Project Summary

This is the final phase of a longitudinal research project directed by playwright Anna Deavere Smith. Over the past five years, Smith has been following a group of youth into young adulthood, using creative performance labs as a form of research. The research phase will conclude with a final Lab in summer 2026 and the Project will culminate in a documentary film. The Project involves travel and collaboration with artists, administrators, production assistants, and community liaisons. The Project is independent with fiscal sponsorship provided by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).

Summary of Role

The Managing Director oversees and facilitates the overall execution of the Anna Deavere Smith Performance Lab 2026, ensuring that all operational, financial, and legal aspects align with the Project’s goals. The Managing Director leads engagement with external stakeholders, including funders, participants, community liaisons, and venues. As the Project requires travel and the use of temporary facilities, this individual is responsible for the overall safety and well-being of everyone involved with the Project.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Serves as co-steward, along with Anna Deavere Smith, of current and longstanding philanthropic relationships
• Acts as a liaison to Project donors
• Seeks and mobilizes new philanthropic relationships

Financial Oversight

• Manages the Project budget and financial reporting, working closely with the Finance Manager, Producer, and fiscal sponsor (NYFA)
• Tracks expenses throughout the Project and collects and organizes receipts
• With the Finance Manager, manages invoices and payments

Operations, Administration, and Community Engagement

• Oversees human resources, labor relations, and facility management
• Enhances the Project’s existing relationships with community leaders and participants

Legal and Contractual Management

• Primary liaison with Project attorney
• Responsible for the management and execution of all legal documents, including contracts, releases, and insurance
• As the Project requires short-term residencies in other states, this individual must become knowledgeable about local employment laws and ensure that the Project is in compliance
• Manages contracts and releases for staff, faculty, guest artists, and Lab participants
• Manages contracts/memoranda of understanding for community partners
• Manages contracts for Lab venues
• Manages the background check process for all personnel

Insurance and Venue Coordination

• Responsible for securing and managing all forms of insurance, including liability, film production, and vehicle insurance
• Provides Certificates of Insurance to Lab venues

Health and Safety

• Responsible for the safety of all individuals involved in the Lab
• With the Company Manager, monitors for any uptick in influenza, COVID-19, or other viruses or communicable diseases in the lead-up to the Lab
• With the Company Manager, monitors for any uptick in crime or serious weather events in the lead-up to the Lab
• Along with other senior staff members, uses previous experience and foresight to establish and enforce risk-mitigation protocols

Documentation

• This work is fundamentally research-based, and an archival practice is essential. The Managing Director, either independently or with staff support, ensures that all participants and staff follow the preservation protocols established by Anna Deavere Smith’s archivist, even amid the project’s dynamic and transitory nature.
• Tracks and makes certain that all information gathered or obtained in the course of the year is up to date, accurate, and kept in a reliable archive

Details:

• This is a full-time, one-year, contract position
• Monthly salary range between and $8,000. and $12,000., depending on experience
• On site work in NYC will be required
• Some travel is required
• Start date is immediate

Qualifications

• At least 10 years as the Managing Director (or in a similar role) at a complex organization
• Ability to translate previous experience, particularly institutional experience, to a work culture which is nimble and in support of one artist’s vision
• The ability to handle many projects at once and remain unflappable in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptability, tolerance for change
• Relational intelligence
• Social fluency
• Experience working closely with individual artists
• Acute listening and observational skills
• Discretion, prudence, reticence
• Knowledge of Anna Deavere Smith’s artistic, pedagogical, and community work