Executive Director

Michigan Legacy Art Park; Thompsonville (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits available

Job summary

Michigan Legacy Art Park in Northwest Michigan is seeking an Executive Director to serve as chief executive and public ambassador. The role oversees fundraising, operations, community engagement, programming, and growth, guiding a nonprofit with a strong arts and history mission.

The successful candidate will be a visionary leader who can expand visibility, strengthen philanthropy, and build meaningful partnerships while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in art administration or related field.
• Three to five years of senior leadership experience within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Successful experience securing major gifts.
• Familiarity with fundraising CRM systems.
• Exceptional communication skills and collaborative leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization with integrity, vision, and transparency.
• Foster a collaborative organizational culture and work with the Board to set strategic priorities.
• Inspire staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to support the mission.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and operational systems.
• Build partnerships with artists, educators, cultural organizations, businesses, and civic leaders.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Fundraising

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Emotional intelligence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in art administration or related field

Tools

Fundraising CRM software

Job description

Lead the Next Chapter of One of Michigan’s Distinctive Cultural

Destinations

Michigan Legacy Art Park is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next

Executive Director.

Nestled within the forests of Crystal Mountain Resort in northwest Michigan,

Michigan Legacy Art Park is a nationally recognized outdoor museum where

sculpture, poetry, history, nature, and education come together to inspire curiosity

and creativity. Through permanent and rotating works of art, educational

programming, concerts, exhibitions, and community partnerships, the Art Park

invites visitors to explore Michigan’s rich cultural and natural heritage in an

As the organization prepares for its next chapter, we are looking for a visionary

Executive Director who will build upon a strong foundation while expanding the Art

Park’s visibility, strengthening philanthropy, cultivating meaningful partnerships,

and ensuring long-term sustainability.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a collaborative, mission-driven leader who

believes in the power of art to enrich lives and strengthen communities.

About Michigan Legacy Art Park

Founded by internationally recognized sculptor David Barr, Michigan Legacy Art Park

has spent three decades connecting people with Michigan’s history, environment,

and creative spirit through world-class outdoor art experiences.

The Art Park is home to fifty-one permanent sculptures and numerous poetry

stones situated along wooded trails that encourage exploration, reflection, and

discovery. Each year, thousands of visitors experience concerts, educational

programs, guided tours, artist talks, and community events that celebrate the

intersection of art and nature.

Michigan Legacy Art Park is a nonprofit organization with an engaged Board of

Directors, dedicated volunteers, loyal supporters, and community partnerships. The

next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build upon this legacy while

helping shape an exciting future.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and public ambassador of

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides

strategic leadership while overseeing fundraising, operations, community

engagement, programming, and organizational growth.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader who enjoys bringing people

together around a shared vision. They will be equally comfortable meeting with

major donors, collaborating with artists, speaking to community organizations,

working alongside staff and volunteers, and representing the Art Park throughout

This role requires both visionary leadership and a willingness to roll up your sleeves

in support of a growing nonprofit organization.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the organization with integrity, vision, and transparency.
• Foster a collaborative and positive organizational culture.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to advance strategic priorities.
• Inspire confidence among staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Build an organization prepared for long‑term success.

Lead Fundraising and Development

• Develop and execute an ambitious annual fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, and
• corporate partners.
• Personally solicit major gifts.
• Expand philanthropic support for programs and capital needs.
• Utilize donor management systems and fundraising best practices.

Build Community

• Serve as the public face of Michigan Legacy Art Park.
• Strengthen relationships with artists, educators, cultural organizations,
• businesses, tourism partners, and civic leaders.
• Increase broader awareness of the Art Park.
• Develop strategic partnerships that expand impact.

Advance the Mission

• Champion the Art Park’s mission and values.
• Support innovative educational and artistic programming.
• Preserve and build upon David Barr’s vision.
• Ensure every initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to connecting
• art, history, and nature.

Manage Operations

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and organizational operations.
• Support staff and volunteers.
• Improve organizational systems.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Who You Are

You are an inspiring leader who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and

helping mission‑driven organizations thrive.

You bring experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, museums, higher

education, philanthropy, parks, cultural organizations, community development, or

a related field.

Most importantly, you believe leadership is about serving others, creating

opportunity, and inspiring people to invest in a meaningful mission.

Preferred Qualifications

We’re looking for someone with a Bachelor’s degree in art administration or a

related field who brings many of the following experiences:

Leadership

• Three to five years of Senior leadership experience within a nonprofit or
• mission‑driven organization.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment.
• Ability to inspire teams and volunteers.
• Emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.
• Successful experience securing major gifts.
• Foundation and grant experience.
• Familiarity with fundraising Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• systems.

Community Engagement

• Public speaking experience.
• Ability to represent an organization with enthusiasm and authenticity.

Mission Alignment

• Passion for the arts.
• Appreciation for public art and education.
• Commitment to community engagement.
• Interest in environmental stewardship and Michigan history.

Why This Role Matters

Michigan Legacy Art Park stands at an exciting moment in its history.

With a dedicated Board of Directors, a remarkable setting, an established

reputation, and tremendous opportunities for growth, the next Executive Director

will help shape the future of one of Michigan’s most distinctive cultural

organizations.

If you are energized by the opportunity to lead with purpose, inspire generosity,

and build meaningful connections between people, art, and nature, we encourage you to apply.

Why Northwest Michigan?

Northwest Michigan offers an exceptional quality of life with vibrant arts

communities, abundant outdoor recreation, beautiful freshwater shorelines, and

welcoming small towns.

The Executive Director will join a region that values creativity, conservation, and

collaboration while enjoying access to one of the Midwest’s premier four‑season

destinations.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $65,000–$90,000 annually, commensurate with

experience and qualifications. Benefits are available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Michigan Legacy Art Park is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants

of all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about our mission.