Overview
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.
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 agreements
- A 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.
For full job description including benefits details please visit our employment page: https://littleisland.org/employment/