About SPARC
SPARC is a nationally recognized public arts organization dedicated to socially engaged muralism, preservation, and community-based cultural production. As we approach our 50th anniversary and a period of national expansion, we are seeking a strategic and disciplined Managing Director to serve as our senior operational leader.
Position Overview
The Managing Director (MD) serves as SPARC’s second-in-command and senior operational executive. Reporting directly to the CEO/Artistic Director, the MD is responsible for organizational performance, financial sustainability, strategic plan implementation, and cross-departmental accountability.
Working in close partnership with the CEO, the Managing Director ensures that SPARC’s artistic vision is supported by strong financial systems, disciplined project management, sustainable fundraising infrastructure, and clear internal leadership.
This is a senior executive role with organization-wide authority.
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Translate CEO vision into executable annual operating plans
- Lead implementation of strategic plan and organizational restructuring
- Oversee development and execution of 50th anniversary initiatives
- Serve as internal decision-making authority across departments
- Establish leadership meeting cadence and performance dashboards
Financial Oversight & Sustainability
In partnership with third-party CFO:
- Lead annual budget development
- Monitor cash flow and financial forecasting
- Oversee audit preparation
- Monitor restricted fund compliance and grant performance
- Align fundraising targets with operational capacity
Additional responsibilities:
- Oversee earned revenue strategy (tours, merchandise, rentals, licensing initiatives)
- Ensure financial accountability across departments
The Managing Director is accountable for the organization’s financial health, even if bookkeeping and accounting functions are outsourced.
Development & Revenue Strategy Oversight
- Supervise Director/Manager of Development
- Approve annual fundraising plan
- Align institutional funding (including major foundation support) with strategic priorities
- Support major donor cultivation strategy
- Ensure grant reporting discipline and compliance
Operations & Project Oversight
- Oversee major initiatives, including preservation and exhibition timelines
- Ensure cross-functional coordination between programs, archive, restoration, and development
- Establish project management systems and milestone tracking
- Monitor facilities improvements and infrastructure projects
Governance & External Relations
- Partner with CEO on board engagement and reporting
- Prepare board-level financial and operational dashboards
- Support board recruitment and governance strategy
- Assist with government relations efforts as needed
People & Culture Leadership
- Supervise Director of Administration & People
- Ensure performance review systems are active and effective
- Set leadership expectations across management team
- Establish internal communication norms and accountability culture
Reporting Structure
Reports to: CEO / Artistic Director
Supervises:
- Director of Administration & People
- Director/Manager of Development
- Accounting Liaison / CFO (dotted line)
- Program or Project Leads as assigned
- 7–10 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience
- Demonstrated oversight of $2M+ organizational budgets preferred
- Strong financial literacy and experience partnering with CFOs
- Experience leading multi-department teams
- Proven systems builder with operational discipline
- Experience in arts, cultural institutions, or mission-driven organizations preferred
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
SPARC offers a competitive executive-level salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@sparcinla.org.
