POSITION DESCRIPTION
August 2025
BACKGROUND
Pewabic Pottery, also known as The Pewabic Society, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ceramic art center, working pottery, educational facility, and museum. Pewabic has an active and engaged Board of Trustees. Pewabic has a $4 million annual operating budget, a 50+ person staff, an active and engaged Board of Trustees, and it encompasses work of many types. The organization operates out of a National Historic Landmark studio in a neighborhood on Detroit's East, near Belle Isle Park. Today, Pewabic is:
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A center for ceramic arts known locally, nationally, and globally that houses archival material and a growing collection of significant ceramic objects from a 122-year history of handcrafting ceramics in Detroit.
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A working pottery that makes beautiful art tiles, pottery, and architectural from clay, while preserving a rich tradition of handcraftsmanship.
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An educational institution that offers classes and workshops in designing, building, glazing, and firing objects made from clay.
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A center for the display, design, sale, and crafting of traditional and custom ceramics. The Pewabic Store shows an ever-changing inventory of beautiful Pewabic designs and ceramic art created by Independent Artists from across North America.
- An economic catalyst and anchor for the revitalization of the neighborhood surrounding Pewabic, where other arts organizations are setting down roots as well.
Pewabic’s people are at the core of all the above. We are committed to delivering on these multiple mission-driven programs while providing a work environment that is empowering and collaborative for all.
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.
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Financial Management Support the work of the CFO to manage budgets and financial reporting and ensure financial sustainability
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Fundraising & Development Work with the development director to assess and maintain fundraising initiatives and meet goals.
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Board Engagement Attend all Board of Trustees and Board Committee meetings and ensure effective two-way communication.
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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.
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:
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Several years of experience as a lead executive for one or more nonprofit organizations
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Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as technological proficiency.
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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
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Strong negotiation skills and the ability to mediate operational needs across teams.
- Entrepreneurial and innovative approach to planning and management, integrity, and mission-driven
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.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
A competitive package of compensation and benefits will be shared during the interview process. For this interim role, flexibility in defining the work week can be discussed; however, preference will be given to an interim Executive Director who can have a weekly on-site presence with a minimum of 32 hours per week.
For out-of-town applicants who do not wish to move to Detroit for an interim position, Pewabic will assist in identifying and paying for intermediate-term living quarters, as well as certain travel expenses, as agreed upon between the two parties.
TO APPLY
Qualified individuals who express an interest in applying for the Interim Executive Director position should submit an electronic version of their cover letter and resumé to searchcommittee@pewabic.org. Individuals should also include two to three references who have relevant knowledge of the candidate’s experience. The Search Committee will be interested in a description in the cover letter of previous experience with interim nonprofit leader roles, areas of key interests, and relationship to arts and cultural organizations, as well as an estimate of your availability to assume the Interim Executive Director role at Pewabic. We currently expect the role to span a six-to-nine-month period from late September 2025 through the second quarter of 2026.
Applications are due by Wednesday, September 10th, 5:00 pm EDT.
