Executive Director
Job Posting
Michigan Legacy Art Park
Thompsonville, Michigan
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 unforgettable setting.
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 Michigan Legacy Art Park.
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 Michigan.
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
Inspire Leadership
● 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.
Fundraising
● Successful experience securing major gifts.
● Foundation and grant experience.
● Donor stewardship expertise.
● Familiarity with fundraising Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
● Experience leading fundraising initiatives.
Community Engagement
● Outstanding relationship-building skills.
● Public speaking experience.
● Partnership development.
● 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.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following at https://forms.gle/kkDVopSEJyWjJ7Zq6
● Cover Letter
● Resume
● Executive Director Applicant Questionnaire (included in the online application)
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.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
