Senior General Manager - Little Island NYC : Job Details

Little Island is seeking a Senior General Manager to join its Artistic Programming department. This role will lead and oversee the execution of the administrative, operational, and financial goals of the department, which include managing artist contracts and relationships, budgeting, financial oversight, human resources, and compliance. The ideal candidate will be motivated by the opportunity to utilize their extensive experience in non-profit arts administration to contribute significantly to the development of a sustainable and equitable commission model at Little Island.

The Senior General Manager should be a versatile problem solver with a proven ability to balance creativity with practicality in decision making and planning within a startup environment. They must be a proactive leader who thrives in dynamic settings, capable of navigating complex issues with clarity and decisiveness. This position will report directly to the Director of Artistic Programming.

Artistic Programming

Little Island's artistic programming is dedicated to creating new work in dance, theater, music, and opera. In 2024, the Island launched a commissioning program that featured nine world premieres from distinguished creators, including Twyla Tharp, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Davóne Tines, Henry Hoke, Pam Tanowitz, Britton Smith, Qween Jean, and Chris Thile. By collaborating with artists across genres and disciplines, the program aims to create unique collaborations and projects for our outdoor stages and help ensure their continued success in the future.

• Job Type: Full Time

About the Role

• Salary Range: $120,000 – $130,000/year
• Job Type: Year-Round
• Employment Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
• Schedule Expectations: This position follows a Monday – Friday schedule but requires flexibility to support Artistic Programming staff and projects during evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Work Environment: This is primarily an onsite role, though there is the potential to perform certain functions remotely.
• Projected Start Date: December 2024
• How to Apply: Click the ‘Apply Here' button below to submit your application.If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please let us know at [email protected]

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with the Director of Artistic Programming and General Manager to establish and maintain operational standards within the Artistic Programming Department. This includes supporting a newly developed programming model and creatively addressing challenges in alignment with the organization's objectives.
• Work closely with the Director of Artistic Programming, Associate Producing Artistic Director, and General Manager to assess the feasibility and financial implications of complex project concepts.
• Partner with the Associate Producing Artistic Director to create and implement project schedules and guidelines that will inform contract negotiations and project execution.
• Lead and mentor the general management team, cultivating a collaborative environment that encourages professional development and operational efficiency in line with the organization's artistic vision and strategic goals.
• In conjunction with the General Manager, develop, negotiate, and oversee all Artistic Programming agreements – such as commission, employee, production, vendor, presenting and licensing agreements – ensuring that expectations are clearly communicated and aligned with Little Island's contract administration processes.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel as needed for contract development and other legal matters.
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with artists and their representatives.
• Create and manage the Artistic Programming budget, ensuring accurate projections and tracking of budget versus actual expenses.
• In conjunction with the General Manager, ensure the department effectively collaborates with the Finance team and is in compliance with internal policies in the drafting and processing of payroll, contractor payments, union benefits, reimbursements, and department expenses.
• Work closely with the General Manager to ensure the department builds an effective collaboration with Human Resources in the development and facilitation of the hiring, onboarding and support of Artistic Programming employees and independent contractors, including Workers Compensation, employee relations, and management of policies and procedures.
• In partnership with the COO and the Director of Artistic Programming, manage relationships with artist and labor unions as needed.
• Collaborate with the COO and Assistant Director of Business Affairs and Capital Planning to ensure compliance with Little Island's lease regarding the production of onsite events.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support and strategic insight across the Artistic Programming department, ensuring all processes align with the broader organizational goals.
• Perform any additional duties related to the Artistic Programming Department and the park operations as reasonably required by the Director of Artistic Programming.

What You Bring

• 7+ years' experience in general management.Enthusiasm for applying and adapting industry knowledge to Little Island's start-up environment, facilitating the evolution of new programming approaches.A proven track record of building strong relationships with a diverse range of artist representatives.Strong skills in executing contract negotiations and administration on behalf of an artistic institution, with a focus on the artist experience.Extensive experience negotiating licensing rights and commission agreementsA passion for driving high-level systems and processes across departments, contributing to a culture of camaraderie and excellence.Demonstrated experience in budget development and management.A commitment to challenging conventional thinking to identify efficiencies and enhance overall performance.Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.Eligibility to work in U.S.Ability to remain in a stationary position for approximately 50% of the time, climb stairs, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Benefits and Perks

• 15 days' vacation, 7 sick days, up to 3 personal days per year (all prorated based on hire date)
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Basic Life Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Partial cell phone reimbursement
• Access to discounts at neighborhood businesses

Life at Little Island

• Park employees will spend time onsite at Little Island working in outdoor weather conditions, navigating the entire park multiple times a day, and interacting with park visitors to ensure operations are running effectively. Little Island is ADA compliant, and park employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for each other and our park's visitors.
• Little Island's Headquarters, located near the park, provides an open floor plan office, shared work areas and kitchen, a locker room, rehearsal space, and storage for the park.It is a dynamic and multi-use space where employees and artists can collaborate, connect, and unwind in between shifts, meetings, and events.
• Little Island is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.In short, you are welcome here no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. Our park is for everyone, and so is our workplace.