Interim Executive Director

Arts & Entertainment

About the role

The Interim Executive Director will provide steady leadership and operational oversight during the transition to a permanent Executive Director, ensuring continuity of operations, support for staff, and effective collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Time Frame: Expected length of contract 6-12 months, determined by successful hiring of new Executive Director. Minimum thirty (30) days’ notice for contract termination or extension.

The Interim Executive Director will report directly to the Chair of the Board of Directors. The Board Chair will consult with the Executive Committee on necessary decisions pertaining to the Executive Director’s role and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of Crooked Tree Arts Center.
• Guide and coordinate with key staff and department directors to ensure programs and events are delivered with excellence, effectively promoted, well attended, completed on schedule and managed within budget.
• Support ongoing fundraising efforts, donor stewardship, and grant obligations in partnership with the Development Director.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair to address organizational, operational, and personnel matters as they arise.
• Lead weekly leadership/staff meetings to ensure communication, accountability and organizational alignment.
• Meet weekly with the Board Chair to provide updates and discuss priorities, challenges, and organizational alignment.
• Visit the Traverse City campus at least once each week to support staff, oversee operations, and maintain organizational consistency.
• Monitor and document ongoing program, personnel and financial progress and any concerns or issues in implementing.
• Maintain thorough records of key decisions, ongoing initiatives, and outstanding items to support organizational continuity.
• At the conclusion of the contract, provide a comprehensive transition report with notes of activities and decisions made.
• Meet with appropriate Board Members and new Executive Director hire for seamless pass down.

The Interim Executive Director will directly supervise the directors of: School of Ballet, Visual Arts, Development, Business, Facilities, and Administration (Traverse City Site). An organizational chart and position descriptions will be provided upon hiring.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in a community-focused nonprofit organization; arts administration experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading a complex, multi-department organization.
• Experience managing organizational budgets and financial oversight.
• Proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors or Board of Trustees.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.