POSITION DESCRIPTION

August 2025

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The Interim Executive Director will have experience managing a mid-sized nonprofit organization and an educational background that meets the needs of the organization. They should be self-motivated and self-driven and will place a high value on artistic and creative endeavors, while committing to Pewabic’s mission to enrich the human spirit
through clay.

Work experience and qualifications should include:

• Several years of experience as a lead executive for one or more nonprofit organizations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as technological proficiency.
• Experience in good financial practices, including supporting the CFO on budget oversight, preparation, analysis, and reporting
• Knowledge of fundraising and donor relations
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to mediate operational needs across teams.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative approach to planning and management, integrity, and mission-driven

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE

The Interim Executive Director will provide leadership to Pewabic during a transition period of approximately six to nine months, while the organization seeks a permanent Executive Director following the retirement of its decade-long leader. Key responsibilities during the transition include the following:

• Staff Management and Engagement - Ensure strong communication and engagement with all staff. Consistency is important to help stabilize and strengthen the organization in a time of change to foster smooth operation and maintain momentum in all areas of work.
• Clarify Pewabic’s organizational structure, policies, and job responsibilities.
• Strategic Consistency – Support the organization’s and the Board’s plans to achieve Pewabic’s mission and vision.
• High-Capacity Production – Ensure needed resources are provided for the design, creation, distribution, and sale of Pewabic’s unique products. Has the ability to provide cross departmental decision making.
• Evaluate and prioritize systems and operations to maximize productivity and capacity.
• Financial Management Support the work of the CFO to manage budgets and financial reporting and ensure financial sustainability
• Fundraising & Development Work with the development director to assess and maintain fundraising initiatives and meet goals.
• Board Engagement Attend all Board of Trustees and Board Committee meetings and ensure effective two-way communication.
• Stakeholder Engagement Ensure strong communication among external partners, staff, donors, customers, and others.
• Change Management Assist the Board in the search and onboarding process for the permanent ED, and prepare staff and stakeholders for the upcoming transition.

OF NOTE DURING THE PERIOD OF INTERIM ROLE

The Interim Director’s tenure will include preparation for and oversight of an important role for Pewabic as a key hosting organization for the 60th annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) national conference to be held in Detroit from March 25-28, 2026. (See https://nceca.net for more information on the conference.)
Also, Pewabic may have certain capital improvements underway during the interim period that will come in advance of decisions about timing and approach to implement a master plan developed over the past few years. Key decisions regarding the full Master Plan will be deferred until the permanent Executive Director is in place.