Overview
Managing Director Jobs in New York City Metropolitan Area at Forum on Life, Culture & Society (FOLCS)
Title: Managing Director
Company: Forum on Life, Culture & Society (FOLCS)
Location: New York City Metropolitan Area
Please note: Applications are accepted by email, not via LinkedIn. Please see “Application Process” below.
The Forum on Life, Culture & Society (FOLCS) is a nonprofit arts and events organization committed to making ideas and conversation both entertaining and smart, while improving the quality of public debate. Our diverse public programming, usually referred to as “Conversations,” engages notable speakers in dynamic discussions on the big ideas and issues shaping our cultural landscape. Over the past 20 years, we have hosted former U.S. Presidents; Supreme Court Justices; governors and congresspersons; actors and directors; recipients of Nobel Prizes, Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, National Book Awards, and Pulitzers Prizes; and a wide range of public intellectuals.
We are seeking a strategic and proactive Managing Director to oversee and run our organization – from programming and marketing, to partnerships and guest engagement, to general operations and staff management, to fundraising and development. The Managing Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of FOLCS and will be responsible for shaping and producing our public programming, expanding partnerships (e.g., with venues across NYC), and seeking opportunities for organizational and financial growth. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, strategic thinker, hard-worker and someone who thrives in an enterprising, fast-paced environment. We are looking for someone who sees the opportunity in hosting lively, entertaining Conversations with the likes of Bill Clinton, Sonia Sotomayor, Kristen Stewart, Paul Giamatti, Neal Katyal, Bret Stephens, Niall Ferguson, Sir Ben Kingsley, and so many others.
Responsibilities:
- Operations, Strategic Oversight & Leadership: Oversee daily operations and strategic direction of FOLCS, ensuring the smooth functioning of all internal systems and processes. Supervise full-time and part-time team members. Lead Board stewardship.
- Programming: Develop, produce, and manage diverse and captivating programs for FOLCS' Event Series. Collaborate with Creative Director, Board Members, other team members, event guests, and venue partners to ensure programs run smoothly, are entertaining and informative, and align with FOLCS' mission.
- Partnerships & Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with donors, Board Members, partners, venues, potential guests, publicists, producers, and other key figures. Identify, pursue, and develop new programming opportunities and other initiatives to expand FOLCS' presence as a New York and national cultural entity, enhance its public profile, and contribute to long-term growth.
- Marketing & Digital Strategy: Work closely with the Producer and Digital Media Team to oversee and contribute to the production of digital materials for the website and social media platforms to promote events and related content. Create YouTube clips and shorts. Think strategically about the FOLCS digital brand and how to use online platforms to expand our reach and grow our audience base.
- Legal & Corporate: Work closely with Board Members and legal counsel to negotiate and manage partnership agreements. Maintain general affairs of the organization.
- Fundraising & Development: Oversee the collection and deposit of checks. Facilitate and contribute to communication with past donors and potential donors. Contribute to research into potential grants offered by family foundations and corporate donors and lead any subsequent grant application processes. Think strategically about new ways to expand FOLCS’ financial development (e.g., corporate sponsorships).
- Donor Engagement: Work with the team to track donations and manage donors, ensuring ongoing engagement and support for the organization.
- Budget Management & Reporting: Work with Treasurer and outside accountant to responsibly manage the organization’s budget and ensure annual 990 Tax Return is filed properly. Communicate with outside accountant on various items, such as insurance payments and independent contractor payments. Think strategically about budgeting updates year to year.
- Board Relations: Facilitate Board Meetings, providing clear and timely updates to Board Members on organizational progress, key challenges, and upcoming opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
- Experience: Experience in a leadership or management role desired, preferably at a nonprofit organization or within the arts and events sector. Experience in events production, marketing, and organizational growth is highly desirable – applications that demonstrate expertise in these areas will be prioritized.
- Technical Skills: CRM, budget management, annual report compilation, WordPress, YouTube, and social media strategic planning and content creation ability.
- Leadership & Communication: Must be a strong leader with the ability to motivate and manage a small team. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Organizational Skills: Highly organized with exceptional time management skills. Ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Proactive, strategic, and solutions-oriented when problems arise.
- Interpersonal Skills: Diplomatic, respectful communicator with the ability to interact professionally with Board Members, team members, talent, partners, donors, and audience members.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: Health insurance reimbursement.
- Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to engage directly with talent and high-profile speakers, and to build and grow partnerships with esteemed cultural organizations.
- Other Perks: With the exception of live events, day-to-day work is remote. Supportive environment, with opportunities to contribute to high-impact public programming.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience to [email protected]. Special review will be given to applications that include a relevant sample project (e.g., event you’ve managed, partnership you’ve built).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
We look forward to hearing from you!
