Executive Director – Historic Paramount Theatre

Why It Matters

Securing a visionary leader will stabilize the Paramount’s finances, expand its cultural footprint, and support downtown Abilene’s revitalization efforts. The position is pivotal for sustaining a historic arts venue that drives regional tourism and community engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Executive Director to create Paramount's first strategic plan
• Salary range $110,000–$125,000 with full health and 403(b) match
• FY2025 revenue $2.1M; FY2026 projected $1.7M, contributions >50%
• Upcoming $400k LED marquee replacement and $1.5M lighting upgrade
• Hosts 150‑170 live events yearly, expanding touring concerts to 30+ by 2025

Pulse Analysis

The Historic Paramount Theatre, a 1930 atmospheric movie palace in Abilene, Texas, is at a crossroads as it seeks an Executive Director to steer its next decade. Beyond day‑to‑day management, the new leader will craft the organization’s inaugural strategic plan, aligning programming, fundraising, and capital projects with the 2030 centennial vision. This strategic focus is critical for a venue that balances a heritage‑rich identity with modern audience expectations, from live concerts to digital film screenings.

Financial stewardship will be a core responsibility, with the theatre reporting $2.1 million in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year—nearly half from contributions and the rest from earned activities such as ticket sales and rentals. The projected dip to $1.7 million in 2026 underscores the need for diversified revenue streams and robust donor cultivation. Capital improvements, including a $400,000 LED marquee overhaul and a $1.5 million lighting and safety upgrade, signal a commitment to modernizing the historic space while preserving its iconic character, positioning the Paramount as a competitive draw for touring acts and community events.

The role’s broader impact extends to Abilene’s downtown revitalization agenda. By expanding the theatre’s programming—already featuring 150‑170 events annually and a growing slate of touring concerts—the Executive Director will deepen civic engagement and attract regional visitors. The position’s compensation package, ranging from $110,000 to $125,000 with comprehensive benefits, reflects the market’s valuation of cultural leadership. Ultimately, the appointment will influence not only the Paramount’s sustainability but also the cultural and economic vibrancy of West Texas’s largest arts landmark.