General Manager

Performa is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to live performance by visual artists from around the world. Centered on the Performa biennial and on New York City, Performa’s unique commissioning, touring, and year-round education programs, traversing all artistic disciplines, have forged a new course for contemporary art and culture. 

As a key member of the Performa team, the General Manager is part of senior management and works closely with staff and outside consultants to manage the daily operations, strategic goals and financial operations of the organization. The General Manager plays a pivotal role in the smooth financial and administrative operations of the organization and requires exacting detail, constant prioritization, and keen foresight. This important position is at the center of the organization’s activities and is directly connected to the core and extended Performa team, Board of Directors, commissioned artists, producers, local and international partners, esteemed patrons and valued supporters. The General Manager reports to the Founding Director and the Managing Director and will play an exciting role in the on-going development and growth of an ambitious and international cultural institution. This role is a great stepping-stone to non-profit organizational leadership. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Organizational Management: 

• Work with the Managing Director and the development team to develop and deliver organizational and programming fundraising targets. 
• Ensure the effective daily operation of the Performa office and staff activities by being the point person for all administration issues and by ensuring effective internal meetings and communications.  
• Manage the administration and financial operations of Performa’s intensive three-week Biennial and Institute program including front of house, box office, venue leasing, permits, sponsorship deals, construction contracts, shipping, travel and special events.  
• Provide administrative support for Performa’s international touring programming, including maintaining point of contact with touring venues; scheduling and managing travel and shipping. 
• Prepare organizational and project budgets for fundraising proposals and funding reports, and ensure that accurate records are kept by the development department.  
• Manage the administrative requirements of the Performa Board of Directors including the preparation of Board papers and presentations. 
• Oversee Performa’s day-to-day human resources functions, including recruitment, hiring, maintaining an up-to-date staff handbook, employment policies, contracts, vacation entitlements, health insurance, training and workers compensation. 
• Ensure insurance coverage for all areas of the company’s activity including liability, workers compensation, event insurance, liquor licenses and certificates of insurance for vendors and contractors. 
• Maintain a positive and creative day-to-day office environment for the Performa team, facilitating open communication and teamwork.  

Finance: 

• Together with the Managing Director and Board Treasurer, create, monitor and revise operating and projects budgets, and monitor the financial management of the organization, keeping all organizational and programming activity within budget. 
• Produce clear and concise financial reports and cash-flow projections for internal use and for regular review by the Board Trustee and Finance Committee. 
• Provide support and direction to staff members on the development and management of project budgets, monitor spending and provide guidance on best financial practices. 
• Prepare accounts ready for audit, and manage the audit process with the appointed Certified Public Accountants. 
• Provide bookkeeping, accounts payable, receivables and cash flow management in conformity with non-profit accounting regulations or to oversee a bookkeeper as necessary. 
• Oversee the sale of art works, publications and other sources of earned income. 

Legal: 

• Act as liaison to the Secretary of the Board of Directors and to all legal counsel.  
• Draft and execute all contracts and agreements with artists, performers, production teams, sponsors, performance venues and presenting partners. 
• Work with outside counsel to apply for and administer all work visas or certificates of sponsorship for foreign artists, crew and staff members. 

Administration: 

• Maintain the organization’s database, and supervise mailing campaigns including database integration of box office services for all events. 
• Oversee backup systems and IT support to staff and maintain an efficient and working office environment. 
• Order office supplies, maintain office equipment and oversee maintenance staff and office premises. 
• Monitor and comply with city, state and federal non-profit regulations and laws. 

EXPERIENCE  

The General Manager must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of demonstrable expertise in all areas of responsibility for this job. She/he/they must have proven administrative, financial, personnel and managerial experience in a commercial or non-profit arts or culture setting, and must be highly motivated, organized, flexible, able to work under pressure, diplomatic, and have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.  Experience in financial management and the art market is highly desirable. The position requires a keen understanding and knowledge of the art world, an interest in contemporary art and art history, and a commitment to Performa’s mission and programs.   

Please submit a cover letter of interest to the attention of Esa Nickle, Managing Director, and a current CV to jobs(AT)performa-arts.org by Monday, July 21, 2025. Only candidates who meet the above criteria will be contacted for potential interviews.