General Manager
The Shed
United States
November 19, 2025
Apply NowAbout The Shed
The Shed is a cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent non-profit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.
About the Position
The General Manager (GM) plays a pivotal role in advancing The Shed’s mission by overseeing the Program and Production teams. Reporting to the Artistic Director (AD), this position manages all contracting and budgeting for The Shed’s productions, programs, and rental events. Serving as the bridge between artistic vision and operational execution, the GM ensures that every project is delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest artistic and professional standards. The GM partners closely with the AD and other senior leaders to oversee project planning, resource allocation, and execution. They work collaboratively with artists, producers, production staff, and technical teams to uphold The Shed’s values of inventiveness, interdependence, and care across all programs and performances.
Key responsibilities include
- Oversee all logistical, contractual, and financial aspects of The Shed’s programming, productions, and co-commissions from planning through completion
- Support the rentals team with contractual and financial aspects
- Directly manage the Production Department, including hiring, goal setting, performance management, and professional development for production staff
- Lead and support the Program and Production management staff to ensure projects are executed efficiently and collaboratively
- Develop, monitor, and reconcile production and operating budgets in collaboration with the Program, Production, and Finance teams
- Serve as the primary liaison among the artistic, production, rentals, civic, and producing teams to ensure alignment on project scope, resources, and timelines
- Negotiate, prepare, and manage contracts with artists, creative teams, designers, and vendors in partnership with the CFO and Finance team
- Oversee Shed program scheduling of theater spaces, technical resources, and production calendars
- Ensure compliance with union agreements (AEA, IATSE, and others) in coordination with labor \relations, CFO, and People Operations
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications and Visitor Experience teams to support the overall audience experience and front-of-house operations
- Champion and maintain safety, accessibility, and inclusion standards across all productions and rehearsals
- Supervise the Production Department’s administrative functions, ensuring policies and procedures effectively support day-to-day operations
- Review and refine commission budget and financial reporting templates in partnership with the CFO
- Maintain and update artist, venue partnership, and production contract templates in collaboration with the CFO and legal counsel, and oversee contract management processes
- Work closely with the CFO to ensure efficient systems and workflows between the Program, Production, and Finance departments
- Foster a culture of respect, equity, and collaboration across all teams and departments
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in theatrical general management, production management, or a related field
- At least five years of experience managing a department and team, with a demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff
- Proven track record in budgeting, contracting, and financial management for complex productions, programs, and rental events
- Strong understanding of theatrical production processes and experience negotiating union agreements (AEA, IATSE, USA, etc.) and labor relations
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to balance artistic integrity with operational and financial realities
- Flexibility to work in a hybrid workplace (this role requires a minimum of three to four days per week on-site in The Shed’s offices, and, with advance notice, the ability and willingness to work nights and weekends for select meetings, events, and performances.)
- Commitment to The Shed’s values of care, belonging, inventiveness, and interdependence, and to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $180k – $190k annually. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Application Process
Interested candidates should complete an application and submit a résumé and cover letter in a Word or PDF document saved as the candidate's first and last name through our Career Center. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed.
The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.