About Center Theatre Group
Center Theatre Group (CTG), one of the nation's preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles' leading nonprofit theatre company, which, under the leadership of Brindell & Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director Snehal Desai, Managing Director/CEO Meghan Pressman, and Producing Director Douglas C. Baker, programs the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. CTG is one of the country's leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world-premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics, and circumstances to serve Los Angeles.
CTG was founded in 1967 with the opening of the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum at The Music Center under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Gordon Davidson, followed by the 16-year tenure of Artistic Director Michael Ritchie from 2005-2021. CTG has staged a wide variety of dramas, musicals, comedies, classics, and world premieres and has played host to a veritable cast of industry greats. The Mark Taper Forum opened with The Devils, a controversial, thought-provoking play that set the tone for future work. The Taper has received every theatrical award including two Pulitzer Prizes in Drama. In 2004, CTG transformed a historic 1940s movie house in downtown Culver City into the intimate Kirk Douglas Theatre. The company has grown to become the largest nonprofit theatre company in Los Angeles and is one of the top five largest in the nation. Pressman joined the company in 2019 as the first woman in a senior leadership role, and in 2023, Desai was named the third and current Artistic Director of Center Theatre Group.
Today, under the leadership of Desai and Pressman, CTG's core function is to produce and present a broad range of bold and engaging theatre for the public and support the theatrical community. This work is principally accomplished through CTG's year-round seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1,600 to 2,000-seat Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City with annual attendance, on average, of over 400,000 visits. As one of the largest nonprofit performing arts organizations in the country, Center Theatre Group regularly staffs over 150 full-time employees, commissions dozens of artists, welcomes local companies and artists into its diverse residency and developmental programs, and features a Board of Directors comprised of over 50 passionate and dedicated supporters of live theatre. CTG's mission is to serve the diverse audiences of Los Angeles by producing and presenting theatre of the highest caliber, by nurturing new artists, by attracting new audiences, and by developing youth outreach and arts education programs. This mission is based on a belief that the art of theatre is a cultural force with the capacity to transform the lives of individuals and society at large. CTG's mission is driven forward by work guided by CTG Core Values of Artistic Ambition; Artistic Identity, Risk-Taking, and Innovation; Centering Los Angeles; Lifelong Learning, Inspiration, and Human Connection; and Respect, Compassion, and Social Conscience.
Center Theatre Group is a cultural force in the American theatre. Through diverse and rich artistic programming that is a home for preeminent theatrical artists, its legacy uplifts and centers on the diverse and thriving artists of Los Angeles. CTG remains committed to not only maintaining its legacy but strengthening the Los Angeles theater ecosystem by cultivating the next generation of theatergoers and makers.
Information Technology at Center Theatre Group Today
Center Theatre Group's Information Technology function is at a pivotal moment in its evolution. Over the past several years, a dedicated and mission-driven IT team has successfully supported the organization through significant change, staffing challenges, and increasing technology demands. Recent investments in personnel and infrastructure have strengthened several critical systems and created a solid foundation upon which to build. Team members are widely respected for their commitment, responsiveness, and resourcefulness, and stakeholders consistently expressed appreciation for the important role technology plays in advancing CTG's artistic and operational goals.
At the same time, the organization recognizes an opportunity to build on its operational foundation with a more strategic, enterprise-wide approach. Technology resources currently span infrastructure, help desk support, Tessitura administration, websites, and digital platforms, with expertise distributed across the team. As CTG looks ahead, there is a growing need for greater alignment across these functions, a more formalized technology roadmap, and consistent governance practices to guide decision-making, prioritization, cybersecurity, vendor management, and technology investments. Responsive day-to-day operational support remains essential in CTG's fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment, and the Senior Director will be expected to roll up their sleeves and engage directly in the details across help desk, infrastructure, Tessitura, and digital platforms. With several significant initiatives on the horizon including continued Tessitura optimization, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity enhancements, digital innovation, and the thoughtful exploration of AI - the organization is seeking leadership that can unify technology efforts, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and position technology as a strategic enabler of CTG's future success.
The Leadership Opportunity
Center Theatre Group seeks a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Senior Director of Information Technology to lead the next phase of the organization's technology evolution. Reporting to the Managing Director/CEO, the Senior Director leads the 8-10 person IT staff spanning infrastructure, help desk and support services, external consultants/vendors, Tessitura administration, websites, and digital platforms. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director will have the opportunity to transform technology from a primarily operational function into an integrated strategic asset that advances organizational effectiveness, innovation, and mission impact. This leader will provide the vision, leadership, and partnership necessary to align technology investments with CTG's artistic, operational, and audience engagement goals while fostering a more connected and proactive approach to technology across the organization.
The Senior Director will inherit a dedicated team with deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to supporting CTG's mission. Building on this foundation, the Senior Director will create greater alignment across infrastructure, support services, Tessitura administration, websites, and digital platforms, establishing a cohesive technology strategy that strengthens collaboration, prioritization, and service delivery. Key priorities will include ensuring reliable, responsive operational support, developing a multi-year technology roadmap, strengthening and implementing new governance and project management practices, enhancing cybersecurity and infrastructure planning, and creating clear policies and standards that support organizational decision-making and technology investments. CTG's three theatres, costume shop, prop warehouse, and offices operate across multiple sites on performance-driven schedules, and the Senior Director will ensure technology support is responsive to evening, weekend, and show-night needs.
Equally important, the Senior Director will serve as a trusted advisor and relationship builder, partnering closely with leaders across the organization to ensure technology solutions are informed by business needs and positioned to support long-term success. The successful candidate will bring a balance of strategic vision, operational excellence, and emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate a complex and highly collaborative environment while building trust, accountability, and shared ownership.
This is a particularly compelling opportunity for a leader who is energized by organizational transformation and inspired by the power of the arts. With significant technology initiatives on the horizon including continued digital innovation, systems modernization, cybersecurity enhancements, and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies - CTG is well-positioned to elevate the role of technology in advancing its mission. The Senior Director will have the opportunity to build a more integrated, forward-looking technology function and help shape the future of one of the nation's premier performing arts organizations.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Strategic Technology Leadership and Organizational Vision
The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking technology leader who can continue to elevate IT as a strategic organizational partner. They will bring the ability to develop and execute a clear technology vision aligned with CTG's mission, business objectives, and future growth. This leader will establish technology governance, policies, and long-term planning processes while helping the organization anticipate opportunities, mitigates risks, and enables innovation. The Senior Director will possess the judgment and executive presence necessary to serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team, ensuring technology investments support both operational excellence and organizational impact.
Collaborative Leadership and Relationship Building
CTG seeks a leader who excels at building authentic relationships and fostering collaboration across a complex and highly interconnected organization. The Senior Director will have a demonstrated ability to break down silos, build trust among diverse stakeholders, and create productive partnerships across departments. They will be approachable, service-oriented, and highly responsive, while also establishing appropriate boundaries and accountability. Success in this role will require a leader who listens first, values multiple perspectives, and works collaboratively to align priorities and solve problems in ways that strengthen organizational cohesion and effectiveness.
Communication, Influence, and Change Management
The ideal candidate will be an exceptional communicator who can translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for both technical and non-technical audiences. They will proactively communicate priorities, timelines, and expectations while fostering transparency and shared ownership of organizational initiatives. The Senior Director will possess the influence skills necessary to build consensus, navigate competing priorities, and lead change effectively across the organization. They will be comfortable operating in ambiguity, managing organizational dynamics, and helping teams embrace new processes, technologies, and ways of working.
People Leadership, Team Development, and Accountability
This leader will be committed to building a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative technology organization. They will bring a strong track record of mentoring and developing staff, creating opportunities for professional growth, and fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Senior Director will leverage the strengths and institutional knowledge of the existing team while creating greater alignment, cross-functional collaboration, and shared ownership of outcomes. They will establish clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and cultivate an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work.
Operational Excellence and Project Leadership
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to translate strategy into execution through strong operational leadership, project management, and organizational discipline. They will bring experience leading complex technology initiatives, managing competing priorities, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational objectives. The Senior Director will establish and support effective workflows, service standards, and decision-making processes that improve responsiveness, increase transparency, and create greater confidence in IT's ability to deliver results. They will also strengthen cybersecurity, infrastructure planning, technology governance, and business continuity practices while ensuring resources are allocated effectively. This leader must be comfortable staying close to the details of day-to-day operations, and providing hands-on leadership and support to the team when needed. The Senior Director will own the IT budget and manage relationships with vendors, consultants, and managed service providers, including negotiating contracts, service-level agreements, and technology purchases.
Business Systems, Data, and Compliance
The Senior Director will be the steward of the systems that drive CTG's earned and contributed revenue, including Tessitura and the ticketing, subscription, fundraising, and payment platforms connected to it. They will ensure reliable integration and data flow among Marketing & Sales, Development, and Finance, and will partner with those teams to strengthen data quality, reporting, and audience and donor segmentation. This leader will champion sound data governance practices and, in partnership with Finance, ensure the organization meets its obligations for payment card security (PCI-DSS), data privacy, and audit and compliance reporting. Finance owns revenue integrity at CTG, and technology is a major tool in supporting it. The Senior Director will partner with Finance to provide the system controls, fraud and bot mitigation, access security, and reliable reporting needed to protect and accurately account for CTG's revenue.
Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Competence, and Mission Alignment
The ideal candidate will lead with humility, empathy, and emotional intelligence. They will understand how to navigate complex personalities and organizational dynamics while building credibility, trust, and engagement at all levels of the organization. The Senior Director will value inclusion, foster psychological safety, and create an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and respected. An appreciation for the unique culture, pace, and mission of a performing arts organization will be essential, as will the ability to balance operational rigor with the creativity, flexibility, and passion that define Center Theatre Group.
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will bring the following qualifications and experience:
Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree preferred.
A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing and developing technical teams.
Demonstrated hands-on technical depth across enterprise infrastructure, networks, cloud and hybrid environments, and end-user and help desk support, with the ability to step in and troubleshoot directly when needed.
Experience administering or overseeing a CRM and ticketing platform (Tessitura strongly preferred) and supporting integrations with fundraising, marketing, finance, and box office systems.
Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and practices, including identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, endpoint security, incident response, and disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
Familiarity with compliance requirements such as PCI-DSS and data privacy regulations, including safeguarding patron, donor, and payment information.
Experience partnering with Finance to support revenue integrity, including fraud prevention and detection, access controls, and reliable reporting in ticketing and payment environments.
Experience managing vendors and managed service providers, negotiating contracts and service-level agreements, and developing and overseeing IT budgets.
Experience implementing project management and governance practices and leading complex technology initiatives in a multi-department organization.
Experience in a nonprofit, arts and culture, live-event, or other mission-driven organization strongly preferred.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, including availability for evening, weekend, and performance-related support as needed.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $180,000-$200,000 with a generous benefits package.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by or emailing the search team directly at . All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email . If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Center Theatre Group is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
