THE ROLE: KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership and Management (70%)
Under the Dual Leadership Model, partner with the Artistic Director to develop and implement goals, strategic plan, and shared vision
Serve as a principal resource, alongside the Artistic Director, to the Board of Directors and its key committees
Maintain an effective and collaborative working relationship with the Board of Directors as a whole and with individual board members
Oversee all operational, financial, and fundraising activities of the organization ensuring that they are in alignment with program and artistic mission (just as the Artistic Director leads and manages to meet financial and operational objectives)
Manage and inspire staff, leading the team toward a common mission
Directly supervise, develop, and support four Directors: the Director of Finance & Administration, Director of Development, Director of Education & Community Engagement, and Director of Rentals & Community Partnerships
Foster an organizational culture of results, learning, innovative thinking, accountability, and collaboration
Be an advocate and bridge-builder building awareness of and enthusiasm for the Freight and cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, government agencies, and partner organizations
Oversee facilities management and IT
Play a leadership role in growing the ecosystem of independent venues that offer musicians fair fees, ethical treatment, a professional working environment with high production values, effective promotion that attracts audiences, and opportunities to intersect with other constituencies in the local community
Fiscal Management (20%)
Develop, manage, and monitor organizational budget in partnership with the Director of Finance & Administration and the Board of Directors
Strategically link revenues and resource allocation to facilitate and manage agency and programmatic growth
Oversee the presentation of financial and organizational progress reports to the Board of Directors
Fundraising (10%)
Deepen and expand relationships with diverse funding sources, including public agencies, foundations, corporations, and individual donors
Drive key results in fundraising by working with the Director of Development and Board of Directors in development and execution of a strategic development plan
THE IDEAL MANAGING DIRECTOR
The ideal Managing Director will bring the following:
Relevant Knowledge, Experience & Skills
A deep love of music with interest in and, preferably, some familiarity with traditional music, cultures, and their roots and trends
Experience in senior leadership, including staff and budget management, preferably in a performing arts, music and cultural, and/or nonprofit setting in, inclusive of, or similar in diversity to the Bay Area
Track record of building relationships and working collaboratively with staff, Boards, public partners, government agencies, supporters, nonprofits, business leaders, and the community in a way that draws people in and connects them to a mission or community
Demonstrated ability to think big and create a vision for greater organizational prominence, reach, and impact
Outstanding oral and written communication skills including the ability to charismatically, authentically, and effectively build enthusiasm for the Freight and clearly, empathetically, and yet with determination address issues with a range of diverse people and stakeholders
Experience supervising direct reports in an organization that has 10+ employees/volunteers including a demonstrated ability to develop and retain diverse staff and cross-functional teams performing in a dynamic environment
Experience with oversight of complex range of programs or operations, preferably inclusive of arts programming and/or venue/facilities management
Financial fluency and experience managing and analyzing complex budgets and understanding of how to increase, diversify, and optimize multiple funding sources
Professional experience concretizing the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); including and not limited to fostering a work environment where everyone is respected, listened to, encouraged to participate fully, and has the support and advocacy needed to be effective; incorporating DEI principles into policies and practices
Experience developing and executing strategic plans for an organization with the ability to plan and execute on specific metrics to achieve organizational goals
Experience in facilities management and planning for capital improvements strongly preferred
Personal Leadership Traits & Competencies
Emotionally mature and grounded with a good sense of humor, calmness, and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities in complex situations
Relational, not transactional, in dealing with people including listening to understand, taking into account multiple viewpoints, and engaging others thoughtfully and productively in conflict resolution
Approachable and humble creating space for others to contribute and be recognized
Committed to personal excellence and equipping others to achieve excellence
Organized, attention to detail, flexible and ability to help others adapt as priorities shift and new opportunities arise
Problem solver who seeks solutions and inputs from others and is comfortable making tough decisions and how to bring others along to move work forward
Embodies cultural competencies and humility
Curious, learning-oriented, and open to feedback
THE COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with a target range of $120,000 to $135,000 annually. The Freight offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance; a generous vacation and sick leave policy; 403(b) Plan; commuter transit benefits; and mobile phone reimbursement.
As co-leader of a dynamic venue featuring traditional music performances, classes, and community gatherings for all ages, the Managing Director must be able to work a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends when needed but has the benefit of access to one of the most welcoming and engaging communities of diverse music in the Bay Area and beyond.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The Freight is partnering with values-aligned, Bay Area-based, BIPOC and woman-owned and -led strategic management consulting and executive search firm Walker and Associates Consulting on this search. Please email a cover letter describing your interest and why you feel you are a strong candidate for this position and resume to thefreight@walkeraac.com by Friday, June 2, 2023. We understand that no candidate brings 100% of what is sought in a role so please feel free to outline transferable experiences and skills related to those sought above in your cover letter.