Join our Board of Directors

Mission StageWorks is building something bold—and we want you with us.

We’re a San Francisco-based nonprofit theatrical arts organization rooted in community, equity, and the transformative power of the performing arts. As we grow, we’re seeking visionary, compassionate, and action-oriented individuals to join our Board of Directors and help guide our mission.

The image shows a theatrical scene with three people, two women sitting on chairs and one person standing, with dramatic lighting and a spotlight shining from behind them, creating strong shadows.

What if San Francisco had a community arts center with the heart of a small town and the dynamism of a city?

Who We Are

Mission StageWorks responds to a growing need for community-rooted, culturally responsive arts programming that fosters belonging, artistic growth, and social connection. We bring people together across generations, cultures, and identities to create, share stories, and build lasting relationships through the power of performance.

We envision making a home for community theater and neighborhood warmth where we can enjoy engaging experiences.

We Are Seeking

A dedicated and diverse group of artists, educators, organizers, professionals, and community leaders committed to social impact through the arts. We are inviting people from across industries including

  • finance

  • academia

  • legal

  • fundraising

  • philanthropy and grantmaking

  • San Francisco community organizing

  • public policy

  • real estate

  • local business ownership

  • arts and nonprofit leadership

  • strategic planning

  • organizational development

  • and so much more.

We are especially seeking individuals who:

  • Identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrants, or come from historically underrepresented communities

  • Live or work in the San Francisco Bay Area

  • Are passionate about theatre, storytelling, education, and equity in the arts

  • Want to build systems of artistic care and connection

  • Are committed to creating access and inclusive spaces

People who care about people

We value representation across age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and economic background. Lived experience is just as meaningful as professional expertise.

Board matrix

Black and white photo of a woman standing on stage, dressed in a sleeveless top and pants, with her hands extended forward and her hair in a ponytail, with a spotlight highlighting her against a dark background.

The Board

Board members serve as strategic leaders and ambassadors for Mission StageWorks. They provide governance, financial oversight, and mission alignment while supporting the artistic and educational vision of the organization. Members are expected to engage actively in board meetings, committee work, fundraising efforts, and community engagement.

Time commitment

  • Approx. 4–6 hours per month, including meetings and committee work

  • Board term: 2 years (renewable)

Two men are on a theater stage, one appears to be directing the other, with empty theater seats and ornate architecture in the background.

Key Responsibilities

  • Attend and participate in regular board meetings (typically quarterly)

  • Provide financial oversight by reviewing budgets, audits, and reports

  • Participate in strategic planning and evaluation of organizational goals

  • Support and promote the mission, values, and antiracist commitments of Mission StageWorks

  • Assist in fundraising and resource development, including identifying prospects and cultivating donors

  • Advocate for Mission StageWorks in the community; help expand its visibility and impact

  • Act as a thought partner to staff and leadership, offering expertise when appropriate

Qualifications

  • Passion for theatre, arts education, social justice, or community engagement

  • Willingness to learn about nonprofit governance and fundraising

  • Ability to think strategically and work collaboratively

  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)

  • Time and capacity to fulfill board and committee duties

  • Key experience areas sought include finance, academia, legal, fundraising, San Francisco community organizing, public policy, arts and nonprofit leadership, and more

  • Prior board experience preferred but not required

We aim for transparency, mutual respect, and joyful collaboration.
Board service is unpaid but deeply rewarding.

Process

Open call

Communicating Board opportunities on:

  1. Mission StageWorks website

  2. Mission StageWorks newsletters

  3. San Francisco Arts Commission

  4. Arts Education Alliance of the Bay Area

  5. theBoardList

  6. Foundation List

  7. LinkedIn

  8. Instagram

  9. Facebook

  10. Nextdoor

  11. Craigslist

  12. Contacted local organizations and neighborhood associations

  13. Scheduled to pitch Theatre Bay Area’s Board Mixer Event on September 15

Individuals may nominate others or themselves through interest forms on the main website and/or via email.

Founding Board timeline

  1. Board position opportunities promoted starting in June 2025

  2. Interviews takes place in August-September 2025.

  3. Final founding board selection made by September 30.

Board expansion timeline (ongoing)

  1. Board expansion position opportunities promoted September-December 2025. Interviews scheduled as needed.

  2. Final board expansion selection made by December 31. This selection will serve as nominees.

  3. Nominees voted upon at Annual Board Retreat, January 2026.

Recruitment Process

  1. Prospectives are nominated or self-nominated via email, form submission, or online community platform

  2. Candidates are emailed inviting them to have an initial conversation to learn about the organization and about the candidate, with an invitation to go through the formal interview process. If interest continues, candidates will receive a board packet containing:

    1. Board matrix

    2. Board recruitment process steps

    3. Bylaws

    4. Board positions

    5. Business plan documents

  3. A formal interview is held including other board members. Key administrative staff may attend but not in any decision-making capacity.

  4. Final selection is made by the board. Approved candidates will then begin an orientation.

  5. All candidates are invited to give feedback about the recruitment process.

A theatrical stage with a dark background, illuminated scene with a man and woman sitting at a table, a silhouette of a person's head in the foreground.

Recent activity

Why Join?

  • Shape the future of Bay Area arts

  • Connect with other changemakers and creatives

  • Uplift marginalized voices through storytelling

  • Build a cultural home where everyone belongs

  • Create a place of care and kindness