Managing Director

Job Overview:

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; authors; musicians; 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. The Managing Director will manage the day-to-day operations of FOLCS, and will be responsible for shaping our public programming, expanding partnerships, and seeking opportunities for organizational growth. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, strategic thinker, hard-worker and someone who thrives in an enterprising, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Operations, Strategic Oversight & Leadership: Oversee daily operations and strategic direction of FOLCS, ensuring the smooth functioning of all internal systems and processes. Supervise team members including a producer, social media and graphics person, a virtual events technical specialist, a photographer, and a videographer.
• Team: Needs to be comfortable working as part of a very small team, often remotely. Must be a self-starter who works well independently and with others.
• Partnerships & Community Engagement: Build and maintain personal and organizational relationships with donors, partners, venues, potential guests, publicists, producers, and other key figures. Identify and pursue new programming opportunities and other initiatives to expand FOLCS' presence as a New York cultural entity, enhance its public profile, and contribute to long-term growth.
• Programming: Assist and oversee the full-time Producer’s development of diverse and captivating programs for FOLCS' Event Series. While the Producer is primarily responsible for these tasks, you would collaborate with the Creative Director, Producer, active Board members on our Programming Committee, and event guests to ensure programs run smoothly and align with FOLCS' mission.
• Legal & Corporate: Work closely with Executive Team and legal counsel to negotiate and manage partnership agreements. Maintain general affairs of the organization.
• 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.
• 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, and applications that demonstrate expertise in these areas will be prioritized.
• Technical Skills: CRM, budget management, and annual report compilation.
• Leadership & Communication: Must be a strong leader with the ability to motivate and manage a small team. Excellent verbal 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 and solutions-oriented. Ability to think strategically and creatively to solve challenges.
• Interpersonal Skills: Diplomatic, respectful communicator with the ability to interact professionally with Board Members, talent, partners, donors, and audience members.
• Interests: Passionate about consuming and engaging with the arts, popular culture, and current events.

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 applications@folcs.org. Priority review will be given to applications that submit both a resume and cover letter.

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!