Executive Director - Signal-Return

ContinuServe Talent Acquisition & Organizational Development Services; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Signal-Return, a Detroit nonprofit, seeks an Executive Director to lead and grow a crucial arts organization. You will advance its mission, sustain long‑term funding, and expand programs that support traditional letterpress printing and arts education.

The role blends strategic governance, fundraising, financial stewardship, and community engagement to sustain a vibrant arts hub in Detroit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or related job experience.
• Proven nonprofit leadership experience in the arts or cultural sector.
• Strong fundraising and grant‑writing skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of letterpress printing or arts background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Drive the organization’s mission and ensure it is communicated and embraced by staff, volunteers and community.
• Identify and secure funding sources, grants, donations, and sponsorships.
• Build corporate giving program with benefits to drive sponsorship support.
• Create stewardship events to build relationships with donors, members and partners.
• Write and submit grant applications/proposals and interim/final reports.
• Oversee educational programs, workshops, exhibitions.
• Foster an environment for artists and printmakers to collaborate.
• Manage day-to-day operations including budgeting and payroll.
• Engage with local arts community and cultural organizations.
• Collaborate with the Board for updates and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant writing

Communication

Leadership

Arts/letterpress knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or related experience

Job description

Are you ready to lead the creative resurgence in traditional printing arts? Our client, Signal-Return, a Detroit nonprofit, seeks an experienced leader for its Executive Director role to advance its mission, strengthen long‑term sustainability, and make a lasting impact on Detroit's arts community.

As the organization’s leader, you will have a unique opportunity to preserve and advance the teaching of traditional letterpress printing while supporting innovative programming and community partnerships. This hybrid role combines strategic leadership, fundraising, financial stewardship, revenue generation, program oversight, and community engagement.

If you are a dynamic, collaborative leader with strong fundraising and revenue‑building experience, a passion for supporting the arts, and a commitment to mission‑driven work, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors
• Drive the organization’s mission, ensuring it is effectively communicated and embraced by staff, volunteers, and the community

Fundraising and Development

• Identify and secure funding sources, including grants, donations, and sponsorships
• Build a corporate giving program with benefits to drive sponsorship support
• Create stewardship events to build relationships with donors, members, and community partners
• Actively seek out new grant opportunities, write and submit applications/proposals, and interim/final reports
• Manage donor database and acknowledgment process

Program Development

• Oversee the development and implementation of educational programs, workshops, and exhibitions
• Foster a supportive environment for artists and printmakers to create and collaborate
• Create collaborative opportunities for new partnerships outside the organization
• Schedule and manage special visits (schools, business groups)
• Assist with workshops and special projects as needed

Operations and Administration

• Manage day‑to‑day operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, staff management, and payroll
• Ensure the organization operates efficiently and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local arts community and cultural organizations
• Develop outreach strategies to increase Signal‑Return's visibility and impact

Board Relations

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to provide regular updates, seek input, and implement strategic initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or related job experience
• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, preferably in the arts or cultural sector
• Strong fundraising and grant‑writing skills
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
• Knowledge of letterpress printing or a background in the arts is a plus

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.

About Signal‑Return

Signal‑Return is a Detroit nonprofit dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional letterpress printing and building a community center for art, craft, design, and collaboration. Founded in 2011, Signal‑Return is leading the Detroit revival of letterpress printing. Signal‑Return’s innovative and wide‑ranging programming—its hands‑on art workshops, Open Studio program, visiting artists, educational partnerships with universities, elementary and high schools, and collaborations with other arts and culture organizations—supports an ever‑growing and vital Detroit arts community.

Signal Return is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. They are committed to providing an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all candidates and team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran, or other legally protected status by state or federal law.