Executive Director, Grand Bazaar NYC

Grand Bazaar Overview

Founded in 1979 and located on New York City’s Upper West Side, the Grand Bazaar NYC is the oldest, largest, and most diverse curated weekly market in New York City. It is purpose-driven, providing retail space to local independent artists, designers, craft-makers, vintage and antique dealers, and artisanal food entrepreneurs, while passing on 100% of its profits to four local public schools, benefitting over 2,000 children. The Bazaar is open on Sundays all year-round, with over 43,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, and up to 200 vendors; it also runs pop up and special events throughout NYC.

Background on the Position

The Executive Director of the Grand Bazaar is responsible for overseeing a team of full and part time professionals to manage efficient market operations, including securing and retaining vendors, maintaining relationships with stakeholders, and supervising support functions. This position will report to the Board of Directors, composed of representatives from its four beneficiary NYC public schools. In collaboration with the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for informing and executing the Grand Bazaar’s strategic plan and optimising its operational and financial performance.

Hours and Availability:

Hybrid; 40 hours a week, with at least 8 of those hours spent supervising the market on Sundays in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and up to 1-2 additional days in-person for meetings with team and other stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic

• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance the Bazaar's impact and reach within the community.
• Maintain and manage relationships with the Board of Directors, including regular reporting on the Bazaar’s financial performance.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with vendors, community partners, sponsors, and local authorities; act as a thought leader.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Bazaar’s programs and initiatives, making adjustments as necessary to meet organizational goals.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in market management, community development, and event planning.
• Expand Grand Bazaar’s reach to create or manage markets and pop-ups at other sites in NYC, in consultation with the Board.

Operational

• Oversee all aspects of the Bazaar’s operations through direct implementation or supervision of subordinates, including vendor recruitment, event planning, marketing, compliance, preparedness, and financial management.
• Lead a team of 2-3 full-time staffers and 2-3 part-time staffers, as well as additional hourly production workers, providing guidance, support, and direction to ensure the smooth execution of market activities.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at the Bazaar, reflecting and acknowledging the diversity of the community it serves.
• Work with the full-time Market Director to curate a vision for the market and develop a calendar of unique and themed events that will draw both artisans and the public to participate.
• Lead paid and owned marketing and communications activities, as well as events, to promote the Bazaar across digital and traditional channels.
• Maintain all insurance, permits, FDNY and other services/contracts required for operation.

Financial

• Work with the bookkeeper and accounting firm to ensure that accounts receivable and payable are accurately recorded, and that financial reporting, taxes and annual audits are initiated and completed in a timely manner.
• Develop annual budgets and monthly forecasts for approval by the board of directors, and ensure that the organization’s expenses and revenue are in line with those projections.

Experience Required 

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, non-profit management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in event management, community engagement, or non-profit leadership.
• Proven track record of successfully organising and executing large-scale events or community programs.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including team building, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and grant writing. 

 Attributes Required 

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, ranging from the market vendors to the board of directors.
• Passion for serving the community and creating positive social impact.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions with early start time.
• A desire to continuously innovate the market so that it remains a destination for vendors, shoppers and tourists.
• Adaptability and versatility–The market is different every single week, which requires all staff to embrace frequent changes and to think on their feet.

 Abilities

• Must be capable of standing for many hours at a time in an outdoor setting and lifting 35+ lbs.

Compensation

In compliance with NYS Pay Transparency Law, a good faith estimate of the annual base salary range is $100,000 to $130,000 plus benefits. Individual compensation packages are awarded based on factors unique to each applicant, including experience and qualifications. 

The Grand Bazaar NYC is committed to creating and providing opportunities that enable and promote our workforce to reflect diverse backgrounds and views, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.