Board Nominations
Board Structure
The Board currently includes 12 members, led by an Executive Committee of four officers — Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary — elected annually in March. Directors serve staggered terms to preserve institutional knowledge while allowing regular renewal: two-year terms (eligible for reappointment to two additional terms, for a maximum of six years) or three-year terms (eligible for one reappointment, for a maximum of six years).
Board Roles & Responsibilities
SDT Directors serve as fiduciaries of the organization, guided by Board Policy 14 (Board Member Expectations and Responsibilities). In brief, Directors are expected to:
- Act in good faith and in San Diego Theatres' best interests in all Board and Committee matters (fiduciary duty of care)
- Exercise sound, independent judgment, and disclose any conflicts of interest per SDT's Conflict of Interest Policy (fiduciary duty of loyalty)
- Attend Board and Committee meetings
- Engage with SDT venues, programs, and the broader community
Read the full Board Member Expectations & Responsibilities policy (PDF)
Board Nominations
San Diego Theatres welcomes nominations for its Board of Directors from the community. Nominations may be submitted by a current Board or staff member, or by any individual — on behalf of a candidate or as a self-nomination.
What we're looking for
For the upcoming recruitment cycle, the Board is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:
Capital projects and infrastructure development
Board Member Profile – Capital Infrastructure
Candidates for this role bring hands-on experience delivering capital improvement or building projects, in either the public or private sector, to help guide San Diego Theatres' execution of capital needs at the Civic Theatre and the Balboa Theatre. A background in nonprofit board service is a plus.
Qualified candidates will have experience in the planning, procurement, contracting, and implementation of capital projects, along with an understanding of how core building systems — including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing — integrate within a facility. This knowledge is particularly valuable as SDT evaluates establishing an independent power supply and disconnecting from the shared plant beneath Civic Plaza.
At the board level, this individual will provide strategic guidance on capital planning, project delivery, and facility investment decisions, helping translate technical and engineering considerations into clear direction for fellow board members and staff.
The successful nominee will be a practical, detail-oriented advisor with strong communication skills and a clear commitment to San Diego Theatres' mission of providing state-of-the-art venues for the region's arts community.
Business management and operations
Board Member Profile - Business and Management
Candidates for this role bring significant business and management experience, with a demonstrated ability to help organizations grow, improve operations, and achieve long-term strategic goals. A background in nonprofit board service is a plus.
Qualified candidates will have experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, business operations, and performance management. Experience identifying opportunities for growth, improving organizational effectiveness, managing risk, optimizing resources, and implementing best practices across business functions is ideal.
At the board level, this individual will provide strategic guidance to SDT staff and fellow board members on organizational priorities, business performance, and long-term planning, helping the organization evaluate opportunities, navigate change, and make informed decisions that support sustainable growth.
The successful nominee will be a strategic, solutions-oriented leader with strong business judgment, a collaborative approach, and a clear commitment to San Diego Theatres' mission and continued organizational success.
Public policy, government affairs, and community engagement
Board Member Profile – Public Service and Public Engagement
Candidates for this role bring a career grounded in public service, public agency work, or civic engagement to help San Diego Theatres navigate its relationships with elected officials and governing bodies. A background in nonprofit board service is a plus.
Qualified candidates will have experience with the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, or a comparable public entity — such as the Port of San Diego, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, or San Diego Metropolitan Transit System — or equivalent experience in public affairs, media advocacy, or advancing strategic initiatives through governing bodies.
At the board level, this individual will educate and advise SDT staff and fellow board members on engaging effectively with local elected officials and governing entities, helping the organization advance its goals within San Diego's civic and political landscape.
The successful nominee will be a well-connected, strategic communicator with the confidence to represent SDT in public and government-facing settings, and a clear commitment to the organization's mission and community impact.
Candidates need not have prior nonprofit board experience — a genuine interest in the performing arts and San Diego's civic and cultural life, paired with relevant professional expertise, is what matters most.
How the process works
- Download and complete the nomination PDF linked below, including a brief statement regarding the candidate's background and interest in serving.
- Submit completed nomination forms by email to governance@sandiegotheatres.org. The Governance Committee reviews all nominations against the Board's current skills and experience needs.
- Selected candidates are contacted for a conversation with the Governance Committee and/or Board leadership.
- Final appointments are confirmed by a vote of the full Board.
Deadline
Nominations for the class beginning in March 2027 are being accepted through Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Download the PDF Nomination Form
Questions about the nomination process or Board service can be directed to governance@sandiegotheatres.org.