alignment with its mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead, support, and develop Arcade's staff and volunteer leaders.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture.
• Improve systems, processes, and workflows that help Arcade operate efficiently.
• Ensure departments are aligned and working toward shared goals.
• Oversee day-to-day organizational decision making.

Financial Stewardship & Organizational Sustainability

Guide Arcade's financial health while working alongside the Board and volunteer leaders to build long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and monitor the annual operating budget.
• Review financial performance and recommend adjustments when needed.
• Support fundraising, sponsorship, grant, and earned revenue initiatives in partnership with the Board.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen revenue through programming, rentals, partnerships, and classes.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial and operational requirements.

Board Partnership & Strategic Leadership

Partner closely with the Board of Directors to implement Arcade's strategic vision and strengthen organizational governance.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff.
• Keep the Board informed through regular operational and financial updates.
• Help execute strategic priorities and annual goals.
• Collaborate with the Board on major organizational decisions.
• Support board committees and organizational planning as appropriate.

Community & Organizational Growth

Represent Arcade within the community while strengthening relationships that support the organization's mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Build relationships with donors, volunteers, artists, community partners, and supporters.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Arcade throughout the Pittsburgh community.
• Support audience growth, community partnerships, and organizational visibility.
• Ensure Arcade remains a welcoming, inclusive environment for performers, students, volunteers, and patrons.
• Maintain a regular presence during performances, events, and major theater activities.

Physical Demands

The Executive Director role requires regular on-site presence during events and performances, which may involve periods of standing and walking, as well as time spent at a computer for administrative tasks. The role also occasionally requires transporting supplies and materials, including lifting items up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This application is for those interested in becoming an:

Arcade Academy Instructor

Instructors teach our core curriculum (improv, stand-up, or sketch comedy), which are typically 3-hour classes that run between 4 and 8 weeks and culminate with a class show. Classes typically run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings, and Sunday afternoons.

This application is also for those interested in being considered for:

Arcade Academy Teaching Assistants

Teaching Assistants shadow lead instructors. There is no additional pay beyond having your class level attended for free during the run of an active connection.

Arcade Comedy Prairie Blade Coaches

Prairie Blade, Arcade's house team, has positions for the official lead or assistant improv/musical improv group coaches. Coaches run 2-hour practices weekly; directors set their own rehearsal schedules.

Arcade Comedy House Team & Workshop Coaches

We are always looking for qualified coaches to coach the Spec or Spotlight house teams, as well as possibly short-term offers after festivals. Team coaches run 2-hour practices weekly and are expected to regularly attend Showcase Nights.

Arcade Private Event Workshop Facilitators

Workshop Facilitators run workshops, private parties, and other special engagements. They are typically scheduled during weekday mornings and afternoons.