General manager

Title: General Manager

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Detroit, MI (Hybrid with community presence required)

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Temporary, Exempt

Time Frame: 6-8 month contract with possibility for permanent position

ABOUT LIVING ARTS

Or client, Living Arts Detroit, is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to igniting creativity in the lives of youth through dance, visual arts, music, and theater. They serve as a bridge between artists and communities, creating equitable access to the arts while fostering creative youth development. With a strong legacy of impact and a renewed vision guided by the framework Reconnect, Reimagine, Rebuild, Living Arts is entering a period of organizational transformation.

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager (GM) is the executive leader of Living Arts and is responsible for operations and program execution during an organizational pause. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the GM ensures alignment between funders, consultants, and community partners while advancing Living Arts’ mission. This role requires a skilled, adaptive leader who thrives in ambiguity, can manage multiple constituencies, and is energized by both big-picture strategy and hands-on execution. The GM will be the primary liaison across fundraising, legal, finance, technology, and program consultants, ensuring seamless communication and accountability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management

● Serve as the executive leader of Living Arts in partnership with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

● Oversee daily operations, including office, facilities, and administrative functions.

● Lead with flexibility and responsiveness during a period of organizational transition.

● Supervise and coordinate consultants and part-time staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.

Program Execution & Community Engagement

● Lead the execution of Living Arts’ Reconnect, Reimagine, Rebuild framework, ensuring it is funder- and community-facing.

● Design and implement pop-up classes, workshops, and creative programming aligned with community needs.

● Strengthen program partnerships with schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations.

● Represent Living Arts at public events, funder convenings, and community forums.

Fundraising & External Relations

● Partner with fundraising consultants to steward donor relationships, develop proposals, and execute fundraising strategies.

● Build and maintain strong relationships with institutional funders, individual donors, and community stakeholders.

● Share program results and organizational updates in a clear, compelling, and timely manner.

Finance & Administration

● Liaise with fractional CFO, bookkeepers, and auditors to ensure financial accountability, reporting, and compliance.

● Partner with legal consultants to navigate contracts, governance, and risk management issues.

● Coordinate with IT and tech consultants to ensure digital systems and infrastructure support organizational goals.

● Monitor budgets, grants, and resource allocation to balance fiscal responsibility with mission impact.

Board & Governance

● Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on fundraising, finance, and program progress.

● Support board development, governance, and committee engagement.

● Ensure timely communication and alignment between board and staff/consultants.

QUALIFICATIONS

● Proven leadership experience in nonprofit, arts, education, or community-based organizations.

● Strong skills in organizational management, including finance, operations, and program oversight.

● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple consultants, projects, and constituencies simultaneously.

● Experience in fundraising, funder stewardship, and external relations.

● Comfort working in environments of change, uncertainty, and organizational transition.

● Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

● Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practices.

● Knowledge of Detroit community with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

● Bilingual – Spanish preferred but not required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

● Adaptive Leadership: Leads confidently through change and uncertainty, adjusting strategies while maintaining focus on long-term goals.

● Collaborative Spirit: Builds trust and alignment across consultants, funders, board members, and community partners.

● Execution-Oriented: Balances strategic leadership with hands-on management to ensure goals are met.

● Community-Centered: Centers the voices and needs of Detroit youth, families, and communities in decision-making.

● Integrity & Accountability: Demonstrates transparency, responsibility, and a commitment to organizational trust.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Annual Salary for the General Manager is $80,000 to $90,000, with excellent benefits and flexibility such as a Health stipend, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with General Manager in the subject line . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This position is slated to start as soon as possible.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid setting?
• Are you comfortable working in an onsite setting?
• Are you clear that this is a temporary position with the possibility of becoming permanent?
• We must fill this position urgently. Can you start immediately?

Work Location: In person