Executive Director, Doug Varone and Dancers

 

The Company

 

The 2015/16 season marks the Company's 30th Anniversary. Since its founding in 1986, Doug Varone and Dancers has commanded attention for its expansive vision, versatility, and technical prowess. On the concert stage, in opera, theater and on the screen, Varone's kinetically thrilling dances make essential connections and mine the complexity of the human spirit.

 

At home in New York City, Doug Varone and Dancers has just completed eight years as the resident company at the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center. On tour, the company has performed in more than 100 cities in 45 states across the U.S. and in Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. Stages include The Kennedy Center, The Joyce Theater, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of  Music, San Francisco Performances, London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, Toronto's Harbourfront, Moscow's Stanislavsky Theater, the Venice Biennale, and the Tokyo, Bates, Jacob's Pillow and American Dance Festivals. In opera and theater, the company regularly collaborates on the many Varone-directed or choreographed productions that have been produced around the country.  Varone, his dancers and designers have been honored with 11 New York Dance and Performance Awards (Bessies). He was also honored with a Doris Duke Award in 2015.

 

Doug Varone and Dancers are among the most sought after ambassadors and educators in the field. In 2013, the Company toured Argentina, Paraguay and Peru, courtesy of DanceMotionUSA,(sm) a program of the US Department of State produced by Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) which showcases contemporary American dance abroad.

 

For the past 29 years, annual summer intensive workshops at leading universities attract students and professionals from around the country. The company's multi-discipline residency programs on tour capture their concepts, imagery and techniques across disciplines and for people of all ages and backgrounds, reaching out to audiences in ways that directly relate to their lives and interests.

 

Overview of Position

The Executive Director of Doug Varone and Dancers has significant responsibility for the success and strategic direction of the Company. The Executive Director acts as the key figure for business planning and administration and is responsible for hiring and managing all administrative staff and interns. The Executive Director reports to the Artistic Director for projects and to the Board, generally represented by the Board President, for all executive activities. 

 

Responsibilities

-The Executive Director’s primary responsibilities are:

-Work with the Artistic Director and the Board to establish and execute the Company’s long-and short-range strategic goals.

-Promote DOVA’s mission to external constituencies including donors and funding sources; local, national and international presenting organizations; and existing and potential partners in the arts and other channels

-Executive responsibility for all of DOVA’s financial matters; including fundraising sufficient to meet or exceed budget goals annually.

-Provide administrative leadership for the Company including the hiring, training and supervision of the administrative staff.

-Act as the main conduit of information and ideas between the Board and DOVA’s administrative, artistic and technical staff.

 

Candidate Profile

Personal Attributes

An entrepreneurial spirit and open attitude toward new ideas and innovative approaches is required. To be successful, the Executive Director needs to create a positive and collaborative working environment with the staff, dancers and board. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment of change and meets challenges with grace, patience and humor.

 

Professional Experience

-Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a leadership position at a not-for-profit arts organization.

-Knowledge of the local and national arts community. Specific experience in a Dance organization is preferred but not required.

-Fiscal responsibility for a $700,000 to $1,200,000 annual budget.

-Demonstrated success in fundraising

 

Education

Bachelor’s Degree required. MBA or a Master’s level degree in Arts Administration is preferred.

 
Compensation

The position offers a competitive package of salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

 

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter outlining specific interest and qualifications for the position. Include a resume, salary history or requirements, at least one writing sample representing advocacy or fundraising appeal and contact information for at least three references. All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the candidate’s knowledge and agreement.

Please send materials to jobs@dougvaroneanddancers.org.  Attachments should be in MS Word or Adobe PDF format only.  No phone calls, please.