Managing Director - Apap365 : Job Details

Managing Director

POST DATE: Feb 13, 2025STATUS: Full-time permanent, exemptSALARY: Level One of Ars Nova's Fair Pay Guidelines: $135,000 - $145,000 annually, paid bi-weekly

Ars Nova is seeking an accomplished and dynamic Managing Director (MD) to help guide the organization through its next exciting phase. In this highly collaborative role, the MD will oversee day-to-day operations, financial management, fundraising, and marketing efforts, while fostering a creative and inclusive environment that supports the company's mission: to discover, develop, and launch singular theater, comedy, and music artists. This position offers a unique opportunity to work alongside Ars Nova's Co-Artistic Directors and a talented leadership team, contributing to the development of groundbreaking work and cultivating the next generation of audiences.

Reporting directly to the Board Chair, and more broadly to the Executive Committee and full board, the Managing Director co-leads the organization with the Co-Artistic Directors (Co-ADs) and oversees all operational, financial, and strategic initiatives. The MD will play a critical role in balancing business acumen with Ars Nova's bold artistic vision. This position is ideal for a leader who is both highly strategic and comfortable working in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment.

Ars Nova is at a transformational moment, evolving to shape its next chapter. As recently announced, Founding Artistic Director Jason Eagan will step down in July 2025, and the organization will move to a new model led by Co-Artistic Directors Andrew Neisler and Anna Morton Stacey, alongside a Managing Director. Eagan will transition into an advisory role to support a smooth handover, providing strategic guidance while ensuring stability and space for the new leadership to chart Ars Nova's future. This is a pivotal time for the organization, presenting an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to help shape the path forward.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

The responsibilities, competencies, and expectations outlined below are representative, not exhaustive. Responsibilities may shift as needed to best align with organizational needs.

Organizational Leadership & Strategy:

• Serve as a key representative of Ars Nova to external stakeholders, including donors, government bodies, and the broader arts community.
• Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, and sponsors to ensure ongoing and sustainable support.
• Collaborate with the Co-ADs to develop and execute the organization's vision and strategic priorities.
• Work to expand Ars Nova's visibility and reach in service of meeting the mission.
• Lead and foster a positive, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace culture with a focus on staff well-being and artistic innovation.
• Promote collaborative decision-making across all levels of the organization, ensuring alignment between artistic and administrative functions.

Financial Oversight & Budget Management:

• Lead and manage the organization's $4M annual operating budget, in collaboration with the General Manager and Finance Director.
• Oversee and ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with GAAP, and effective financial planning across all areas of operations, production, and capital projects.
• Work closely with the Finance Director and GM to ensure transparency and accountability in all financial matters, including cash flow, payroll, audits, and budgeting processes.
• Collaborate with the finance team, Board Executive Committee, and outside firm to deliver a successful annual audit.

Fundraising & Development:

• Take a leadership role in Ars Nova's fundraising efforts, working closely with the Development Director and Institutional Giving Team to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Directly engage with Ars Nova's Board of Directors, particularly the Executive and Finance Committees, to steward relationships and drive fundraising goals.
• Represent Ars Nova at key cultivation events, donor meetings, and fundraising initiatives.
• Work with the Co-ADs to develop long-term strategies for donor engagement and expansion of Ars Nova's funding base.

Human Resources & Legal Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations, including federal, state, and city requirements.
• Lead HR team and oversee company-wide policies and compliance with all applicable laws.
• Advise on and manage union and non-union contracts, ensuring that best practices are followed in labor relations.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to develop and maintain a robust HR system that prioritizes equity and inclusivity.

Artist Support & Production Oversight:

• Foster an environment that empowers artists to take creative risks and dream big.
• Support Ars Nova's Producing Team to develop, produce, and manage the work of emerging artists through over 70 public events annually.
• Partner with the Marketing Director in setting field-leading strategies to drive audience engagement and growth, working collaboratively with the Co-ADs in the creative strategy.

Venue & Operations Management:

• Work with the General Manager to optimize earned income through rentals and venue operations, ensuring successful partnerships with outside groups.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Director to deliver an exceptional patron experience.

AN EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY:This is an exempt, full-time position with a starting annual salary range in Level One of our Fair Pay Guidelines, between $135,000 and $145,000 commensurate with experience. Ars Nova aims to compensate fairly and competitively within the not-for-profit entertainment industry, and on a transparent level salary system within the organization; our recent Fair Pay Guidelines are available HERE. Benefits include health and dental insurance, an open paid time off policy, an Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling, legal support, work-life solutions and the like, opt-in 401(k) retirement savings plan with an employer match up to 3.5%, FSA, vision insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, and TransitChek plans, and more. Ars Nova is based in NYC and offers a flexible work schedule and remote/in-person hybrid workspace. This position will require regular onsite, in-person activity (including some evenings, weekends, and holidays), so the applicant should intend to reside in the greater NYC area. Ars Nova works on-site Tuesdays-Thursdays every week, with greater flexibility to work remotely if desired and possible on most Mondays & Fridays.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:Please submit a resume and a personal statement. Ditch the “cover letter” and speak from the heart about what excites you about this job opportunity. While we ask that resumes be submitted in written form, we invite applicants to submit their personal statement via a written piece, audio or video recording – whatever form best supports your self-expression.

APPLY HERE.

HIRING PROCESS:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through March 14, 2025 by members of the senior leadership team including the Founding Artistic Director, Jason Eagan; applicants may also be pre-screened by a member of the HR team. Selected candidates will have a first round video interview with a member of the HR team and/or Interim Executive Director. Second Round Interviews will be in-person with members of our leadership team including the incoming Co-Artistic Directors. Finalists will 1) have a full day in-person with several members of the Ars Nova team and 2) meet with board leadership. The board will make the final hiring decision. Additionally, finalists may request a meeting with members of our affinity group for staff members who identify as people from the global majority if that perspective would be helpful to them. References will then be checked and an offer is expected to be made in April 2025, with a start date soon thereafter.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal Managing Director will be a seasoned arts leader with a unique balance of business savvy and creative vision. We are looking for someone who can drive both the administrative and financial success of Ars Nova while maintaining a focus on fostering an environment where artists and staff can thrive.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in arts administration, theater management, or live-performance producing (or transferrable equivalent).
• A demonstrated ability to manage large-scale budgets, financial reporting, and operational strategies.
• Strong background in fundraising, with the ability to cultivate relationships with high-level donors and lead development efforts.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and union contracts, specifically Off-Broadway and Equity rules.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment, especially in a leadership role with Board engagement.

ABOUT YOU:

• Strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• A creative, strategic thinker who is comfortable balancing the big picture with day-to-day operational needs.
• A collaborative leader with a track record of fostering inclusive, positive organizational cultures.
• A passion for live theater, arts, and artists of all kinds, with a desire to build new audiences and break barriers.

Bonus If:

• Familiarity with Google Suite and project management tools such as Asana.
• Expertise in arts law and labor contracts, particularly in Off-Broadway and unionized settings.
• Experience leading an HR team and best practices.
• Experience working with and engaging a broad spectrum of community members and constituencies.

We know there are candidates who may not have all of the qualifications listed above but possess intuitive knowledge or other transferable skills. If that's you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Please note that Ars Nova currently uses a hybrid work environment. However, this position will require onsite, in-person activity (including some evenings, weekends, and holidays), so the applicant should intend to reside in the greater NYC area.