Managing Director, Judson Commons

THE OPPORTUNITY

Every day, Judson Commons draws inspiration from its remarkable lineage to offer a safe, welcoming, uncensored environment for artists, activists, and audiences to imagine, create, inspire and evolve. Centering BIPOC, queer, trans and gender nonconforming voices, we are motivated by a desire to deepen collective relationships, dismantle the erasure of communities who have been silenced or underrepresented, and embark on a path of collaborative radical hope.

At a time when the cost of living in NYC is growing increasingly unsustainable, especially for artists and community organizers, an increasing lack of affordable performance/meeting space threatens to stamp out the city's cultural vibrancy. Experimental artists and movement builders need access to free, welcoming, unrestricted space. In addition to a beautiful space we support change-makers with a variety of resources, including artist stipends, tech equipment and support, and free meals.

The Managing Director is a newly created position. It is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a vibrant, beautiful network of arts and justice communities to create a sustainable model that enables the work to continue to thrive, blossom and grow.

POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Managing Director co-leads Judson Commons in partnership with the Artistic Director. The Managing Director will serve as a clear and present leader in all areas of Judson Common’s operations. The key responsibilites of the position include the following:

Responsibilities

• Forge a productive and deep partnership with the Artistic Director through which they individually and together inspire others by their example of collaboration.
• In concert with the Artistic Director and the Board, set and execute clear organizational priorities that will ensure the creative and financial sustainability of Judson Commons.
• Lead all fundraising efforts including initiating and cultivating donor relations, researching and applying for foundation grants, and managing all development activities and operations.
• Steward internal and external relationships that are critical to the organization’s success, including creative and artistic staff, donors, audiences, and partners.
• Oversee all financial, administrative and operational functions, creating and maintaining systems that will ensure strong financial and administrative management.
• Serve as a primary external ambassador for Judson Commons, establishing new relationships and strengthening existing ones.

Qualifications

• A proven ability to be a collaborative leader, effectively working with an artistic director and board.
• An enthusiasm for fundraising–either with an excellent track record of personally raising money from individuals and foundations, or experience in forging partnerships, generating revenue or otherwise creating paths for organizational sustainability.
• Strong operations and systems experience, including the ability to manage all aspects of the development process and financial oversight.
• Prior experience in successful nonprofit arts management.
• Excellent relationship-building skills; ability to connect with diverse groups of folks including artists, community organizers, donors, government officials, and funders.
• A demonstrable commitment to co-create an inclusive environment.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in arts management, business administration, technical theater, finance or a related field.

Experience: Three years of responsible professional experience in revenue generation, financial management and/or operations in a performing arts or cultural organization, including two years in a managerial or full supervisory capacity.

Working Conditions and Reporting Structure:

This is a part-time role, approximately 3 days (21 hours) a week. Work location will be a mix of on site daytime meetings at the Judson offices, attending some evening and/or weekend performances at Judson, and working remotely. At least half of the time will be spent on site. The Managing Director will collaborate with the Artistic Director, who is also the Senior Minister of Judson Memorial Church. The goal is to form a close, mutually respectful working relationship in which the Managing Director can take on a great deal of managerial, financial and fundraising experience, help the Artistic Director support the artists and creative teams, provide thought partnership, and find ways to amplify and spotlight the amazing work taking place everyday in the space.

The Managing Director reports directly to the Board Chair, a former nonprofit executive director and current advisor/thought partner to nonprofit leaders. She also has a close, mutually respectful working relationship with the Artistic Director.

The Artistic Director and the Board Chair both believe that kindness is one of the most important practices for our collective transformation.