MANAGING DIRECTOR
Job Description: TRIBE | Managing Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: New York, NY | hybrid work model
Ideal Start Date: July 2026
Applications Prioritized Through: June 1, 2026
about tribe
TRIBE is a Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary arts collective founded by MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow Shamel Pitts in December 2019. The collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is composed of international and local artists working across mediums such as movement, choreography, lighting design, video mapping projection, poetry, spoken word, cinematography, scenography, dramaturgy, costume styling, and music composition.
TRIBE art projects include, but are not restricted to: movement-based work, live multidisciplinary performance, video art, video documentary, photography, exhibitions, commissioned dance choreography, art residencies, and workshops.
TRIBE’s mission is to cultivate a space of discovery and a platform for artists – most specifically artists of color – with huge inspiration from the Afrofuturism movement. This movement states that we have a responsibility through our work to tell new stories and create a brighter future that is different, and shines more luminously, from our past.
Role Overview
TRIBE is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Managing Director (MD) to help guide this growing nonprofit into its next chapter. The MD will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance TRIBE’s vision, ensure long-term financial sustainability, and support the organization’s creative ambitions.
This is a high-impact role with outstanding growth potential. The ideal candidate brings a combination of strong financial and operational acumen, deep commitment to the arts, and a collaborative leadership style. They will work closely with TRIBE’s Board of Directors, Founding Artistic Director, Creative Director, Development Director, and Artistic Administrator.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Administration
- Spearhead the development of a multi-year strategic plan “Phase Two” for the organization.
- Conduct a company-wide operational audit to suggest and implement improvements to current business practices.
- Partner with the Artistic Director and core team to develop and execute on ambitious plans in service of TRIBE’s creative vision.
- Spearhead the development of a multi-year strategic plan for the organization.
- Conduct a company-wide operational audit to suggest and implement improvements to current business practices.
- Lead weekly team meetings and one-on-ones with the Artistic Director, ensuring follow-through on action items.
- Oversee TRIBE’s calendar of events, including performances, residencies, workshops, and community outreach projects.
- Supervise social media and marketing strategy implemented by TRIBE’s creative team.
- Identify and hire administrative and artistic personnel as needed, in collaboration with the Artistic Director and team.
- Ensure clarity, accountability, and collaborative alignment with all team members, applying the “6 C’s of Communication” (clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete).
Financial Management
- Develop and oversee annual operating budgets, multi-year projections, and production budgets, in consultation with the Artistic Director and Board.
- Manage TRIBE’s financial and payroll accounts, including cash management and oversight of organizational payroll.
- Manage quarterly reconciliations with TRIBE’s accountant and an annual audit process.
Production & Touring
- Build strong relationships with TRIBE artists, championing equitable practices, treatment, and compensation.
- Collaborate with TRIBE’s booking agent to confirm engagements, set touring fees, and negotiate contracts.
- Attend TRIBE performances in the greater NYC area and travel with the company on select tours to cultivate a global network for artistic collaboration and support.
- Review and create agreements for non-performance engagements or performance engagements not handled by TRIBE’s booking agent.
- Draft and provide all artists with engagement agreements for performances, residencies, and workshops.
Fundraising & Development
- Support the creation and implementation of a comprehensive development plan, led by TRIBE’s Development Director.
- Cultivate and steward strong relationships with current and prospective Board members, donors, and institutional partners.
- Represent TRIBE at industry conferences, events, and professional development opportunities as appropriate.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for a leader who combines operational rigor with a passion for the arts and a commitment to the values TRIBE embodies. The ideal candidate will have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of leadership experience in the arts, nonprofit, or cultural sector.
- Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal sustainability.
- A track record of successfully managing and mentoring staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
- Experience building relationships with key stakeholders, donors, community partners, and cultural institutions.
- Experience overseeing marketing and audience development strategies to expand reach and deepen engagement.
- Ability to implement operational systems and processes to improve efficiency and support growth.
- Experience leading organizational growth initiatives, including new program launches and strategic partnerships.
- Comfort representing an organization publicly, serving as a spokesperson and advocate for its mission.
- Experience monitoring performance metrics and impact, using data to inform decision-making and long-term planning.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual Salary: $90,000-$110,00 Negotiable, commensurate with experience.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) through QSEHRA.
- 403(b) retirement account (employee contribution).
Location & Travel
The ideal candidate is based in New York City. This role operates on a hybrid model of remote and in-person work at TRIBE’s administrative headquarters in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. The position requires some availability outside regular business hours to attend performances on evenings and weekends, network at receptions and special events in NYC, and travel to select global tour sites.