An interim leadership role providing operational continuity and board collaboration for Crooked Tree Arts Center during the search for a permanent Executive Director. Expected contract length of 6 to 12 months.
Crooked Tree Arts Center is seeking an Interim Executive Director to maintain operational stability and staff support during its transition to permanent leadership. The role carries direct supervisory responsibility across seven departments, including School of Ballet, Visual Arts, Development, Business, Facilities, Administration, and the Traverse City site.
The engagement is expected to run 6 to 12 months, concluding with a comprehensive transition report and a structured handover to the incoming Executive Director. The interim will hold weekly leadership meetings, conduct regular campus visits, and collaborate closely with the Board Chair on organisational, operational, and personnel matters as they arise.
- Provide day-to-day operational leadership and oversight across all departments of Crooked Tree Arts Center
- Supervise department directors across seven functions including Development, Facilities, and Administration
- Support ongoing fundraising efforts, donor stewardship, and grant compliance in partnership with the Development Director
- Lead weekly staff and leadership meetings to maintain accountability and organisational alignment
- Monitor and document program, personnel, and financial progress, recording key decisions and outstanding items
- Prepare and deliver a comprehensive transition report and coordinate a structured handover to the incoming Executive Director
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university
- Minimum five years of senior leadership experience within a community-focused nonprofit organisation
- Arts administration experience preferred
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-department organisations through periods of transition
- Strong financial oversight and budget management capability
- Availability to visit the Traverse City campus at least once per week
Traverse Connect is a business and economic development organisation serving the Grand Traverse region of Northern Michigan. It supports regional growth through investor services, advocacy, talent programmes, and an investor job board that connects businesses with professional opportunities across the area.
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